I was at the zoo today. From what I understand, the species list for Pride of Africa and for Wild Asia could still be in flux. This is why they have not been confirmed in full. Speke's gazelle could still change. It is partially SSP dependent. After all, construction begins soon. Exhibits will need to be finalized for Pride of Africa because it will be construction time. The AZA Ungulate meeting is happening at the AZA mid-year, so maybe the fog will begin to clear soon. I just hope there are more than three species in Pride of Africa (not counting goats). There is 3.6 acres to fill.
In Curious Creatures, the new exhibit area now matches the rest of the exhibit. The large exhibit looks done. Thermometer reads 78 degrees. The two smaller exhibits have glass and shelves for tanks to be placed by the windows. I could see the exhibits ready possibly in April at the earliest.
Also in Curious Creatures, the flashlight fish exhibit is still offline.
In Wild Prairie, there are now gates to the public area at the barn. That area that was dug out now has a Conestoga wagon-themed play structure being built.
In Legends of the Wild, the zoo has been planting what appears to be young bamboo in the deer exhibit. Work is still being done by the windows. I believe this may become the musk deer exhibit. The new plantings do not really fit Sika deer. I expect this exhibit could be ready in April.
The really odd thing I saw was in the gift shop. The zoo usually has stuffed animals of the species the zoo has in residence. Some of them might look psychedelic, but they still represent residents. I was a bit surprised to see plush cobras. They were black in color. I was just wondering if this was an insight into the future or there was a sale on cobras. Time will tell.
