America's 100 Must See Exhibits

[pachyderm pro]

16. Living Northwest Trail
Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1994
Size: 9 Acres (3.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Canada Lynx, American Elk, Rocky Mountain Goat, North American River Otter, North American Porcupine, Snowy Owl, Steller’s Sea Eagle, Western Pond Turtle

Originally known as Northern Trail, this is one of the most successful immersion complexes in the entire zoo world. The exhibit takes heavy inspiration from actual hiking trails in Alaska’s Denali National Park and showcases species native to the Northwestern Taiga. Here is some of the greatest landscaping in any zoo exhibit and a demonstration of the brilliant immersion design that became Woodland Park's forte. Enormous conifer trees alongside thick vegetation obscure any obvious fencing, while hidden moats provide a completely open view for visitors. The most famous enclosure on the trail is undoubtedly the grizzly bear exhibit, which remains first in class even after nearly three decades. Other enclosures wolves and elk similarly blend so well into the dense woodland that it's hard to tell where one exhibit ends and another begins. The recent additions of a lynx exhibit and breeding center for Western pond turtle fit in well, but the most remarkable aspect of the trail is that multiple species in separate enclosures can all be seen from the same vantage point, creating the stunning appearance of a single cohesive environment. Seeing bears, otters and mountain goats all in the same scene without any noticeable barriers is like seeing a slice of the wild and is a big part of why this exhibit will continue to stand the test of time for decades to come.

@snowleopard

@Buldeo

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Komodo Dragon

Similar Exhibits: The Great Northwest at Oregon Zoo is another excellent interpretation of this region. Of course, what makes an exhibit like this truly incredible is how well it hides fences from visitors and this exhibit admittedly falls a bit short in that regard. Still, the standard of exhibitry is very high and the mountain goat enclosure standouts especially well.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Anteaterman

 

[Emanuel Theodorus]

The exhibit above showcases only Alaska/Northwestern Taiga forests, no? Otherwise there would be plenty of similiar woodlands exhibits on which zoos it could be included in similiar exhibits.

 

[CGSwans]

The difference is that 'America's 50 Must See Zoos' was ordered by state so you were able to anticipate what zoos could come next. However, considering the order for this thread is completely random, there is no way to reasonably predict what exhibit could come next. @CGSwans put it well, so I'll just say I'd appreciate if we didn't just start throwing out random guesses that don't relate the exhibit being discussed, and please save those kinds of discussions for once the list is finished.

Just a thought. You don’t *have* to stick with the randomised order at all.

 

[SwampDonkey]

12. Kilimanjaro Safari
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, FL
Opened: 1998
Size: 110 Acres (44.5 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Various hoofstock, African Elephant, Black Rhino, Nile Hippo, African Lion, Spotted Hyena, Mandrill, Nile Crocodile and more.

When you have an unlimited budget, year-round sunshine, and a little Disney magic on your side, you have the tools to create the ultimate drive-through savanna experience. No expense was spared when crafting one of the most detailed and genuinely beautiful recreations of the Serengeti anywhere in the world. The realism here is second to none, with everything from the vegetation to the riverbanks designed to resemble the native landscape. Dozens of hoofstock freely roam across the environment with separate enclosures for elephants, rhinos, hippos, mandrills and several large predators blending in seamlessly. The large herds of hoofstock are impressive in their own right of course, but the huge groups of elephants, hippos and crocodiles are a truly rare sight in the zoo world. Its biggest flaw is something that all drive-through exhibits can’t help but suffer from; seeing animals for a very limited amount of time. Several species are only seen for less than a minute, assuming the animals even choose to present themselves in the first place. Regardless, this is easily one of the all time greatest immersion exhibits, even if it finishes with a rather anticlimactic species; Nigerian dwarf goats.

@geomorph

@geomorph

@Ituri

@geomorph

@Mr.Weasel

@geomorph

Similar Exhibits: Drive-through savannas are hardly a novel concept and none come close to the thematic aspect of what Disney has put together, but there are a few exceptional ones that come to mind. The beautiful pastures at Busch Gardens Tampa and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center are among some of the more realistic and there are others that may appear on this list at a later time.

Busch Gardens Tampa

@JaxElephant

@snowleopard

@Mr.Weasel

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

@Ituri

@jbnbsn99

@jbnbsn99

This may be a bit controversial, but I prefer the savannah at Busch to DAK. While Busch can only be seen by train (or pay WAY more for a safari truck tour), I think the train can be a better way to view something like this. You could conceivably stay on the train for a couple of circles without getting back in line and waiting like you must do at DAK. DAK is unique that the elephants and hippo are on the tour, but they are just off the savannah at Busch, which again I like better as you can walk to those parts and spend more time.

 

[Dhole dude]

16. Living Northwest Trail
Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1994
Size: 9 Acres (3.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Canada Lynx, American Elk, Rocky Mountain Goat, North American River Otter, North American Porcupine, Snowy Owl, Steller’s Sea Eagle, Western Pond Turtle

Originally known as Northern Trail, this is one of the most successful immersion complexes in the entire zoo world. The exhibit takes heavy inspiration from actual hiking trails in Alaska’s Denali National Park and showcases species native to the Northwestern Taiga. Here is some of the greatest landscaping in any zoo exhibit and a demonstration of the brilliant immersion design that became Woodland Park's forte. Enormous conifer trees alongside thick vegetation obscure any obvious fencing, while hidden moats provide a completely open view for visitors. The most famous enclosure on the trail is undoubtedly the grizzly bear exhibit, which remains first in class even after nearly three decades. Other enclosures wolves and elk similarly blend so well into the dense woodland that it's hard to tell where one exhibit ends and another begins. The recent additions of a lynx exhibit and breeding center for Western pond turtle fit in well, but the most remarkable aspect of the trail is that multiple species in separate enclosures can all be seen from the same vantage point, creating the stunning appearance of a single cohesive environment. Seeing bears, otters and mountain goats all in the same scene without any noticeable barriers is like seeing a slice of the wild and is a big part of why this exhibit will continue to stand the test of time for decades to come.

@snowleopard

@Buldeo

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Komodo Dragon

Similar Exhibits: The Great Northwest at Oregon Zoo is another excellent interpretation of this region. Of course, what makes an exhibit like this truly incredible is how well it hides fences from visitors and this exhibit admittedly falls a bit short in that regard. Still, the standard of exhibitry is very high and the mountain goat enclosure standouts especially well.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Anteaterman

Another great choice! Although I've never been to the Woodland Park Zoo, it looks excellent judging purely from photos!

 

[Emanuel Theodorus]

This may be a bit controversial, but I prefer the savannah at Busch to DAK. While Busch can only be seen by train (or pay WAY more for a safari truck tour), I think the train can be a better way to view something like this. You could conceivably stay on the train for a couple of circles without getting back in line and waiting like you must do at DAK. DAK is unique that the elephants and hippo are on the tour, but they are just off the savannah at Busch, which again I like better as you can walk to those parts and spend more time.

But in terms of "must-see" I don't think anyone can argue that Disney brought the slice of savannah better than Busch. Disney basically managed to get a savannah the size of the whole Magic Kingdom into reality, alongside with the best quality for elephant, rhino, crocodile, and hippo exhibit in North America that made them look like they came straight out of Africa.

Yeah, enjoyment wise it can be arguable, "must-see" however, I don't feel like Busch Garden's savannah is really going to beat out Disney in that department.

 

[ThylacineAlive]

I would add the insect house at St. Louis to at least debatable. It’s one of the coolest exhibits at the zoo in my opinion.

And increasingly void of living insects...

~Thylo

 

[CGSwans]

And increasingly void of living insects...

~Thylo

Well I mean, there's presumably a reason it was sponsored by Monsanto.

 

[Pleistocene891]

16. Living Northwest Trail
Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1994
Size: 9 Acres (3.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Canada Lynx, American Elk, Rocky Mountain Goat, North American River Otter, North American Porcupine, Snowy Owl, Steller’s Sea Eagle, Western Pond Turtle

Originally known as Northern Trail, this is one of the most successful immersion complexes in the entire zoo world. The exhibit takes heavy inspiration from actual hiking trails in Alaska’s Denali National Park and showcases species native to the Northwestern Taiga. Here is some of the greatest landscaping in any zoo exhibit and a demonstration of the brilliant immersion design that became Woodland Park's forte. Enormous conifer trees alongside thick vegetation obscure any obvious fencing, while hidden moats provide a completely open view for visitors. The most famous enclosure on the trail is undoubtedly the grizzly bear exhibit, which remains first in class even after nearly three decades. Other enclosures wolves and elk similarly blend so well into the dense woodland that it's hard to tell where one exhibit ends and another begins. The recent additions of a lynx exhibit and breeding center for Western pond turtle fit in well, but the most remarkable aspect of the trail is that multiple species in separate enclosures can all be seen from the same vantage point, creating the stunning appearance of a single cohesive environment. Seeing bears, otters and mountain goats all in the same scene without any noticeable barriers is like seeing a slice of the wild and is a big part of why this exhibit will continue to stand the test of time for decades to come.

@snowleopard

@Buldeo

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Komodo Dragon

Similar Exhibits: The Great Northwest at Oregon Zoo is another excellent interpretation of this region. Of course, what makes an exhibit like this truly incredible is how well it hides fences from visitors and this exhibit admittedly falls a bit short in that regard. Still, the standard of exhibitry is very high and the mountain goat enclosure standouts especially well.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Anteaterman

Does anyone know if the new Lynx exhibit is any good?

 

[Great Argus]

16. Living Northwest Trail
Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1994
Size: 9 Acres (3.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Canada Lynx, American Elk, Rocky Mountain Goat, North American River Otter, North American Porcupine, Snowy Owl, Steller’s Sea Eagle, Western Pond Turtle

Originally known as Northern Trail, this is one of the most successful immersion complexes in the entire zoo world. The exhibit takes heavy inspiration from actual hiking trails in Alaska’s Denali National Park and showcases species native to the Northwestern Taiga. Here is some of the greatest landscaping in any zoo exhibit and a demonstration of the brilliant immersion design that became Woodland Park's forte. Enormous conifer trees alongside thick vegetation obscure any obvious fencing, while hidden moats provide a completely open view for visitors. The most famous enclosure on the trail is undoubtedly the grizzly bear exhibit, which remains first in class even after nearly three decades. Other enclosures wolves and elk similarly blend so well into the dense woodland that it's hard to tell where one exhibit ends and another begins. The recent additions of a lynx exhibit and breeding center for Western pond turtle fit in well, but the most remarkable aspect of the trail is that multiple species in separate enclosures can all be seen from the same vantage point, creating the stunning appearance of a single cohesive environment. Seeing bears, otters and mountain goats all in the same scene without any noticeable barriers is like seeing a slice of the wild and is a big part of why this exhibit will continue to stand the test of time for decades to come.

@snowleopard

@Buldeo

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Komodo Dragon

Similar Exhibits: The Great Northwest at Oregon Zoo is another excellent interpretation of this region. Of course, what makes an exhibit like this truly incredible is how well it hides fences from visitors and this exhibit admittedly falls a bit short in that regard. Still, the standard of exhibitry is very high and the mountain goat enclosure standouts especially well.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Anteaterman

Ah, one of the complexes I was waiting for! Easily one of my favorite exhibit complexes I've seen, and a style I wish was used a bit more often. Oregon's is quite good as well, even if not quite as naturalistic-looking. Interestingly enough there is actually rather little overlap species-wise between the two complexes as well.

 

[SwampDonkey]

But in terms of "must-see" I don't think anyone can argue that Disney brought the slice of savannah better than Busch. Disney basically managed to get a savannah the size of the whole Magic Kingdom into reality, alongside with the best quality for elephant, rhino, crocodile, and hippo exhibit in North America that made them look like they came straight out of Africa.

Yeah, enjoyment wise it can be arguable, "must-see" however, I don't feel like Busch Garden's savannah is really going to beat out Disney in that department.

Valid points to be sure. In the end it is all opinions and subjective, but I agree that DAK is the right choice for the design of this thread, even if I prefer Busch savanna over it.

 

[pachyderm pro]

17. Tropic World
Brookfield Zoo, IL
Opened: 1982 (Africa), 1983 (Asia) and 1984 (South America)
Size: 64,000 Square Feet (5,900 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Bornean Orangutan, five other species of primate, Giant Anteater, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Linnaeus Two-toed Sloth, and various smaller birds.

As ambitious as this exhibit was - and there are many less friendly adjectives that can be used to describe it - it’s clear what was once the largest zoo building in the world hasn’t aged all that gracefully. It was one of the first real attempts at a simulated indoor rainforest environment, but It wasn’t designed the same way later rainforest houses were. Instead of having many exhibits for different species, the idea was to create just a few massive habitats where dozens of species all coexist. However, these experimental species mixes meant that the exhibit in the modern day is way more empty than it was ever intended to be. A more pressing issue is that everything from the plants to the rockwork is as artificial as it comes and the lack of outdoor habitats is also a detriment that particularly hinders the apes. However, if you are able to accept the brutal fakeness of it all, there is a lot to appreciate about this building. The space for many of its residents is truly huge and most of the primates are able to climb well over 60 feet off the ground. The gibbons, monkeys and free-flight birds are all very well off here indeed and the more unsuitable residents like tapirs and pygmy hippos were moved out many years ago. The great ape accommodations are rather notorious for a variety of reasons, but the biggest flaw is the lack of an outdoor exhibit for either species. Change is on the horizon however, with a major outdoor extension for the apes and monkeys beginning construction later this year, along with a brand new gorilla house adjacent to the current building. Once these new enclosures are completed, perhaps zoo nerds will finally retire the nickname “Tragic World” for good.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Similar Exhibits: There is nothing quite like this exhibit, which is probably for the best.

 

[Antimony96]

Whatever you think of Tropic World--it really had to be on here.

 

[Pleistocene891]

17. Tropic World
Brookfield Zoo, IL
Opened: 1982 (Africa), 1983 (Asia) and 1984 (South America)
Size: 64,000 Square Feet (5,900 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Bornean Orangutan, five other species of primate, Giant Anteater, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Linnaeus Two-toed Sloth, and various smaller birds.

As ambitious as this exhibit was - and there are many less friendly adjectives that can be used to describe it - it’s clear what was once the largest zoo building in the world hasn’t aged all that gracefully. It was one of the first real attempts at a simulated indoor rainforest environment, but It wasn’t designed the same way later rainforest houses were. Instead of having many exhibits for different species, the idea was to create just a few massive habitats where dozens of species all coexist. However, these experimental species mixes meant that the exhibit in the modern day is way more empty than it was ever intended to be. A more pressing issue is that everything from the plants to the rockwork is as artificial as it comes and the lack of outdoor habitats is also a detriment that particularly hinders the apes. However, if you are able to accept the brutal fakeness of it all, there is a lot to appreciate about this building. The space for many of its residents is truly huge and most of the primates are able to climb well over 60 feet off the ground. The gibbons, monkeys and free-flight birds are all very well off here indeed and the more unsuitable residents like tapirs and pygmy hippos were moved out many years ago. The great ape accommodations are rather notorious for a variety of reasons, but the biggest flaw is the lack of an outdoor exhibit for either species. Change is on the horizon however, with a major outdoor extension for the apes and monkeys beginning construction later this year, along with a brand new gorilla house adjacent to the current building. Once these new enclosures are completed, perhaps zoo nerds will finally retire the nickname “Tragic World” for good.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Similar Exhibits: There is nothing quite like this exhibit, which is probably for the best.

Tropic World is overhated. Many other zoos are praised for using fake trees to offer their primates climbing experience yet Tropic World is harshly criticized for it. While I agree that the great ape exhibits are badly outdated, the rest of the building is truly great.

 

[Fallax]

Ok this is definitely an interesting inclusion and I feel it will once more cause some major discussion...

 

[Rajang-GOAT]

Tropic World is overhated. Many other zoos are praised for using fake trees to offer their primates climbing experience yet Tropic World is harshly criticized for it. While I agree that the great ape exhibits are badly outdated, the rest of the building is truly great.

And again, this is Must See Exhibits, not necessarily best enclosures for the animals (however important that is), and this certainly seems a very interesting exhibit.

 

[15399]

I think it's unfair to use the lack of outdoor access as the main criticism of Tropic World, especially since it's in a northern zoo where gorillas and orangutans wouldn't be able to go outside year-round anyways. While these are obviously not perfect exhibits, there are bigger problems than outdoor access, such as the lack of natural substrate, that are more important than an outdoor yard that could only be accessed half the year anyways. Gorillas in particular oftentimes choose to stay inside when given the option between indoor and outdoor exhibits anyways, leading me to believe that outdoor access alone is not what is needed to make a good great ape exhibit. I'd much rather see zoos build a great indoor exhibit for great apes, equipped with natural substrate, natural lighting, live plants, and plenty of space, than see the many zoos that exhibit these animals in outdoor, grassy yards- sometimes almost completely devoid of trees and climbing opportunities. Plus, given that an indoor exhibit is accessible year-round, for zoos in colder climates, the bigger priority should be a good indoor exhibit, rather than a good outdoor exhibit only usable on days above a certain temperatures. While I do think both the Brookfield great ape exhibits are in need of improvements, and the plan for outdoor exhibits certainly seem ambitious, I'd much rather see them build better indoor exhibits, equipped with natural substrate and more live plants, rather than an outdoor expansion where in winter the Tropic World remains the entire exhibit for the apes.

 

[Persephone]

I will say that first walking under the waterfall into South America, knowing nothing about the exhibit beforehand, was one of the rare occasions I’ve truly been awed by a zoo. That faded a bit once I saw the great ape enclosures and how hard it was to actually see an animal in South America, but still. There’s a certain vastness to the South America room in particular that I’m not sure any other zoo rainforest has ever had in my eyes. I get why people hate it, but I have to agree that it must be seen.

 

[CMTM]

17. Tropic World
Brookfield Zoo, IL
Opened: 1982 (Africa), 1983 (Asia) and 1984 (South America)
Size: 64,000 Square Feet (5,900 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Bornean Orangutan, five other species of primate, Giant Anteater, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Linnaeus Two-toed Sloth, and various smaller birds.

As ambitious as this exhibit was - and there are many less friendly adjectives that can be used to describe it - it’s clear what was once the largest zoo building in the world hasn’t aged all that gracefully. It was one of the first real attempts at a simulated indoor rainforest environment, but It wasn’t designed the same way later rainforest houses were. Instead of having many exhibits for different species, the idea was to create just a few massive habitats where dozens of species all coexist. However, these experimental species mixes meant that the exhibit in the modern day is way more empty than it was ever intended to be. A more pressing issue is that everything from the plants to the rockwork is as artificial as it comes and the lack of outdoor habitats is also a detriment that particularly hinders the apes. However, if you are able to accept the brutal fakeness of it all, there is a lot to appreciate about this building. The space for many of its residents is truly huge and most of the primates are able to climb well over 60 feet off the ground. The gibbons, monkeys and free-flight birds are all very well off here indeed and the more unsuitable residents like tapirs and pygmy hippos were moved out many years ago. The great ape accommodations are rather notorious for a variety of reasons, but the biggest flaw is the lack of an outdoor exhibit for either species. Change is on the horizon however, with a major outdoor extension for the apes and monkeys beginning construction later this year, along with a brand new gorilla house adjacent to the current building. Once these new enclosures are completed, perhaps zoo nerds will finally retire the nickname “Tragic World” for good.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Similar Exhibits: There is nothing quite like this exhibit, which is probably for the best.

I have certainly been openly critical of this exhibit in the past and likely will continue to do so (though I am eagerly anticipating the announced changes). I feel that from a husbandry and aesthetics standpoint the exhibit is lacking to say the least.

All that being said, I whole heartedly agree that it is a must see exhibit. If only for a look into history.

 

[Batto]

the rest of the building is truly great.

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