America's 100 Must See Exhibits

[Pleistocene891]

26. Stork Aviary
Racine Zoo, WI
Opened: 2011
Size: 9,300 Square Feet (860 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Lesser Adjutant Stork, Western Tufted Deer

This impressive wetlands aviary contains a combination of species that cannot be seen at any other institution. The lesser adjutant stork is unusual bird scarce in zoos worldwide and it's even more rare to find them in an exhibit that features them as their own attraction. In the US at least, it's also uncommon to find an aviary that highlights ungulates, in this case a pair of western tufted deer. The aviary is beautifully landscaped with mature trees, lush furnishings and a running creek, a far cry from its former iteration as a rocky pool for rescued pelicans. It can be viewed from all four sides, but carefully placed vegetation and privacy barriers prevent cross views from being an issue. The best view is seen from the walk-in observation deck which provides a completely unobstructed look of the exhibit and allows guests to share the same space as the residents. The combination of two fascinating species in a beautiful setting makes this display absolutely top-notch and a true hidden gem.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Similar Exhibits: Bronx Zoo is the only other North American holder of lesser adjutant storks and their aviary is similarly stately. Of course, without the ability for guests to enter the exhibit or the inclusion of other species, the Racine aviary is superior.

@fkalltheway

While the aviary looks nice, I don't exactly see what's "must see" about it.

 

[Persephone]

I understand the appeal here is for the particular species, but I feel like there are better aviaries for storks and cranes to be found. The heron aviary at Brookgreen Gardens only has native birds, but it’s a massive structure containing fully grown cyprus trees and natural wetlands. I agree that the aviary is the best feature at Racine, though. Very good in design + species for a zoo that is otherwise pretty lackluster.

 

[pachyderm pro]

I understand the appeal here is for the particular species, but I feel like there are better aviaries for storks and cranes to be found. The heron aviary at Brookgreen Gardens only has native birds, but it’s a massive structure containing fully grown cyprus trees and natural wetlands. I agree that the aviary is the best feature at Racine, though. Very good in design + species for a zoo that is otherwise pretty lackluster.

Well the exhibit wasn't included just because of the inhabitants, although the fact that it highlights two particularly niche species is to be admired. It's a unique focus of some odd species in an extremely attractive setting that's all presented very well. The fact that it's a walk-in aviary also elevates it's status in my eyes, as from first hand experience getting to share the space with a bird as intimidating as the lesser adjutant stork is quite exciting.

I actually spoke with the zoo's head curator about the stork. There is currently some uncertainty if the zoo will obtain new individuals once their current one passes considering how thin the population is spread. They also currently have to move the stork indoors every winter, so the zoo is considering going with a more cold tolerant Asian water bird species who could be outdoors year-round with the deer. Either way, I'd still consider this exhibit must-see if the stork is replaced by another species (or several species) as the design is really outstanding, especially for a zoo that's otherwise rather unremarkable.

 

[15399]

I'm sensing some regional bias when it comes to more obscure/rarer picks. So far two small zoos have been featured, with one exhibit each, and both are in Wisconsin- Racine's Stork Aviary and Henry Vilas' Wisconsin Heritage. Hopefully there are more obscure/smaller picks from other parts of the country, as it'd be a real shame if certain parts of the country are overrepresented due to what regions of the country the OP knows best.

I enjoyed reading about this exhibit, however, even though it doesn't seem like something that's a must-see. While different species may be included, I can think of a good number of aviaries for a large bird that are much more impressive. The inclusion of tufted deer doesn't really make this aviary super unique either, as small ungulates are a relatively common inclusion in aviaries (Klipspringer, Tufted Deer, Muntjac, Pudu, Chevrotain, etc.). Overall, this exhibit just feels like a kind of average walk-through aviary, which happens to hold an impressive, rare species of bird.

To concur with what @Pleistocene891 alluded to, I also feel as though the species played a big role in the choice of this exhibit. Especially since the similar exhibit was the only other holder of the exact same species, making it seem as though this was a choice for this specific species of stork. If the species of stork didn't matter, then perhaps the other similar exhibits should've included an aviary for a different species of stork that's also impressive.

 

[pachyderm pro]

I'm sensing some regional bias when it comes to more obscure/rarer picks. So far two small zoos have been featured, with one exhibit each, and both are in Wisconsin- Racine's Stork Aviary and Henry Vilas' Wisconsin Heritage. Hopefully there are more obscure/smaller picks from other parts of the country, as it'd be a real shame if certain parts of the country are overrepresented due to what regions of the country the OP knows best.

There is no bias. There are multiple exhibits on this list from very specialized non-AZA institutions and none of them are in the midwest, plus several other deep cuts that are spread throughout the country. I please ask that you wait until the list is finished before you start accusing me of having a bias towards exhibits located in areas I'm more familiar with, as there is still so much we have to cover.

I've already mentioned this, but there is a far greater density of major zoos in the midwest than any other region in the US. Naturally there is going to be more representation from this part of the country because there is simply more to choose from.

 

[Black Footed Beast]

I'm actually very happy to see the Stork aviary as a must-see exhibit, despite being in a smaller zoo with most of the exhibits not being the best, it is such an interesting exhibit

 

[Great Argus]

I've already mentioned this, but there is a far greater density of major zoos in the midwest than any other region in the US. Naturally there is going to be more representation from this part of the country because there is simply more to choose from.

Your being from the same area and using many of your own photos in these cases I think is helping fuel some of the bias feeling. Most controversial picks so far have been zoos you live fairly close to and have visited. Equally, California is supposed to have the most per state in the end - but we haven't left San Diego yet while now over a quarter through. The three randomized draws have been at that facility, and I'd be highly surprised if they don't land at least three more.

 

[Chlidonias]

My personal opinion - but I suspect it would be agreed upon by a lot of other people - is that a "must-see exhibit" is one which would by itself make someone say "I need to go to that zoo and see that exhibit". It makes you specifically plan to visit the zoo to see it, not just to see it because you're going to that zoo anyway. An exhibit which is quite nice when you are at the zoo is great, but there can't be many people who would look at the description and photos (of, in this instance, the stork aviary) and say "I need to go there and see that!"

So far in the thread there have been a bunch of exhibits which I would indeed call "must-see" and then a bunch of others which just make me think "mm, that's okay I guess".

 

[felis silvestris]

My personal opinion - but I suspect it would be agreed upon by a lot of other people - is that a "must-see exhibit" is one which would by itself make someone say "I need to go to that zoo and see that exhibit". It makes you specifically plan to visit the zoo to see it, not just to see it because you're going to that zoo anyway. An exhibit which is quite nice when you are at the zoo is great, but there can't be many people who would look at the description and photos (of, in this instance, the stork aviary) and say "I need to go there and see that!"

So far in the thread there have been a bunch of exhibits which I would indeed call "must-see" and then a bunch of others which just make me think "mm, that's okay I guess".

I guess a lot of these are only aimed at a certain demographic- people which are much more interested in animals than an average visitor, when other people wouldn't care as much.

 

[Chlidonias]

I guess a lot of these are only aimed at a certain demographic- people which are much more interested in animals than an average visitor, when other people wouldn't care as much.

Well, yes - you are describing Zoochatters.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

My personal opinion - but I suspect it would be agreed upon by a lot of other people - is that a "must-see exhibit" is one which would by itself make someone say "I need to go to that zoo and see that exhibit". It makes you specifically plan to visit the zoo to see it, not just to see it because you're going to that zoo anyway.

I would broadly agree, but with the caveat that there are also exhibits and zoo structures which are "must see" for reasons of historical, architectural or cultural significance, even if they are not particularly *good* - the African panorama at Tierpark Hagenbeck for instance.

 

[birdsandbats]

I'm sensing some regional bias when it comes to more obscure/rarer picks. So far two small zoos have been featured, with one exhibit each, and both are in Wisconsin- Racine's Stork Aviary and Henry Vilas' Wisconsin Heritage. Hopefully there are more obscure/smaller picks from other parts of the country, as it'd be a real shame if certain parts of the country are overrepresented due to what regions of the country the OP knows best.

Deja Vu to ZooChat Cup Season 2.

 

[Pleistocene891]

I'm sensing some regional bias when it comes to more obscure/rarer picks. So far two small zoos have been featured, with one exhibit each, and both are in Wisconsin- Racine's Stork Aviary and Henry Vilas' Wisconsin Heritage. Hopefully there are more obscure/smaller picks from other parts of the country, as it'd be a real shame if certain parts of the country are overrepresented due to what regions of the country the OP knows best.

I enjoyed reading about this exhibit, however, even though it doesn't seem like something that's a must-see. While different species may be included, I can think of a good number of aviaries for a large bird that are much more impressive. The inclusion of tufted deer doesn't really make this aviary super unique either, as small ungulates are a relatively common inclusion in aviaries (Klipspringer, Tufted Deer, Muntjac, Pudu, Chevrotain, etc.). Overall, this exhibit just feels like a kind of average walk-through aviary, which happens to hold an impressive, rare species of bird.

To concur with what @Pleistocene891 alluded to, I also feel as though the species played a big role in the choice of this exhibit. Especially since the similar exhibit was the only other holder of the exact same species, making it seem as though this was a choice for this specific species of stork. If the species of stork didn't matter, then perhaps the other similar exhibits should've included an aviary for a different species of stork that's also impressive.

I'm more so sensing the need to add random, obscure exhibits for the sake of having them.

 

[Coelacanth18]

My personal opinion - but I suspect it would be agreed upon by a lot of other people - is that a "must-see exhibit" is one which would by itself make someone say "I need to go to that zoo and see that exhibit". It makes you specifically plan to visit the zoo to see it, not just to see it because you're going to that zoo anyway.

This could just be me not being much into exhibit design, but I've really struggled to think of 100 exhibits in the US that would meet that criteria. I remember reading over a lot of my favorite picks in @lintworm's thread and thinking, "Wow, that's so cool! I wish we had exhibits like that in the US."

I don't really understand the logic behind the stork aviary either, but I'll wait until we get to #100 and Red Rocks hasn't been mentioned before I make my judgment

 

[birdsandbats]

I don't quite get what's controversial about the stork aviary - huge netted walk-through aviaries with fully flighted large waterbirds generally aren't super common, and this one is incredibly lush with two very rare species - including one with only 2 holders nationwide. What's not must-see about it?

 

[Pleistocene891]

I don't quite get what's controversial about the stork aviary - huge netted walk-through aviaries with fully flighted large waterbirds generally aren't super common, and this one is incredibly lush with two very rare species - including one with only 2 holders nationwide. What's not must-see about it?

@pachyderm pro has already said that the rarity of the species will not factor in how good an exhibit is.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

I don't really understand the logic behind the stork aviary either, but I'll wait until we get to #100 and Red Rocks hasn't been mentioned before I make my judgment

*reads this post only knowing the name Red Rocks offhand as a famous music venue*

 

[Chlidonias]

I don't really understand the logic behind the stork aviary either, but I'll wait until we get to #100 and Red Rocks hasn't been mentioned before I make my judgment

*reads this post only knowing the name Red Rocks offhand as a famous music venue*

View attachment 602982

Red Rocks is a geological formation near my house.

I actually read Coelacanth's post as "Africa Rocks" without even realising I was mis-reading.

 

[Chlidonias]

I don't quite get what's controversial about the stork aviary - huge netted walk-through aviaries with fully flighted large waterbirds generally aren't super common, and this one is incredibly lush with two very rare species - including one with only 2 holders nationwide. What's not must-see about it?

It's a walk-through aviary for waterbirds - it has already been stated by others there are bigger and better examples in the USA, so why would this one in particular be "must-see"?

It doesn't help me (not being in the USA) when the blurb for each exhibit often doesn't actually say why the exhibit is "must-see" - often there is just a basic description of what it is, and then the photos don't add much to explaining why it is here. For this stork aviary, for example, the entire description boils down to that it has some rare animals and it looks nice inside:

This impressive wetlands aviary contains a combination of species that cannot be seen at any other institution. The lesser adjutant stork is unusual bird scarce in zoos worldwide and it's even more rare to find them in an exhibit that features them as their own attraction. In the US at least, it's also uncommon to find an aviary that highlights ungulates, in this case a pair of western tufted deer. The aviary is beautifully landscaped with mature trees, lush furnishings and a running creek, a far cry from its former iteration as a rocky pool for rescued pelicans. It can be viewed from all four sides, but carefully placed vegetation and privacy barriers prevent cross views from being an issue. The best view is seen from the walk-in observation deck which provides a completely unobstructed look of the exhibit and allows guests to share the same space as the residents. The combination of two fascinating species in a beautiful setting makes this display absolutely top-notch and a true hidden gem.

 

[Great Argus]

I don't quite get what's controversial about the stork aviary - huge netted walk-through aviaries with fully flighted large waterbirds generally aren't super common, and this one is incredibly lush with two very rare species - including one with only 2 holders nationwide. What's not must-see about it?

I can think of a fair few offhand. And rarity isn't supposed to be a factor, per this comment:

What I meant by this is that the rarity of the species being exhibited does not matter. For example, a poorly designed aviary packed with rare birds wouldn't be included of course. However, an exhibit that has a unique focus or showcases a particularly odd species in a noteworthy way would certainly be worthy of featuring. I personally feel like this exhibit has done both.

However a couple of the controversial picks have in fact ignored the rarity rule - the main two I'm thinking of are ones Pachy has seen in person (which does incline me to feel there's bias). Personally I don't think that just because a rare species is in a nice exhibit that it should belong here - it should go to something that makes me want to visit the zoo. If I'm going to visit Racine, it'll be for the Lesser Adjutant - the exhibit itself isn't all that notable to me. Likewise I'm not visiting Henry Vilas to go see the badger exhibit.