It would be interesting to see an exhibit modeling a sandy beach, which wild seals and sea lions in California frequently use. I wonder how practical sand as a waterside surface would be, though - thinking about both sanitation as well as water quality and visibility.
Sand is tricky in such exhibits because it can easily get up into the water column and get into the filter and cause issues, as well as impact visibility. It's also virtually impossible to clean effectively in that sort of situation.
Harbor and Grey Seals certainly do - not so sure about California Sea Lions. I've seen wild sea lions all along the coast here and I've never seen one on a sand beach, even when they were readily accessible. Always been on rocks or occasionally docks. Harbor Seals I've seen lined up touching side by side to make the most of a small sandy beach.
not so sure about California Sea Lions. I've seen wild sea lions all along the coast here and I've never seen one on a sand beach, even when they were readily accessible.
At least in southern California they will definitely utilize sandy beaches, although it does seem less obligatory than it is for seals. As an example, sea lions frequently pull themselves up on the sandy part of La Jolla Cove near San Diego.
Sand is tricky in such exhibits because it can easily get up into the water column and get into the filter and cause issues, as well as impact visibility. It's also virtually impossible to clean effectively in that sort of situation.
At least in southern California they will definitely utilize sandy beaches, although it does seem less obligatory than it is for seals. As an example, sea lions frequently pull themselves up on the sandy part of La Jolla Cove near San Diego.
An existing pool could be readily refurbished with soft rubber covering, like one sometimes used on child playgrounds. If one does not want to build a more complex shallow concrete sandbox filled with real sand.
About sand: I think shark tanks have sandy bottoms and are of similar size. Bear exhibits, too, often have natural ground an a pool with an underwater view.
Sand on the bottom is a bit different. A sandy beach will constantly be getting tracked into the water and getting washed in by waves and be more prone to getting into the water column. A sand substrate in the bottom is already water logged and less prone to staying in the water column. Though too sharks are not as prone to rooting around in sand and stirring it up either.
46. Sea Lion Shores Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, NE
Opened: 2020
Size: 1 Acre (0.4 Hectares)
Inhabitants: California Sea Lion, Harbor Seal
Even if they end up costing a pretty penny to exhibit, the charisma and popularity of pinnipeds is seen as a worthy investment in the eyes of many zoos with modern seal and sea lion exhibits becoming a popular trend in American collections. Some are more memorable than others, but few are as extravagant as what Omaha has put together. Not only is this habitat aesthetically superb, the extra lengths improving animal welfare are absolutely phenomenal. Keepers can hide food inside of crevices in the intricate rockwork and the 250,000 gallon pool is in constant motion thanks to a wave machine. There is also a dedicated pupping beach where mothers can gradually introduce their offspring to deeper waters. The theming is excellent as well, as the exhibit is situated at the bottom of a canyon with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls fully immersing visitors in a pacific northwest environment. With so many extra details to enhance the animals' quality of life and the guest experience, it's hard not to argue this as America’s single greatest pinniped habitat.
Similar Exhibits: Sea Lion Sound at Saint Louis Zoo features an incredibly popular underwater viewing tunnel and is easily the next best pinniped enclosure in the US. Sea Lion Cove at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo also deserves an honorable mention for being in the top tier of US pinniped exhibits. As great as both of these exhibits are, they lack the extra attention to detail that Omaha has put into their exhibit, although that’s not at all to discredit the excellence of these habitats in any way.
One of my personal favorite exhibits. Although I didn't spend a whole lot of time here last visit, I was still blown away by the attention to detail. It is one of the few enclosures primarily made out of mock rock that actually feels real. The pupping beach is also quite the nice inclusion and could set the standard for future pinniped complexes in North America.
46. Sea Lion Shores Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, NE
Opened: 2020
Size: 1 Acre (0.4 Hectares)
Inhabitants: California Sea Lion, Harbor Seal
Even if they end up costing a pretty penny to exhibit, the charisma and popularity of pinnipeds is seen as a worthy investment in the eyes of many zoos with modern seal and sea lion exhibits becoming a popular trend in American collections. Some are more memorable than others, but few are as extravagant as what Omaha has put together. Not only is this habitat aesthetically superb, the extra lengths improving animal welfare are absolutely phenomenal. Keepers can hide food inside of crevices in the intricate rockwork and the 250,000 gallon pool is in constant motion thanks to a wave machine. There is also a dedicated pupping beach where mothers can gradually introduce their offspring to deeper waters. The theming is excellent as well, as the exhibit is situated at the bottom of a canyon with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls fully immersing visitors in a pacific northwest environment. With so many extra details to enhance the animals' quality of life and the guest experience, it's hard not to argue this as America’s single greatest pinniped habitat.
Similar Exhibits: Sea Lion Sound at Saint Louis Zoo features an incredibly popular underwater viewing tunnel and is easily the next best pinniped enclosure in the US. Sea Lion Cove at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo also deserves an honorable mention for being in the top tier of US pinniped exhibits. As great as both of these exhibits are, they lack the extra attention to detail that Omaha has put into their exhibit, although that’s not at all to discredit the excellence of these habitats in any way.
I personally thought Sea Lion Sound should've also been a must see exhibit. Having an underwater tunnel is an amazing visitor experience it is quite rare for Sea Lion exhibits in the U.S to have one.
I personally thought Sea Lion Sound should've also been a must see exhibit. Having an underwater tunnel is an amazing visitor experience it is quite rare for Sea Lion exhibits in the U.S to have one.
Having seen both exhibits, I do think Sea Lion Shores is better, even if only just. The tunnel is cool, but Sea Lion Shores is just so immersive. The rockwork looks real. If it wasn't for the Desert Dome in the skyline, I could almost believe I had been transported to the northern California coastline.
47. Gorilla Exhibit Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1978
Size: 1 Acre (0.4 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla
When Director David Hancocks proposed the idea of a completely naturalistic gorilla enclosure, he was met with near unanimous disapproval from other zoo officials. That may seem absurd to hear now, but recreating a rainforest environment for gorillas had never been attempted before and at the time there was serious doubt it would work well. Determined to prove the critics wrong, the zoo took extra precautions to ensure the exhibit would be a success. One of the biggest concerns was that the apes would destroy the vegetation leaving the exhibit stripped and barren, so to combat this the exhibit was left empty for about a year following its completion to allow the furnishings to grow in without interference. These enclosures were also built around multiple existing mature trees which provide a natural canopy. Even after four decades the two habitats have held up phenomenally well and are still incredibly lush with excellent landscaping. The exhibits not only cemented Woodland Park as a leader in immersion design and completely changed the mindsets of zoo leaders worldwide, but also served as the model for countless other famous gorilla enclosures that followed.
Knew that this would appear, a well deserved selection! There are great viewing opportunities as the apes are usually comfortable enough to get very close to the glass. There’s always something going on, and it’s easy to see all eleven gorillas spread over the two troops. The zoo should also be celebrated for their success in breeding the species as well.
A wonderful predecessor to other excellent gorilla enclosures and Hancocks’ magnum opus. Without this radical enclosure it we wouldn’t have the masterpiece at The Bronx.
47. Gorilla Exhibit Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1978
Size: 1 Acre (0.4 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla
When Director David Hancocks proposed the idea of a completely naturalistic gorilla enclosure, he was met with near unanimous disapproval from other zoo officials. That may seem absurd to hear now, but recreating a rainforest environment for gorillas had never been attempted before and at the time there was serious doubt it would work well. Determined to prove the critics wrong, the zoo took extra precautions to ensure the exhibit would be a success. One of the biggest concerns was that the apes would destroy the vegetation leaving the exhibit stripped and barren, so to combat this the exhibit was left empty for about a year following its completion to allow the furnishings to grow in without interference. These enclosures were also built around multiple existing mature trees which provide a natural canopy. Even after four decades the two habitats have held up phenomenally well and are still incredibly lush with excellent landscaping. The exhibits not only cemented Woodland Park as a leader in immersion design and completely changed the mindsets of zoo leaders worldwide, but also served as the model for countless other famous gorilla enclosures that followed.
It’s definitely not the tropical rainforest exhibit at woodland park I thought would have made it but I’m sure that one will have its moment later. During my visit I didn’t have many expectations (only that is was on the way to the Jaguar exhibit), but I was definitely surprised by this lush gorilla exhibit. Contrasting it to the gorilla exhibits of mostly lawn grass this was an excellent exhibit and meshed well with the lush feeling of the overall area.
47. Gorilla Exhibit Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1978
Size: 1 Acre (0.4 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla
When Director David Hancocks proposed the idea of a completely naturalistic gorilla enclosure, he was met with near unanimous disapproval from other zoo officials. That may seem absurd to hear now, but recreating a rainforest environment for gorillas had never been attempted before and at the time there was serious doubt it would work well. Determined to prove the critics wrong, the zoo took extra precautions to ensure the exhibit would be a success. One of the biggest concerns was that the apes would destroy the vegetation leaving the exhibit stripped and barren, so to combat this the exhibit was left empty for about a year following its completion to allow the furnishings to grow in without interference. These enclosures were also built around multiple existing mature trees which provide a natural canopy. Even after four decades the two habitats have held up phenomenally well and are still incredibly lush with excellent landscaping. The exhibits not only cemented Woodland Park as a leader in immersion design and completely changed the mindsets of zoo leaders worldwide, but also served as the model for countless other famous gorilla enclosures that followed.
I find it very odd that most gorilla exhibits fail at creating tropic rainforests. Most are grassy meadows while others are concrete jungles. Bronx, San Diego and the aforementioned Woodland Park are some of the only zoos in the country that put in the effort to create naturalistic and functional gorilla exhibits
I find it very odd that most gorilla exhibits fail at creating tropic rainforests. Most are grassy meadows while others are concrete jungles. Bronx, San Diego and the aforementioned Woodland Park are some of the only zoos in the country that put in the effort to create naturalistic and functional gorilla exhibits
47. Gorilla Exhibit Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 1978
Size: 1 Acre (0.4 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla
When Director David Hancocks proposed the idea of a completely naturalistic gorilla enclosure, he was met with near unanimous disapproval from other zoo officials. That may seem absurd to hear now, but recreating a rainforest environment for gorillas had never been attempted before and at the time there was serious doubt it would work well. Determined to prove the critics wrong, the zoo took extra precautions to ensure the exhibit would be a success. One of the biggest concerns was that the apes would destroy the vegetation leaving the exhibit stripped and barren, so to combat this the exhibit was left empty for about a year following its completion to allow the furnishings to grow in without interference. These enclosures were also built around multiple existing mature trees which provide a natural canopy. Even after four decades the two habitats have held up phenomenally well and are still incredibly lush with excellent landscaping. The exhibits not only cemented Woodland Park as a leader in immersion design and completely changed the mindsets of zoo leaders worldwide, but also served as the model for countless other famous gorilla enclosures that followed.
It is quite remarkable how well this exhibit has stood the test of time. I have not yet visited Woodland Park, but this exhibit only makes me want to visit even more.
I find it very odd that most gorilla exhibits fail at creating tropic rainforests. Most are grassy meadows while others are concrete jungles. Bronx, San Diego and the aforementioned Woodland Park are some of the only zoos in the country that put in the effort to create naturalistic and functional gorilla exhibits
48. CHINA
Memphis Zoo, TN
Opened: 2003
Size: 3 Acres (1.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Giant Panda, Red Panda, Francois Langur, Sulawesi Macaque, Père David’s Deer and various Chinese birds.
Memphis is a zoo that loves over-the-top culturally themed complexes, so it’s no surprise this comprehensive zone is themed to the enth degree. The theming here is very strong indeed, embracing imperial Chinese architecture with tastefully done buildings bearing traditional glazed tile roofsand. It’s impossible to miss the 50 foot tall friendship pagoda directly adjacent to the central courtyard, which is certainly one of the more bold design elements present here. The exhibit also provides a look at Chinese culture and customs by paying homage to animals significant in Chinese mythology with various sculptures and statues. Horticulture is top notch as well with some beautiful Southeast Asian flora surrounding the visitor pavilions. There is no doubt that the attention to detail to the thematic aspect of the complex is fantastic, however the animal habitats themselves leave a bit to be desired. Many of the enclosures are manicured lawns which is unfortunate considering how well done the gardens are for the visitor areas. This particularly hinders the primate habitats which lack opportunities for brachiation and even the star attraction giant pandas have relatively basic accommodations. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this complex when the pandas return to China later this year, but regardless the species list is very nice, with Père David’s deer and Sulawesi macaque being notable rarities even if the latter isn’t found anywhere near China.
48. CHINA
Memphis Zoo, TN
Opened: 2003
Size: 3 Acres (1.2 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Giant Panda, Red Panda, Francois Langur, Sulawesi Macaque, Père David’s Deer and various Chinese birds.
Memphis is a zoo that loves over-the-top culturally themed complexes, so it’s no surprise this comprehensive zone is themed to the enth degree. The theming here is very strong indeed, embracing imperial Chinese architecture with tastefully done buildings bearing traditional glazed tile roofsand. It’s impossible to miss the 50 foot tall friendship pagoda directly adjacent to the central courtyard, which is certainly one of the more bold design elements present here. The exhibit also provides a look at Chinese culture and customs by paying homage to animals significant in Chinese mythology with various sculptures and statues. Horticulture is top notch as well with some beautiful Southeast Asian flora surrounding the visitor pavilions. There is no doubt that the attention to detail to the thematic aspect of the complex is fantastic, however the animal habitats themselves leave a bit to be desired. Many of the enclosures are manicured lawns which is unfortunate considering how well done the gardens are for the visitor areas. This particularly hinders the primate habitats which lack opportunities for brachiation and even the star attraction giant pandas have relatively basic accommodations. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this complex when the pandas return to China later this year, but regardless the species list is very nice, with Père David’s deer and Sulawesi macaque being notable rarities even if the latter isn’t found anywhere near China.
While the theming architecture is nice, it is rather over the top an unnecessary. Once pandas leave the zoo, I’m not sure why there would be any reason to visit this exhibit. There are many other Asian exhibits that I would put ahead of CHINA.
I think that this is going to be another exhibit that is controversial because it's lacking in the animal aspect, even though it's on the "must-see" list for architectural reasons. If they fixed the animal enclosures themselves, it'd be overall incredible impressive
While the theming architecture is nice, it is rather over the top an unnecessary. Once pandas leave the zoo, I’m not sure why there would be any reason to visit this exhibit. There are many other Asian exhibits that I would put ahead of CHINA.
