America's 100 Must See Exhibits
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55. African Grasslands
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, NE
Opened: 2016
Size: 28 Acres (11 Hectares)
Inhabitants: African Elephant, Reticulated Giraffe, Southern White Rhino, Plains Zebra, various antelope, African Lion, Cheetah, Rock Hyrax, Ostrich, Blue Crane, and several other birds and reptiles.
When director Dennis Pate took the reins at Omaha, he took on the monumental task of redeveloping the entirety of the zoo's outdoor exhibits. The first step in this plan was rebuilding the entire south side of the property, which resulted in the creation of one the most holistic African savanna exhibits in America. The first half of the complex is composed of various multi-acre savanna enclosures for huge breeding herds of elephants, giraffes and other ungulates. The pathway descends down through a valley that glimpses at the main savanna from every angle, even providing an opportunity to look up at the animals. The elephant and giraffe barns are industrial in appearance, but are obscured by carefully placed vegetation and are both among the largest and absolute best of their kind in America. Also included here is a kopje area with meerkats, klipspringers, an aviary for various birds and hyrax, and an outdoor white-throated monitor enclosure. The second half of the complex takes you across the zoo's central lagoon and back uphill to a plaza meant to resemble a ranger station. Carnivores are the key focus here with a spacious cheetah yard and a brilliant lion exhibit with an enormous kopje mountain, giving this the unique distinction of tallest lion habitat in the US. This section also features large, scenic paddocks for more uncommon hoofstock like eastern bongo and sable. With a budget of over $70 million one would think the zoo could have done whatever they wanted, but even so plans for a wetlands area with hippos, guenons and crocodiles were scrapped. Even without those additions, this exhibit breaks several records and is a triumph in every aspect.
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Similar Exhibits: There are many savannas that could be described here, but I'd specifically like to highlight Fresno Chaffee Zoo's African Adventure which is done at a similarly large scale and covers most major African megafauna. At the center of the complex are multiple large savannas that appear as one cohesive environment through hidden moats and barriers that are really well done. There are also numerous other enclosures for lions, cheetahs, warthogs and meerkats that are fantastic and blend in with the landscape perfectly. Additionally, the monumental lodge structure provides a wonderful overlook of the central savannas and is regarded as one of the better zoo restaurants in the US.
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Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, NE
Opened: 2016
Size: 28 Acres (11 Hectares)
Inhabitants: African Elephant, Reticulated Giraffe, Southern White Rhino, Plains Zebra, various antelope, African Lion, Cheetah, Rock Hyrax, Ostrich, Blue Crane, and several other birds and reptiles.
When director Dennis Pate took the reins at Omaha, he took on the monumental task of redeveloping the entirety of the zoo's outdoor exhibits. The first step in this plan was rebuilding the entire south side of the property, which resulted in the creation of one the most holistic African savanna exhibits in America. The first half of the complex is composed of various multi-acre savanna enclosures for huge breeding herds of elephants, giraffes and other ungulates. The pathway descends down through a valley that glimpses at the main savanna from every angle, even providing an opportunity to look up at the animals. The elephant and giraffe barns are industrial in appearance, but are obscured by carefully placed vegetation and are both among the largest and absolute best of their kind in America. Also included here is a kopje area with meerkats, klipspringers, an aviary for various birds and hyrax, and an outdoor white-throated monitor enclosure. The second half of the complex takes you across the zoo's central lagoon and back uphill to a plaza meant to resemble a ranger station. Carnivores are the key focus here with a spacious cheetah yard and a brilliant lion exhibit with an enormous kopje mountain, giving this the unique distinction of tallest lion habitat in the US. This section also features large, scenic paddocks for more uncommon hoofstock like eastern bongo and sable. With a budget of over $70 million one would think the zoo could have done whatever they wanted, but even so plans for a wetlands area with hippos, guenons and crocodiles were scrapped. Even without those additions, this exhibit breaks several records and is a triumph in every aspect.
@pachyderm pro
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@Moebelle
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1. Primary Savanna Exhibit
2. Primary Savanna Exhibit
3. African Elephant Exhibit #1
4. African Elephant Exhibit #2
5. Eastern Bongo and Blue Crane Exhibit
6. Lion Exhibit
7. Cheetah Exhibit
8. Kopje Aviary
9. Elephant House
10. Giraffe House
2. Primary Savanna Exhibit
3. African Elephant Exhibit #1
4. African Elephant Exhibit #2
5. Eastern Bongo and Blue Crane Exhibit
6. Lion Exhibit
7. Cheetah Exhibit
8. Kopje Aviary
9. Elephant House
10. Giraffe House
Similar Exhibits: There are many savannas that could be described here, but I'd specifically like to highlight Fresno Chaffee Zoo's African Adventure which is done at a similarly large scale and covers most major African megafauna. At the center of the complex are multiple large savannas that appear as one cohesive environment through hidden moats and barriers that are really well done. There are also numerous other enclosures for lions, cheetahs, warthogs and meerkats that are fantastic and blend in with the landscape perfectly. Additionally, the monumental lodge structure provides a wonderful overlook of the central savannas and is regarded as one of the better zoo restaurants in the US.
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Pleistocene891
Well-Known Member
We've had 6 exhibits that can be described as "African Plains" exhibits so far and I would argue that Omaha’s might be the most impressive due to the exhibit sizes and unique terrain.
Seven if you count San Diego Zoo Safari Park's field exhibits which I'm assuming is the one you've omitted, but I'd agree that Omaha may just be my favorite. Almost every major megafauna is covered minus hippos or painted dogs and I appreciate the smaller exhibits included by the kopje area. It's not exactly immersive as fencing is often clearly visible in many instances, but aesthetically it's still excellent and very well landscaped. The recent success with elephant breeding also helps, as if all goes well, by the end of the year Omaha will boast the largest African elephant herd in North America (even larger than that of DAK or SDZSP)
That leaves one other 'African savanna' exhibit left to be revealed, although this one has a far more specialized focus than the others covered thus far.
An unforgettable moment was walking across a bridge just before leaving the aviary and stumbling upon a Great Indian Hornbill at almost touching distance.
Pleistocene891
Well-Known Member
I'm hoping it's Lincoln Park's African Journey. Definitely deserves to be here.
Nothing quite breaks my heart than seeing the words hippo exhibit plans were scrapped.
56. Australia: Wild Extremes
National Aquarium, MA
Opened: 2005
Size: 64,500 Square Feet (5,990 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: 70 species of Australian birds, herps and fish.
While it seems some major zoos have begun to homogenize, aquariums appear to be even more similar to one another and truly unique experiences are few and far between. Australian exhibits are also notoriously monotonous, and yet here is an exhibit that really is one of a kind in the US. Contained inside of an enormous glass pavilion is one of the most brilliantly unique aquarium exhibits you'll ever come across. The exhibit is modeled after a Northern Australian river gorge, aiming to showcase species that face extreme conditions such as droughts, floods and fires. Visitors traverse through the bottom of a canyon with about a dozen vivaria and open-topped tanks placed among high detailed rockwork and cascading waterfalls. The collection of herps and fish is extensive including several turtle species which can't be seen anywhere else outside of Australia. With a focus on the obscure, the only real star species are the freshwater crocodiles, but the kookaburra and numerous rare parrots in free flight are definitely crowd-pleasing as well. The vegetation has grown considerably since the exhibit's opening, serving as both cover for the fish tanks and perching areas for the birds. The whole experience is unparalleled and the amount of effort and detail that has gone into displaying a particularly underrepresented environment is extraordinarily commendable.
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Similar Exhibits: None.
National Aquarium, MA
Opened: 2005
Size: 64,500 Square Feet (5,990 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: 70 species of Australian birds, herps and fish.
While it seems some major zoos have begun to homogenize, aquariums appear to be even more similar to one another and truly unique experiences are few and far between. Australian exhibits are also notoriously monotonous, and yet here is an exhibit that really is one of a kind in the US. Contained inside of an enormous glass pavilion is one of the most brilliantly unique aquarium exhibits you'll ever come across. The exhibit is modeled after a Northern Australian river gorge, aiming to showcase species that face extreme conditions such as droughts, floods and fires. Visitors traverse through the bottom of a canyon with about a dozen vivaria and open-topped tanks placed among high detailed rockwork and cascading waterfalls. The collection of herps and fish is extensive including several turtle species which can't be seen anywhere else outside of Australia. With a focus on the obscure, the only real star species are the freshwater crocodiles, but the kookaburra and numerous rare parrots in free flight are definitely crowd-pleasing as well. The vegetation has grown considerably since the exhibit's opening, serving as both cover for the fish tanks and perching areas for the birds. The whole experience is unparalleled and the amount of effort and detail that has gone into displaying a particularly underrepresented environment is extraordinarily commendable.
@red river hog
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Similar Exhibits: None.
What rare parrots are on display here?
Mulga parrot, Australian king parrot, and scarlet-chested parrot.
Antimony96
Well-Known Member
Well, there are budgies.
In seriousness--a fantastic complex and certainly the most unique of the National Aquarium's offerings. If Maryland shows up again i assume it'll be the Maryland Zoo's penguins.
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You really think so? If I may ask, what's so species about it? It certainly is a very pleasant African exhibit, but there really isn't much that sticks out about it, either.
Truly a great, deserving choice. When I was making my list of guesses for what would be on the list, this exhibit at National Aquarium was one of the first that I thought of. Certainly the most unique, and possibly even the best, Australian exhibit in any US zoo or aquarium. I'm also glad whenever aquariums invest in freshwater biomes, as personally I find freshwater aquatic life to be much more interesting than ocean life, and yet most aquariums have a much greater emphasis on the latter. It's great to see some aquariums, such as this one, having great freshwater collections to compliment their impressive ocean exhibits as well.56. Australia: Wild Extremes
National Aquarium, MA
Opened: 2005
Size: 64,500 Square Feet (5,990 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: 70 species of Australian birds, herps and fish.
While it seems some major zoos have begun to homogenize, aquariums appear to be even more similar to one another and truly unique experiences are few and far between. Australian exhibits are also notoriously monotonous, and yet here is an exhibit that really is one of a kind in the US. Contained inside of an enormous glass pavilion is one of the most brilliantly unique aquarium exhibits you'll ever come across. The exhibit is modeled after a Northern Australian river gorge, aiming to showcase species that face extreme conditions such as droughts, floods and fires. Visitors traverse through the bottom of a canyon with about a dozen vivaria and open-topped tanks placed among high detailed rockwork and cascading waterfalls. The collection of herps and fish is extensive including several turtle species which can't be seen anywhere else outside of Australia. With a focus on the obscure, the only real star species are the freshwater crocodiles, but the kookaburra and numerous rare parrots in free flight are definitely crowd-pleasing as well. The vegetation has grown considerably since the exhibit's opening, serving as both cover for the fish tanks and perching areas for the birds. The whole experience is unparalleled and the amount of effort and detail that has gone into displaying a particularly underrepresented environment is extraordinarily commendable.
@red river hog
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Similar Exhibits: None.
One slight nit-pick though: the National Aquarium is located in Maryland (MD), not Massachusetts (MA).
African Journey is another exhibit I thought of early on as an exhibit that I was certain belonged on this list. It's a great example of re-modeling a historical building into an impressive, modern exhibit, and is also unique in that it's an African exhibit that does not focus on megafauna, and highlights some underrepresented biomes as well. It's also great to see that, in an era of increasing animal welfare expectations, a zoo decided to fix this by housing smaller animals, not less animals, as many zoo exhibits built today focus on downsizing collections to improve welfare, not focusing on smaller animals that have smaller spatial demands. Another very unique exhibit that I sincerely hope is included in this thread in the future.
Pleistocene891
Well-Known Member
Even the megafauna in the African Journey are displayed in above average exhibits.
splendens
Well-Known Member
Does the exhibit still hold Freshwater whiprays (Urogymnus dalyensis)?56. Australia: Wild Extremes
National Aquarium, MA
Opened: 2005
Size: 64,500 Square Feet (5,990 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: 70 species of Australian birds, herps and fish.
While it seems some major zoos have begun to homogenize, aquariums appear to be even more similar to one another and truly unique experiences are few and far between. Australian exhibits are also notoriously monotonous, and yet here is an exhibit that really is one of a kind in the US. Contained inside of an enormous glass pavilion is one of the most brilliantly unique aquarium exhibits you'll ever come across. The exhibit is modeled after a Northern Australian river gorge, aiming to showcase species that face extreme conditions such as droughts, floods and fires. Visitors traverse through the bottom of a canyon with about a dozen vivaria and open-topped tanks placed among high detailed rockwork and cascading waterfalls. The collection of herps and fish is extensive including several turtle species which can't be seen anywhere else outside of Australia. With a focus on the obscure, the only real star species are the freshwater crocodiles, but the kookaburra and numerous rare parrots in free flight are definitely crowd-pleasing as well. The vegetation has grown considerably since the exhibit's opening, serving as both cover for the fish tanks and perching areas for the birds. The whole experience is unparalleled and the amount of effort and detail that has gone into displaying a particularly underrepresented environment is extraordinarily commendable.
@red river hog
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@snowleopard
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@NAIB Volunteer
Similar Exhibits: None.
Is the pygmy hippo exhibit above average? I mean its pretty small, all indoors (which may be okay if the exhibit was sizable) and full of concrete for substrate. The giraffes have a nice outdoor yard, but the indoor viewing is bad and it looks small. The rhinos as well have average yards with not the best sidelines. The exhibits to me are entirely average even if its an enjoyable experience.
The Pygmy Hippos have very little land area, it's probably the worst exhibit in the zoo from an animal welfare standpoint.
The two main DWA complexes, while not entirely the same, and showcasing a different region, seem quite similar to this exhibit.
Definitely one I was expecting, and one of the main reasons I want to visit the National Aquarium someday.
No, both were moved to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga a number of years ago. The exhibit was far too small for their size.
56. Australia: Wild Extremes
National Aquarium, MA
Opened: 2005
Size: 64,500 Square Feet (5,990 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: 70 species of Australian birds, herps and fish.
While it seems some major zoos have begun to homogenize, aquariums appear to be even more similar to one another and truly unique experiences are few and far between. Australian exhibits are also notoriously monotonous, and yet here is an exhibit that really is one of a kind in the US. Contained inside of an enormous glass pavilion is one of the most brilliantly unique aquarium exhibits you'll ever come across. The exhibit is modeled after a Northern Australian river gorge, aiming to showcase species that face extreme conditions such as droughts, floods and fires. Visitors traverse through the bottom of a canyon with about a dozen vivaria and open-topped tanks placed among high detailed rockwork and cascading waterfalls. The collection of herps and fish is extensive including several turtle species which can't be seen anywhere else outside of Australia. With a focus on the obscure, the only real star species are the freshwater crocodiles, but the kookaburra and numerous rare parrots in free flight are definitely crowd-pleasing as well. The vegetation has grown considerably since the exhibit's opening, serving as both cover for the fish tanks and perching areas for the birds. The whole experience is unparalleled and the amount of effort and detail that has gone into displaying a particularly underrepresented environment is extraordinarily commendable.
@red river hog
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@snowleopard
@snowleopard
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@NAIB Volunteer
Similar Exhibits: None.
I had no doubt this would be included on the list. Like you noted, the plants have filled in various parts of the simulated canyon - creating an even more spectacular experience 18 years after opening. The collection has changed since 2005, but still remains one of the most unique walk through exhibit experiences in any aquarium in the country. Well deserving of it's AZA Exhibit of the Year Award.
Hoping one more Maryland exhibit makes the list before its complete! *Cough penguins cough*
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