America's 100 Must See Exhibits

[pachyderm pro]

65. California Trail
Oakland Zoo, CA
Opened: 2018
Size: 56 Acres (22.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, American Black Bear, Gray Wolf, Jaguar, Mountain Lion, American Bison, California Condor, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk

When this exhibit was unveiled, it more than doubled Oakland Zoo's total acreage. The trail is disconnected from the main zoo, only accessible via a four minute gondola ride which crosses over a gorgeous hillside protected as an ecological recovery zone. The aim of the exhibit is to display species that hold historical significance to the state of California and demonstrate how the local environment has changed over time, which explains the inclusion of jaguar which once roamed the state. As a result it is both a showcase of native flora, fauna, and natural history. Many of the enclosures are somewhat functional in design with little effort gone into hiding obvious fencing or netting, but they are all absolutely enormous with a design similar to that of a wild park. The wolf and grizzly bear enclosures in particular are each several acres in size and the bird of prey aviaries are similarly spectacular compared to others of their kind. The trail also provides some truly incredible views of the San Francisco Bay Area, which notably appears in the background of the bison paddock, making the complex as scenic as it is grand in scale.

@Arizona Docent

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Arizona Docent

Spoiler: Photo Key

1. Gray Wolf Exhibit
2. American Black Bear Exhibit
3. Jaguar Exhibit
4. Bald Eagle Aviary
5. American Bison Exhibit
6. Gondola Ride with a view

Similar Exhibits: I'm not aware of anything similar at this scale.

 

[Coelacanth18]

California Trail is a personal favorite of mine. The oak savanna setting is beautiful, with views of the San Francisco Bay and multiple skylines on the horizon. The habitats look broadly wonderful - enormous wolf enclosure, tall and spacious raptor aviaries, large jaguar and puma exhibits with sturdy live oak trees for climbing. The gondola ride coming in and out also creates a unique experience, soaring over the woodlands to reach a sort of "sky island" of zoo above the main one - though admittedly it's unfortunate for those afraid of heights or confined spaces that it is the only transport option.

The one thing I wish they would include (other than an alternative route, like a public tram going up and down the service road) is more small species, like a building for local herps.

 

[Julio C Castro]

65. California Trail
Oakland Zoo, CA
Opened: 2018
Size: 56 Acres (22.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, American Black Bear, Gray Wolf, Jaguar, Mountain Lion, American Bison, California Condor, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk

When this exhibit was unveiled, it more than doubled Oakland Zoo's total acreage. The trail is disconnected from the main zoo, only accessible via a four minute gondola ride which crosses over a gorgeous hillside protected as an ecological recovery zone. The aim of the exhibit is to display species that hold historical significance to the state of California and demonstrate how the local environment has changed over time, which explains the inclusion of jaguar which once roamed the state. As a result it is both a showcase of native flora, fauna, and natural history. Many of the enclosures are somewhat functional in design with little effort gone into hiding obvious fencing or netting, but they are all absolutely enormous with a design similar to that of a wild park. The wolf and grizzly bear enclosures in particular are each several acres in size and the bird of prey aviaries are similarly spectacular compared to others of their kind. The trail also provides some truly incredible views of the San Francisco Bay Area, which notably appears in the background of the bison paddock, making the complex as scenic as it is grand in scale.

@Arizona Docent

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Arizona Docent

Spoiler: Photo Key

1. Gray Wolf Exhibit
2. American Black Bear Exhibit
3. Jaguar Exhibit
4. Bald Eagle Aviary
5. American Bison Exhibit
6. Gondola Ride with a view

Similar Exhibits: I'm not aware of anything similar at this scale.

This complex is truly the reason I’ve been dying to visit the Oakland Zoo and everything I’ve seen about it leaves me even more eager. I was wondering when it would come up on this list and so happy it was included as it’s own entry! With the focus on native wildlife, both past and present, I can see why some regard it as one of the best exhibits in the U.S. and hope to visit it soon

 

[Pleistocene891]

65. California Trail
Oakland Zoo, CA
Opened: 2018
Size: 56 Acres (22.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Grizzly Bear, American Black Bear, Gray Wolf, Jaguar, Mountain Lion, American Bison, California Condor, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk

When this exhibit was unveiled, it more than doubled Oakland Zoo's total acreage. The trail is disconnected from the main zoo, only accessible via a four minute gondola ride which crosses over a gorgeous hillside protected as an ecological recovery zone. The aim of the exhibit is to display species that hold historical significance to the state of California and demonstrate how the local environment has changed over time, which explains the inclusion of jaguar which once roamed the state. As a result it is both a showcase of native flora, fauna, and natural history. Many of the enclosures are somewhat functional in design with little effort gone into hiding obvious fencing or netting, but they are all absolutely enormous with a design similar to that of a wild park. The wolf and grizzly bear enclosures in particular are each several acres in size and the bird of prey aviaries are similarly spectacular compared to others of their kind. The trail also provides some truly incredible views of the San Francisco Bay Area, which notably appears in the background of the bison paddock, making the complex as scenic as it is grand in scale.

@Arizona Docent

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Coelacanth18

@Arizona Docent

Spoiler: Photo Key

1. Gray Wolf Exhibit
2. American Black Bear Exhibit
3. Jaguar Exhibit
4. Bald Eagle Aviary
5. American Bison Exhibit
6. Gondola Ride with a view

Similar Exhibits: I'm not aware of anything similar at this scale.

My home zoo actually made the list.

 

[TinoPup]

This complex is truly the reason I’ve been dying to visit the Oakland Zoo and everything I’ve seen about it leaves me even more eager. I was wondering when it would come up on this list and so happy it was included as it’s own entry! With the focus on native wildlife, both past and present, I can see why some regard it as one of the best exhibits in the U.S. and hope to visit it soon

This complex is why Oakland is firmly on my "never visit" list

 

[birdsandbats]

This complex is why Oakland is firmly on my "never visit" list

As someone in the same camp as Julio C Castro in putting Oakland on my "must-visit" list primarily because of this complex, I must ask why.

 

[TinoPup]

As someone in the same camp as Julio C Castro in putting Oakland on my "must-visit" list primarily because of this complex, I must ask why.

... Is it not completely obvious?

 

[wild boar]

... Is it not completely obvious?

No, it's not.

 

[TinoPup]

No, it's not.

though admittedly it's unfortunate for those afraid of heights or confined spaces that it is the only transport option.

Do you guys really not know anyone who's afraid of heights or confined spaces?

 

[CMP]

... Is it not completely obvious?

Based on your previous comments on this site, I'm assuming it is because of potential inaccessibility issues due to the complex only being accessed via the gondola?

Edit: Cross post

 

[CGSwans]

Do you guys really not know anyone who's afraid of heights or confined spaces?

I do, and understand why the gondola would be a no-go for you.

I think it’d be worth contacting the zoo though. They have ADA obligations for accessibility anyway - if it’s truly the difference between being able to visit or not, they can drive you to the complex via their service routes easily enough.

 

[birdsandbats]

Do you guys really not know anyone who's afraid of heights or confined spaces?

I do, and am personally to some extent. But there was no way I was figuring that out from any of the infinite possible reasons without you specifying.

 

[TinoPup]

Based on your previous comments on this site, I'm assuming it is because of potential inaccessibility issues due to the complex only being accessed via the gondola?

Edit: Cross post

That too! But the heights thing gets me before I get to any of that. @CGSwans, that is a fantastic idea if I'm ever in that area!

I do, and am personally to some extent. But there was no way I was figuring that out from any of the infinite possible reasons without you specifying.

What other reasons could there be?

 

[Julio C Castro]

Do you guys really not know anyone who's afraid of heights or confined spaces?

I very much sympathized with you there, San Diego has the Skyfari ride that I refuse to get on As a larger person, I felt it get slightly wobbly when visiting with my fiancé years ago so never again haha

 

[TinoPup]

I very much sympathized with you there, San Diego has the Skyfari ride that I refuse to get on As a larger person, I felt it get slightly wobbly when visiting with my fiancé years ago so never again haha

Every time I get close to convincing myself to go on one - ones much lower than Oakland's! - one will break down somewhere and it's at least another year before I start considering it again lol. It doesn't help that the lowest and shortest ones are also the ones that are the most questionable-looking.

 

[birdsandbats]

What other reasons could there be?

I don't know. But when you make such a vague and open-ended statement it isn't helpful to let others understand what you're talking about.

Personally, the closed-in nature of the gondala makes it so I wouldn't be scared - it's the combination of being high up AND nothing between me and the ground that I have an issue with.

 

[TinoPup]

I don't know. But when you make such a vague and open-ended statement it isn't helpful to let others understand what you're talking about.

Personally, the closed-in nature of the gondala makes it so I wouldn't be scared - it's the combination of being high up AND nothing between me and the ground that I have an issue with.

I think it's pretty clear that the one thing that makes it truly unique - the gondola to it, because it's not connected to the rest of the zoo - is the reason people would not want to visit it. Sealy already mentioned it, even. My statement wasn't vague at all.

 

[pachyderm pro]

66. Jaguar Cove
Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 2003
Size: 4,000 Square Feet (370 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Jaguar

It isn't often jaguars are given exceptional enclosures, but a zoo like Woodland Park spares no expense at creating immersive environments for all of its residents. This exhibit is not enormous, but superbly landscaped and filled with lush vegetation providing many hiding spots for the cats. Both some luck and patience is required when spotting the inhabitants as a result, although there are several viewing portals spanning the length of the enclosure including views into the dense plantings, a covered den, and a large pool frequently stocked with live fish. The visitor viewing area is covered by a gigantic simulated kapok tree which is tastefully done along with the numerous log structures within the exhibit. Exhibits for spotted cats have improved dramatically in recent years, but two decades after this exhibit's opening, I'd be hard pressed to find a better place to view jaguars anywhere else in North America.

@snowleopard

@Arizona Docent

@snowleopard

@Westcoastperson

Similar Exhibits: There are other notable jaguar exhibits, but they will be mentioned later as part of larger complexes.

 

[Julio C Castro]

66. Jaguar Cove
Woodland Park Zoo, WA
Opened: 2003
Size: 4,000 Square Feet (370 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Jaguar

It isn't often jaguars are given exceptional enclosures, but a zoo like Woodland Park spares no expense at creating immersive environments for all of its residents. This exhibit is not enormous, but superbly landscaped and filled with lush vegetation providing many hiding spots for the cats. Both some luck and patience is required when spotting the inhabitants as a result, although there are several viewing portals spanning the length of the enclosure including views into the dense plantings, a covered den, and a large pool frequently stocked with live fish. The visitor viewing area is covered by a gigantic simulated kapok tree which is tastefully done along with the numerous log structures within the exhibit. Exhibits for spotted cats have improved dramatically in recent years, but two decades after this exhibit's opening, I'd be hard pressed to find a better place to view jaguars anywhere else in North America.

@snowleopard

@Arizona Docent

@snowleopard

@Westcoastperson

Similar Exhibits: There are other notable jaguar exhibits, but they will be mentioned later as part of larger complexes.

I was hoping this exhibit would make the list, Jaguar Cove is one of the Crown Jewels that the Woodland Park Zoo has created in recent decades and has aged like a fine wine. Admittedly, the Jaguar is perhaps my favorite animal and I think my Latin American heritage played into that. When my younger sibling visited Washington state to see a band, he had time to kill and visited the Woodland Park Zoo. Just from the photos he took and the many I’ve seen on here, I’ve been a big admirer of WPZ and added to my ever growing bucket list for when I have time for traveling out of state

 

[Jurek7]

I find it a nice contrast between realistic artificial trees and lianas at Jaguar Cove and Jungle World in Bronx Zoo versus much more fake-looking ones in Lied Jungle in Omaha. It pays to hire a good designer team!

One could make a whole scoring system of bad to good artificial trees and artificial rocks in American zoos exhibits. Anybody knows the designer / company behind the best ones?