America's 100 Must See Exhibits

[SwampDonkey]

FL Aquarium is one of my "home" facilities, but I think that it really is one of the better aquariums in the country. Being built originally to "tell the story of Florida water from the springs to the open ocean" was unique and the Wetlands area has really matured well over the years. Most of the plants are living and the birds are free roaming, as mentioned. While the aquarium has trended more generic over the years, it is still great. New additions (sea lions, puffins, salmon, new penguin habitat) over the next 5 years will keep it more generic, but should be done really well. The first major addition will be this summer, so it remains to be seen how well they implement that.

Jackson was a very interesting zoo, I am glad that I made it there, in spite of the issues. The zoo's issues mirror the rest of the city, unfortunately. That said, they do have some rather nice habitats, the hippo being one of the best. The natural stream and pool combined with a large shaded land yard are basic, but great for these little beasts.

 

[Persephone]

I don’t think it got an honorable mention, but the Tallahassee Museum’s trail system is also excellent. It has a good collection of native species in what are essentially just fenced off pieces of swamp and forest. Last I went they had two impressive raptor aviaries, Florida panthers, bears, deer, wild turkey, a mixed species grey fox and skunk enclosure, bobcats, red wolves, and an admittedly kind of small river otter exhibit. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every visit and would absolutely go back if I found myself in the area again.

Brookgreen Garden’s Lowcountry Zoo is similar, just with some really impressive heron and waterfowl aviaries instead of raptor ones.

My old home zoo of Riverbanks isn’t bad, but… I really don’t think any part of it could be argued for this list. It’s a good collection of second-rate exhibits. And also the lion and tiger habitats. At least those are on the way out. Maybe Bridge to the Wild will add something truly first class…

 

[SusScrofa]

Brevard Zoo's Rainforest Revealed deserves a mention. For less famous facilities, Flamingo Gardens native waterbird walkthrough aviary is also neat and its worth mentioning Butterfly Worlds garden exhibit, which was basically the prototype to all the butterfly garden exhibits in the US and I think is still one of the best if you're into that.

 

[Batto]

When it comes to contributions to American zoo exhibit history, Topeka Zoo and its "Tropical Rainforest" as well as "Discovering Apes", both created under the first reformed AZA director Gary Clarke, might have been worth an honourable mention, too.

 

[Pleistohorse]

Wait a minute….was the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Seabird Aviary overlooked? Combination “indoor” (partial netted ceiling) aviary / aquarium. Upstairs the birds swim on top of or dive down into a 22 foot deep pool and fly up to “rock” cliffs 20 feet high. Multiple species. Downstairs allows underwater views of the exhibit which contains species of fish and underwater life…you literally can watch a Tufted Puffin “fly” 15 feet below the surface of the pool. When you are downstairs viewing the exhibit from below, you can look across the room and observe a massive Sea Lion and three species of Ice Seal (if you factor the Harbor Seal’s population in Hudson Bay). If this exhibit was overlooked…the post might need to be updated to the 101 must see exhibits. ;-). That said, I’m so appreciative that the AWCC’s Bear Exhibit was recognized. It would be nice if little ol’ Alaska could get two exhibits on the list! If you mentioned it and I missed it I apologize. The whole exhibit complex compares favorably to the (more dramatic) Mystic Aquarium Beluga/Seal/Sea Lion complex and the old (larger) Sea Bird Aviary at the Bronx Zoo.

Once again. Great list.

 

[amur leopard]

Wait a minute….was the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Seabird Aviary overlooked? Combination “indoor” (partial netted ceiling) aviary / aquarium. Upstairs the birds swim on top of or dive down into a 22 foot deep pool and fly up to “rock” cliffs 20 feet high. Multiple species. Downstairs allows underwater views of the exhibit which contains species of fish and underwater life…you literally can watch a Tufted Puffin “fly” 15 feet below the surface of the pool. When you are downstairs viewing the exhibit from below, you can look across the room and observe a massive Sea Lion and three species of Ice Seal (if you factor the Harbor Seal’s population in Hudson Bay). If this exhibit was overlooked…the post might need to be updated to the 101 must see exhibits. ;-). That said, I’m so appreciative that the AWCC’s Bear Exhibit was recognized. It would be nice if little ol’ Alaska could get two exhibits on the list! If you mentioned it and I missed it I apologize. The whole exhibit complex compares favorably to the (more dramatic) Mystic Aquarium Beluga/Seal/Sea Lion complex and the old (larger) Sea Bird Aviary at the Bronx Zoo.

Once again. Great list.

See below:

23. Seabird Aviary
Oregon Coast Aquarium, OR
Opened: c.1992
Size: 7,850 Square Feet (730 Square Meters)
Inhabitants: Tufted Puffin, Horned Puffin, Rhinoceros Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Black Oystercatcher

Alcids have extremely demanding welfare needs that make them difficult to display in captivity, but if those needs can be met, they can create one of the most engaging enclosures in any zoo or aquarium. This 34 foot tall aviary is the largest outdoor seabird enclosure in North America. There are two pools with varying depths that add up to hold 29,000 gallons as well as nearly 40 individual nesting sites. Underwater viewing windows placed at knee-height allow guests to get inches away from the birds, close enough to be in the splash zone of an energetic auk. Intricate rockwork fills the aviary and showcases the endearing nature of alcid behavior, with several rock burrows and a 30 foot cliffside that allows the birds to demonstrate their impressive diving abilities. This aviary is also home to the only captive breeding pair of black oystercatchers anywhere in the world. Every aspect of this display is superb and is a great example of a facility taking advantage of its climate to create an exhibit that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

Similar Exhibits: Another excellent alcid aviary can be found at the Alaska SeaLife Center. This aviary holds the title of the deepest seabird aviary in North America at roughly 21 feet deep. The underwater viewing area is very impressive and many rockfish can be seen sharing the pool with the birds. This could easily have been the pick instead of the Oregon Coast aviary and in its own ways is just as impressive. The outdoor aviary at Point Defiance Zoo is also worthy of a mention even if it doesn't hold the distinctions of the other two.

Alaska SeaLife Center

@Arizona Docent

@Pleistohorse

Point Defiance Zoo

@Arizona Docent

 

[StoppableSan]

When it comes to contributions to American zoo exhibit history, Topeka Zoo and its "Tropical Rainforest" as well as "Discovering Apes", both created under the first reformed AZA director Gary Clarke, might have been worth an honourable mention, too.

Absolutely - his book, "Hey Mister, Your Alligator's Loose!" is well worth the read, even having early schematics for the Tropical Rainforest, Discovering Apes and Lion's Pride exhibits along with loads of photos chronicling Topeka Zoo's history.

 

[Emanuel Theodorus]

Southeast

One of the rising stars of the North American zoo world right now is Nashville, which punched far above its weight on this thread. Even so there are a few more exhibits that could have gotten a mention as well. Bamboo Trail is a loop through dense woodlands consisting of hundreds of pieces of artificial bamboo. It features some rather interesting species from rainforest environments in nice accommodations. A newer Mexican spider monkey enclosure is very well done and a stellar clouded leopard breeding record is a nice bonus.

@TinoPup

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Another impressive exhibit is the white rhino enclosure. Formerly an elephant paddock, the large space has allowed the grass to survive being trembled by the pachyderms making for a very attractive enclosure. It does make one wish the elephants were still present however, as they really did fit the space nicely.

@Moebelle

Small but mighty, Nashville's meerkat enclosure is similarly excellent. Well landscaped, interactive, and a strong contender for the best of its kind in the country.

@TinoPup

Three of Memphis Zoo’s themed regions received a spot on the list, but there is another that wasn't mentioned. Northwest Passage has some excellent thematics in typical Memphis fashion, but there isn’t much entirely distinct about this complex compared to the others.

@Moebelle

@ZooNerd1234

In spite of being one of the highest quality zoos in the nation, North Carolina Zoo only received one entry on this list. There's scarcely a poor exhibit to be found at the zoo, but there aren't many sections that truly standout as something you have to see. The entire North American region is outstanding and there are numerous highlights: the spacious prairies for bison and elk, the dense cypress swamp environment for American alligators, and the streamside habitats for native ectotherms. It's all excellent and showcases the excellent quality found at this zoo.

@Moebelle

@Milwaukee Man

@Moebelle

The state of Florida has one of the highest concentration of zoos in the nation, but only two of them had an exhibit on this list. A few more could have been featured as well however, such as the Florida Aquarium with its Wetlands Trail encased within a large glass dome. A very impressive showcase of native species that goes far beyond just fish, many of which are free-roaming.

@SwampDonkey

@SwampDonkey

@SwampDonkey

There is also an abundance of theme parks in the sunshine state, so it makes sense there would be a few zoo/theme park hybrids. Disney's Animal Kingdom is obviously the most famous, but there's also Busch Gardens Tampa. Roller coasters and thrill rides don't always mesh well with animal habitats so exhibitry is a bit flawed in some aspects. The one area that really stands out is Myombe Reserve, a trail tucked away from amusement park chaos with impressive gorilla and chimpanzee exhibits. Both of the enclosures are a bit open and would benefit from more of a canopy, but are very nice overall.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Lastly, I mentioned earlier in this thread that there were two exhibits from non-AZA zoos that I had planned for the list, but eventually cut due to the less than stellar reputations from the facilities they're at. Monkey Jungle is a small primate park located about 20 minutes from Zoo Miami. It's a slightly dodgy place, with the enclosure quality generally being pretty terrible. At the same time, there are a few exhibits that are genuinely fantastic and one of them is the seven acre Java Macaque exhibit. The lengthy tunnel system for guests allows the monkeys to move all around guests. Watching the primates dive for food in keeper demonstrations is a delight, making for an enlightening presentation.

@pachyderm pro

The other cut exhibit is Jackson Zoo’s pygmy hippo enclosure. Pygmy hippos rarely get exhibits that do them justice in the US, so who could have guessed a financially burdened little zoo in Mississippi would have arguably the greatest one in the country. It's essentially an acre or so of fenced in swapland with dense vegetation and pool. Jackson Zoo has had numerous incidents over the last few years however and it’s entirely possible the zoo may have to close sooner than later, so it didn't feel right including on this list.

@snowleopard

I really want to see Jackson's enclosure type used on Nile Hippos. Murky waters may not have been ideal for most but I just love the way hippos usually hide in these waters and plus I love the grassy land areas in comparison to sandy beach lands.

 

[TinoPup]

73. Congo Gorilla Forest
Bronx Zoo, NY
Opened: 1999
Size: 6.5 Acres (2.6 Hectares)
Inhabitants: Western Lowland Gorilla, Mandrill, Colobus Monkey, Wolf’s Mona Monkey, Okapi, Red River Hog and a wide variety of African birds and ectotherms.

There probably isn’t a single exhibit more famous for being first in class than William G Conway’s last hurrah before retirement. Bronx took the lessons learned from Woodland Park's famous gorilla enclosure and supersized it in every aspect, creating the pinnacle of immersion design in the process. Designing a tropical rainforest in the middle of New York City was not an easy task, with 14,000 plants representing over 400 species having to be established. Numerous artificial trees, branches and logs are phenomenally detailed and fit right in with the lush plantings, once again demonstrating that Bronx spares no expense when producing simulated trees and rocks. Assuming they didn't purchase the total experience ticket, guests must pay a small "conservation fee" to enter the complex which over the years has raised several millions of dollars for conservation in Central Africa. There's also an informative eight minute short film that visitors can watch before approaching the gorillas which is just one of many superb educational and interpretive elements included here. To put it simply, the gorilla habitats are outstanding and minus the occasional glimpse of hotwire it's impossible to tell where the exhibits end. Both enclosures are viewed from a gallery-like setting including a walkthrough tunnel where the apes can cross overhead. The excellence continues with the okapi exhibit which appears as a small clearing surrounded by dense forest. Various monkeys are also treated to fantastic accommodations with a mandrill and red river hog mixed species exhibit being the obvious highlight. Megafauna don't dominate the complex however, with the Living Treasures gallery including an open topped aquarium at the center and vivaria for a number of African ectotherms lining the walls. Perhaps the biggest flaw of the complex is the extremely limited viewing for the gorilla bedrooms which are far more expensive than visitors would realize upon first glance. Otherwise, it's genuinely difficult to critique what is near unanimously accepted as one of the greatest zoo exhibits ever made.

@Zebraduiker

@Zebraduiker

@Zebraduiker

@Milwaukee Man

@snowleopard

@savethelephant

@billconwaydisciple

@twilighter

Spoiler: Photo Key

1. Gorilla Exhibit
2. Gorilla Exhibit
3. Gorilla Exhibit Viewing
4. Gorilla Exhibit Tunnel
5. Okapi Exhibit
6. Mandrill and Red River Hog Exhibit
7. Living Treasures Gallery
8. Wolf's Mona Monkey Exhibit

Similar Exhibits: In recent years, it seems gorillas have consistently received excellent enclosures and there are multiple examples of exhibits that could rival Bronx. The exhibits at Dallas Zoo, Houston Zoo, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are all superb and the warm climate is certainly an advantage when it comest to maintaining a rainforest environment. When referring to other African forest complexes, Columbus Zoo's Expedition Congo is the next best of its kind in the country, even with an oddly Howletts inspired gorilla enclosure. The adjacent bonobo enclosure is far more naturalistic and numerous other mammals and birds are in satellite enclosures which are all of high quality.

Dallas Zoo

@TinoPup

@snowleopard

Houston Zoo

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Disney's Animal Kingdom

@Moebelle

@snowleopard

Columbus Zoo

@Moebelle

@TeamTapir223

@Moebelle

I've uploaded a few (or a hundred...) photos of a walkthrough of Congo Gorilla Forest. There's 7.5 pages, start at the first photo here: Bronx - Congo, "Forest Edge View" (not part of the extra fee area) - ZooChat and make your way forward.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Midwest

The Midwestern United States is home to some of the most historically significant zoos in the country, as has been demonstrated by several selections on this list. Many zoos have preserved their history well, but few have done a better job converting historic animal houses into immersive experiences than Brookfield. The Swamp is the strongest of the zoos immersive historical buildings. Originally the primate house, the exterior has remained the same while the interior hosts a vast collection of swamp inhabiting ectotherms from all over the world. The central greenhouse with orinoco crocodile and various wading birds is a highlight and the educational messaging overall is very high quality.

@ZooNerd1234

@Moebelle

Not all of Brookfields historic buildings have been modernized however. The cavernous Pachyderm House has remained relatively the same after 90 years. From the iconic art-deco inspired entrance to the vast interior, the house is a marvel for zoo historians. Overtime the indoor stalls have become visibly dated, but the outdoor yards have actually held up surprisingly well hosting rhinos, tapirs, pygmy hippos and a few non-pachyderm residents like capybara and large tortoises. It's likely this buildings years are numbered and while it's understandable why it needs to go, the day it bites the dust will be a bittersweet one indeed.

@Pleistohorse

@Pleistohorse

@pachyderm pro

Nearby, Lincoln Park Zoo also has taken a shot at turning a historic animal house into an immersive complex with African Journey. Guests traverse through a diverse series of African environments including a rainforest atrium with Diana monkeys and spoonbills and a dry thorn forest room with meerkats and aardvarks. While the small things are extremely well done, the larger inhabitants aren't quite as well off. The all-indoor pygmy hippo exhibit is underwhelming and the main savanna has certainly seen better days.

@pachyderm pro

@Moebelle

Shedd Aquarium received more entires on this list than any other aquarium in the country. There could have have been one more however. The iconic Caribbean Reef tank at the aquariums center serves as a glorious centerpiece to the original galleries. It was unveiled in 1971 replacing an open-topped tropical tank that opened with the facility.

@pachyderm pro

While its undersold by its name, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is a solid mid-sized collection with a highly impressive African complex to boot. This is another exhibit named African Journey and alongside a spacious savanna habitat are numerous satellite habitats for species of all sizes. These include scenic pastures for hoofstock, predator habitats with excellent sightlynes, and many smaller species with exhibits built into kopje rocks. It all adds up to a surprisingly well done African area that stands out in many places.

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Known for eccentric theming, Columbus Zoo could have gotten another mention with Asia Quest. As far as Asian themed exhibits go its pretty comprehensive with a majority of the inhabitants found in highly themed exhibits - with the exception of the elephant complex which is largely functional. The amount of man-made structures can become pretty overbearing at times and few exhibits feel truly naturalistic, but at the same time exhibit quality overall is rather high. There are even some rather nice educational components featured among all of the ruined temple thematics.

@Milwaukee Man

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Being one of the Northernmost zoos in the lower 48, Minnesota Zoo has several acres worth of indoor pavilions connected to its entrance building to minimize time guests have to spend outdoors during the winter months. Among them is Tropics Trail which was once the largest zoo building in North America at roughly 1.5 acres. In spite of its name, the tropical atmosphere isn't very effective at immersion with a cornucopia of fake rock dominating the building. It has a tendency to cram too much into too little space which creates a sort of hectic experience at times, but it's a fascinating house overall.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Where the zoo really excels however is outdoors. While the lack of many megafauna species may be a turn off to the average visitor, focusing on cold tolerate species has some advantages. Northern Trail features some absolutely stunning pastures for large hoofstock such as bison, moose, takin and more. Not often does one find so many enormous exhibits in walking zoos and while the sheer size of each exhibit does make them feel just a tad understocked, traversing such a vast environment is a rewarding experience in itself.

@pachyderm pro

@Moebelle

@Milwaukee Man

Finally, while Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo maintained a dominating presence on this thread, I would be remiss not to also mention the Simmons Aviary. Being the largest aviary in the US the size of the structure is highly impressive and the recent renovation greatly enhanced the guest experience. Still, the landscaping doesn't quite compare to many of the other mega aviaries that made it on the list. The vast space is still excellent and the inclusion of fully flighted flamingos is wonderful.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

 

[birdsandbats]

Midwest

The Midwestern United States is home to some of the most historically significant zoos in the country, as has been demonstrated by several selections on this list. Many zoos have preserved their history well, but few have done a better job converting historic animal houses into immersive experiences than Brookfield. The Swamp is the strongest of the zoos immersive historical buildings. Originally the primate house, the exterior has remained the same while the interior hosts a vast collection of swamp inhabiting ectotherms from all over the world. The central greenhouse with orinoco crocodile and various wading birds is a highlight and the educational messaging overall is very high quality.

@ZooNerd1234

@Moebelle

Not all of Brookfields historic buildings have been modernized however. The cavernous Pachyderm House has remained relatively the same after 90 years. From the iconic art-deco inspired entrance to the vast interior, the house is a marvel for zoo historians. Overtime the indoor stalls have become visibly dated, but the outdoor yards have actually held up surprisingly well hosting rhinos, tapirs, pygmy hippos and a few non-pachyderm residents like capybara and large tortoises. It's likely this buildings years are numbered and while it's understandable why it needs to go, the day it bites the dust will be a bittersweet one indeed.

@Pleistohorse

@Pleistohorse

@pachyderm pro

Nearby, Lincoln Park Zoo also has taken a shot at turning a historic animal house into an immersive complex with African Journey. Guests traverse through a diverse series of African environments including a rainforest atrium with Diana monkeys and spoonbills and a dry thorn forest room with meerkats and aardvarks. While the small things are extremely well done, the larger inhabitants aren't quite as well off. The all-indoor pygmy hippo exhibit is underwhelming and the main savanna has certainly seen better days.

@pachyderm pro

@Moebelle

Shedd Aquarium received more entires on this list than any other aquarium in the country. There could have have been one more however. The iconic Caribbean Reef tank at the aquariums center serves as a glorious centerpiece to the original galleries. It was unveiled in 1971 replacing an open-topped tropical tank that opened with the facility.

@pachyderm pro

While its undersold by its name, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is a solid mid-sized collection with a highly impressive African complex to boot. This is another exhibit named African Journey and alongside a spacious savanna habitat are numerous satellite habitats for species of all sizes. These include scenic pastures for hoofstock, predator habitats with excellent sightlynes, and many smaller species with exhibits built into kopje rocks. It all adds up to a surprisingly well done African area that stands out in many places.

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Known for eccentric theming, Columbus Zoo could have gotten another mention with Asia Quest. As far as Asian themed exhibits go its pretty comprehensive with a majority of the inhabitants found in highly themed exhibits - with the exception of the elephant complex which is largely functional. The amount of man-made structures can become pretty overbearing at times and few exhibits feel truly naturalistic, but at the same time exhibit quality overall is rather high. There are even some rather nice educational components featured among all of the ruined temple thematics.

@Milwaukee Man

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Being one of the Northernmost zoos in the lower 48, Minnesota Zoo has several acres worth of indoor pavilions connected to its entrance building to minimize time guests have to spend outdoors during the winter months. Among them is Tropics Trail which was once the largest zoo building in North America at roughly 1.5 acres. In spite of its name, the tropical atmosphere isn't very effective at immersion with a cornucopia of fake rock dominating the building. It has a tendency to cram too much into too little space which creates a sort of hectic experience at times, but it's a fascinating house overall.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

Where the zoo really excels however is outdoors. While the lack of many megafauna species may be a turn off to the average visitor, focusing on cold tolerate species has some advantages. Northern Trail features some absolutely stunning pastures for large hoofstock such as bison, moose, takin and more. Not often does one find so many enormous exhibits in walking zoos and while the sheer size of each exhibit does make them feel just a tad understocked, traversing such a vast environment is a rewarding experience in itself.

@pachyderm pro

@Moebelle

@Milwaukee Man

Finally, while Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo maintained a dominating presence on this thread, I would be remiss not to also mention the Simmons Aviary. Being the largest aviary in the US the size of the structure is highly impressive and the recent renovation greatly enhanced the guest experience. Still, the landscaping doesn't quite compare to many of the other mega aviaries that made it on the list. The vast space is still excellent and the inclusion of fully flighted flamingos is wonderful.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

No mention of Underwater Beauty is a crime.

 

[SwampDonkey]

I really want to see Jackson's enclosure type used on Nile Hippos. Murky waters may not have been ideal for most but I just love the way hippos usually hide in these waters and plus I love the grassy land areas in comparison to sandy beach lands.

The hippo enclosure at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida is basically that, although the land area is very small. @Pleistohorse rates it highly for the same reasons you mention and are similar to the pygmy hippo at Jackson.

I have seen both exhibits in person, I think the land area at Homosassa is too small, but the water area is nice and natural. Jackson is an all around great enclosure for them.

 

[pachyderm pro]

No mention of Underwater Beauty is a crime.

Considering it closed in April I can't say it was the first thing that came to mind.

 

[birdsandbats]

Considering it closed in April I can't say it was the first thing that came to mind.

It was open for most of this thread's existence.

 

[Persephone]

Having recently come back from Kansas City I would like to propose that the kangaroo area / Australian exhibit could've had its own spot on the list, or at least been a second honorable mention for San Diego's. Mostly just because of how big it is and how many different habitat types the kangaroos have access to. I genuinely didn't even realize I was in a walkthrough for a few minutes. Figuring that out was one of my favorite zoo experiences.

 

[wild boar]

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.

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@pachyderm pro

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

Spoiler: Photo Key

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20. Giants of the Savanna
Dallas Zoo, TX
Opened: 2010
Size: 11 Acres (4.5 Hectares)
Inhabitants: African Elephant, Reticulated Giraffe, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Greater Kudu, African Lion, African Painted Dog, Warthog, Red River Hog, Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl

While Europe has the iconic mixed species savanna at Borås Djurpark, the US boasts an equally impressive mixed savanna exhibit. This is one of the most famous mixed species enclosures anywhere in the world and also one of the most difficult to execute. Combining elephants with other species is not as common in America as it is in Europe and at the time of this exhibit's conception it was basically unheard of. Even now you can count the number of mixed species elephant exhibits in the US on one hand, yet none are as carefully crafted as this series of savanna habitats. It is still the only exhibit in North America to have elephants share the same space as giraffes. For visitors it's a beautiful scene and for the elephants and giraffes it’s a titanic upgrade from their rather egregious former accommodations. With four interconnected enclosures divided via natural barriers, there are plenty of separation options when necessary so that every species can be on exhibit at all times. The attention to detail is superb with highly detailed simulated riverbanks and well maintained vegetation coming together to create an aesthetically perfect habitat. Satellite enclosures for other African megafauna including lions, painted dogs and suids are also of extremely well done and the lions can even be viewed from an adjacent restaurant.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@Zooplantman

@geomorph

@snowleopard

Similar Exhibits: Birmingham Zoo holds a bachelor herd of African elephants in an exhibit that is visually somewhat similar to Dallas, also managing to mix their elephants with other species. They took it to a way more extreme level by allowing elephants to share the same space as rhinos and hippos, although these mixes have either been discontinued or happen infrequently. Zoo Tampa mixes elephants with impala and Nile lechwe in a large paddock that is nicely done, but unfortunately plagued with unattractive sightlines. Sedgwick County Zoo also deserves mention for their excellent African elephant enclosures built at a surprisingly inexpensive cost compared to other modern elephant complexes.

Birmingham Zoo

@fkalltheway

@fkalltheway

Zoo Tampa

@Moebelle

Other than ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Dallas Zoo, the Birmingham Zoo, and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, what other zoos currently display elephants with other mammals? For some reason, I can't think of any with Asian elephants, specifically, although I would guess there are some.

Dallas is by no means "revolutionary" in its mixed exhibit with elephants. KC, Busch Gardens and Lowry Park have had mixes way before Dallas. I believe Birmingham had as well. And of course can't bring this up without Boras in Sweden who's been doing it since the 60s

There aren't still mixes with elephants at the Kansas City Zoo and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, are there?

Dallas took the initiative, planned things out carefully, took out elements/species that didn't work out and maintained the ones that did, and this was the result. Absolutely phenomenal show!

I don't think Kenyan impala are exhibited in Giants of the Savannah anymore. Are they one of the species that did not work in this set-up? How about any species possibly in addition to the impala?

the grass is frequently replanted and the forest backdrop works really well with the rest of the environment. Not very many elephant exhibits are kept from becoming dust bowls and with the amount of activity from all of the different inhabitants, it's extremely impressive they have been able to avoid that outcome. I maintain the riverbanks look great and the shift gates don't detract anything for me.

By the way, for anyone interested in seeing how the exhibit looks when all of the species are together, here is a short clip from the zoo's YouTube channel.

How often are all of the species exhibited together? It doesn't seem like this happens very often.

 

[Kudu21]

I don't think Kenyan impala are exhibited in Giants of the Savannah anymore. Are they one of the species that did not work in this set-up? How about any species possibly in addition to the impala?

That is correct. The impala have been gone for many years now. It’s not so much that the impala didn’t work, but that the impala were phased-out in favor of something rarer — Nile lechwe — and the Nile lechwe didn’t work out. The lechwe ended up not working out not because of the mix, per se, but just because of them being generally really flighty animals and because the bachelor herd broke down.

How often are all of the species exhibited together? It doesn't seem like this happens very often.

There have been a lot of moving parts within that exhibit recently with new animals in the herds, offspring being born to assorted species, changing herd dynamics, and staffing challenges; however, they usually do try to do a mix two to three days a week, sometimes with varying numbers of the species participating.

 

[pachyderm pro]

South Central

Only encompassing four states, there are only a few more exhibits worth mentioning in this part of the US. While the best has already been discussed, that doesn't mean there isn't some more stuff worth seeing. While it didn't get any mentions, Audubon Zoo is a strong facility that has a particularly impressive South American Pampas enclosure hosting a wide variety of megafauna including tapir, capybara, guanaco and various birds. The enclosure is several acres in size and features a massive lagoon. The adjacent maned wolf exhibit isn't half bad either.

@snowleopard

@Sarus Crane

Zoos in the state of Texas seem to really like displaying native species which is a recurring theme in this post. Brazos River Country at Cameron Park Zoo is among them and is about as fitting a native species exhibit as you could ask for; the zoo is located directly next to the Brazos River. The shorebird aviary and various large aquariums for local fish are fantastic, but the exhibit admittedly falls short with the carnivore enclosures.

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

@snowleopard

There's also the highly thematic Texas Wild at Fort Worth Zoo. The large Texas Town plaza is surely the most eye catching thing here. modeled after an old western town featuring numerous restaurants, a mock jail, and a large town hall that features historical displays about the lone star state. Once again however the animal habitats are admittedly hit and miss with nothing particularly standing out as great.

@geomorph

@gan

@snowleopard

An exhibit that takes a more specialized approach is Houston Zoo's Texas Wetlands. There are only a few species - alligators, whooping cranes, bald eagles and gar - but it all flows together as one brilliant cohesive environment with great conservation messaging. The faux tree work is truly excellent as well and the overall attention to detail is to be commended. This is an example of a complex that only focuses on a few things, but presents them exceptionally well.

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

@Moebelle

I'd also like to bring attention to Dallas Zoo's Herpetarium. It had fallen a bit out of date, but has recently been restored and reorganized into different wings that each showcase a different conversation focus. Many enclosures were renovated in the process and the signage was also updated. The collection is still immense with roughly 120 species on show and is yet another reptile house that is well worth seeing in the US.

@TinoPup

As an aside, please forgive me for taking way longer than I should be to finish these honorable mention posts. Life has been very busy, but I will make it a priority to wrap this thing up ASAP.

 

[CGSwans]

Texas is the state that has significantly underperformed on this list (both the primary one and the 'extended editions' of similar exhibits and honourable mentions), at least relative to my expectations. Houston has done well, with 3 list entries and 3 other mentions, and Fort Worth has 4 overall mentions and Dallas 3. Beyond that, there's only the honourable mention for Cameron Park and a similar exhibit at Fossil Rim. That's 15 entries out of a total 227 America-wide. Is this a surprise to people?

 

[King of Komodo Dragons]

Texas is the state that has significantly underperformed on this list (both the primary one and the 'extended editions' of similar exhibits and honourable mentions), at least relative to my expectations. Houston has done well, with 3 list entries and 3 other mentions, and Fort Worth has 4 overall mentions and Dallas 3. Beyond that, there's only the honourable mention for Cameron Park and a similar exhibit at Fossil Rim. That's 15 entries out of a total 227 America-wide. Is this a surprise to people?

Honestly yes, with Fort Worth, Houston, and Dallas all good contendors for top 20 zoos in the country and san antonio and cameron park potentially being in top 50 I was suprised how little Texas got on the list, though with several Texas zoos such as Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio having major expansions planned and some underway I could see more Texas exhibits make this kind of list if it's redone in 10 to 15 years