AZA 2017 Exhibit Awards

Zooplantman

Zooplantman

Well-Known Member
There were a total of 17 exhibits submitted. These were selected.

Exhibit Award - institutional operating budget under $5 million:
  • Top Honors - Henry Vilas Zoo for Arctic Passage


Exhibit Award - institutional operating budget over $5 million:
  • Innovation -
    • California Academy of Sciences for Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed;
    • Philadelphia Zoo for ZOO360®
  • Significant Achievement - Cincinnati Zoo for Africa
  • Top Honors -
    • Detroit Zoo for Polk Penguin Conservation Center;
    • Oregon Zoo for Elephant Lands
 
I really like the fact that at the last couple of annual AZA Conferences there has been the creation of a couple of new categories (budget under $5 million and innovation) but I'm very curious to know if there were submissions from a few high-profile zoos. It is great to see Henry Vilas, an excellent mid-sized zoo, receive some acclaim from its peers, and Cincinnati has done well with its African area. Detroit has built what appears to be a brilliant penguin center but I've personally seen Oregon Zoo's $60 million Elephant Lands and it pales in comparison to the trio that I will list below. I wonder if they each applied for the AZA Best Exhibit award? Maybe their submissions were either non-existent or not as impressive.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo - African Adventure - I toured this complex, including behind the scenes in the keeper areas and elephant barn with @Arizona Docent and zoo director Scott Barton while on my recent California road trip, and the entire zone is outstanding. Simply fantastic.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - African Grasslands - Costing $73 million and taking up 28 acres, this slice of Africa appears to be world-class.

Houston Zoo - Gorillas of the African Forest - I spent a long time in this part of the zoo while on my 2015 road trip and it is one of the best gorilla habitats in North America.
 
snowleopard said:
I really like the fact that at the last couple of annual AZA Conferences there has been the creation of a couple of new categories (budget under $5 million and innovation) but I'm very curious to know if there were submissions from a few high-profile zoos. It is great to see Henry Vilas, an excellent mid-sized zoo, receive some acclaim from its peers, and Cincinnati has done well with its African area. Detroit has built what appears to be a brilliant penguin center but I've personally seen Oregon Zoo's $60 million Elephant Lands and it pales in comparison to the trio that I will list below. I wonder if they each applied for the AZA Best Exhibit award? Maybe their submissions were either non-existent or not as impressive.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo - African Adventure - I toured this complex, including behind the scenes in the keeper areas and elephant barn with @Arizona Docent and zoo director Scott Barton while on my recent California road trip, and the entire zone is outstanding. Simply fantastic.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - African Grasslands - Costing $73 million and taking up 28 acres, this slice of Africa appears to be world-class.

Houston Zoo - Gorillas of the African Forest - I spent a long time in this part of the zoo while on my 2015 road trip and it is one of the best gorilla habitats in North America.
Click to expand...

I recall that Houston was a contender. As was Fresno. I don't remember if Omaha was.
As to the "whys"... yeah
 
I have just toured the Detroit Zoo's Polk Penguin Conservation Center and it is indeed a worthy recipient of an award!
 
In my opinion these days the AZA Exhibit award seems to be more of an "impact" award than a true "exhibit" award. From what I have heard if the submittal does not have substantial research about the educational impact the exhibit has on guests (which includes pre- and post-evaluations) then it significantly impacts if worthiness of an award.

snowleopard said:
I really like the fact that at the last couple of annual AZA Conferences there has been the creation of a couple of new categories (budget under $5 million and innovation) but I'm very curious to know if there were submissions from a few high-profile zoos. It is great to see Henry Vilas, an excellent mid-sized zoo, receive some acclaim from its peers, and Cincinnati has done well with its African area. Detroit has built what appears to be a brilliant penguin center but I've personally seen Oregon Zoo's $60 million Elephant Lands and it pales in comparison to the trio that I will list below. I wonder if they each applied for the AZA Best Exhibit award? Maybe their submissions were either non-existent or not as impressive.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo - African Adventure - I toured this complex, including behind the scenes in the keeper areas and elephant barn with @Arizona Docent and zoo director Scott Barton while on my recent California road trip, and the entire zone is outstanding. Simply fantastic.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - African Grasslands - Costing $73 million and taking up 28 acres, this slice of Africa appears to be world-class.

Houston Zoo - Gorillas of the African Forest - I spent a long time in this part of the zoo while on my 2015 road trip and it is one of the best gorilla habitats in North America.
Click to expand...
 
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