I thought I posted in this thread before, but apparently I did not.
Prior to 2022, I would have said that the North Carolina Zoo was definitely suffering from this. As someone who had visited the zoo over 20 times since 2006, I definitely noticed a downward trajectory that seems to have come to end only recently.
Since 2006, they have closed two of their biggest and most unique exhibits; the African Pavilion around 2014 (although the animals were moved out by 2008), and the Rainforest Aviary in 2022. They also removed their Australian walkabout exhibit, although I think that was just a temporary exhibit anyway. However, the zoo never replaced these exhibits with anything new, which resulted in a substantial reduction of species (which certain media sources seem to have not gotten the memo on as I still see people quote the zoo has having ~250 species to this day which is not even close to accurate).
Granted, the zoo hasn't been completely stagnant; they did open the Zoofari ride (which is excellent for getting good views of the Rhinos and Antelope), the Skyfari trail attraction, the butterfly garden, and a brand new Ocelot exhibit. That's all good, but it could not fill in the massive gaps left over from the removal of the 2 principle indoor exhibits.
Additionally, there are subtle hints around the zoo that suggest they have had to scale back on operations; the tram system was clearly more substantial with more stops, and there is an unused path going behind the Chimpanzee and Lemur exhibits that was definitely intended for guest use (you can see directional signs on this path when you ride past it on the tram).
However, the zoo's fortunes appear to have flipped post-pandemic, as unbelievable as that may sound. They hit their all-time attendance record the same year the Aviary closed, and they were finally able to break ground on the new Asia complex. The future actually looks bright for the zoo now, which is something I would not have said just 2 years ago.
Also, I heavily disagree with the WCS facilities (especially Bronx) being listed here. Bronx is still a top 4 facility for me even with its stagnation; it's probably the one zoo that can do nothing and still be on top because it's just that damn good (the main reason I don't rank it higher is mainly due to operations rather than collection or exhibits). Prospect Park was in full swing and you don't even notice the flood impacts. Queens is still solid and the aquarium is the best it's ever been.
Prior to 2022, I would have said that the North Carolina Zoo was definitely suffering from this. As someone who had visited the zoo over 20 times since 2006, I definitely noticed a downward trajectory that seems to have come to end only recently.
Since 2006, they have closed two of their biggest and most unique exhibits; the African Pavilion around 2014 (although the animals were moved out by 2008), and the Rainforest Aviary in 2022. They also removed their Australian walkabout exhibit, although I think that was just a temporary exhibit anyway. However, the zoo never replaced these exhibits with anything new, which resulted in a substantial reduction of species (which certain media sources seem to have not gotten the memo on as I still see people quote the zoo has having ~250 species to this day which is not even close to accurate).
Granted, the zoo hasn't been completely stagnant; they did open the Zoofari ride (which is excellent for getting good views of the Rhinos and Antelope), the Skyfari trail attraction, the butterfly garden, and a brand new Ocelot exhibit. That's all good, but it could not fill in the massive gaps left over from the removal of the 2 principle indoor exhibits.
Additionally, there are subtle hints around the zoo that suggest they have had to scale back on operations; the tram system was clearly more substantial with more stops, and there is an unused path going behind the Chimpanzee and Lemur exhibits that was definitely intended for guest use (you can see directional signs on this path when you ride past it on the tram).
However, the zoo's fortunes appear to have flipped post-pandemic, as unbelievable as that may sound. They hit their all-time attendance record the same year the Aviary closed, and they were finally able to break ground on the new Asia complex. The future actually looks bright for the zoo now, which is something I would not have said just 2 years ago.
Also, I heavily disagree with the WCS facilities (especially Bronx) being listed here. Bronx is still a top 4 facility for me even with its stagnation; it's probably the one zoo that can do nothing and still be on top because it's just that damn good (the main reason I don't rank it higher is mainly due to operations rather than collection or exhibits). Prospect Park was in full swing and you don't even notice the flood impacts. Queens is still solid and the aquarium is the best it's ever been.