Gforrestersmith
Well-Known Member
Actually I agree with you on many of these things. I'd love to see a South American section at national zoo as well as a better ape exhibit and the return of hippos and giraffes to the zoo.
Changes You Would Make to Your Zoo
- Thread starter MountainBongo
- Start date
Actually I agree with you on many of these things. I'd love to see a South American section at national zoo as well as a better ape exhibit and the return of hippos and giraffes to the zoo.
I personally would much rather see rhinos than hippos and or giraffes, but I also do not think it is mandatory to bring back all of those animals. I am very satisfied with the zoos decision to get rid of them for more elephant space, and they already have a very nice collection. I just talked about how I would reintroduce all those abcs back into the zoo since you guys all wanted to. I personally find it much more enjoyable to see animals like giraffes hippos and rhinos at smaller Zoos than at bigger zoos, but I don't really know why.
I think that the only animals that are mandatory for the national zoo to keep are their ASIAN elephants, cheetahs, pandas, and bison since they have such great conservation success and research with all of them (not since they are popular). That doesn't mean I think they should get rid of any of the other ones though. It just means they are less important in my opinion.
I think that the only animals that are mandatory for the national zoo to keep are their ASIAN elephants, cheetahs, pandas, and bison since they have such great conservation success and research with all of them (not since they are popular). That doesn't mean I think they should get rid of any of the other ones though. It just means they are less important in my opinion.
I've actually been thinking about this lately, so what a great time for this thread to be resurrected! The changes that I would make to the Cincinnati Zoo would be the following:
-First and foremost, the bear grottos need immediate attention. When the last remaining American black and spectacled bears pass, I would combine their grottos into one and connect it to the current polar bear exhibit. I would have all of the moats filled in and glass viewing windows set into rock walls installed along the current viewing areas. I would have the exhibit formed by the former American black and spectacled bear grottos to be the tundra meadow enclosure, having them filled in and planted with grass and shrubs, their pools filled with sand. I would fill the moat in the current polar exhibit with gravel to allow for natural substrate in the shoreline enclosure. This way, the zoo can maintain the historical importance of the grottos while creating a much improved habitat for the polar bears.
-Second, when the two white lionesses pass, I would renovate their enclosure for orphan/problem American black bears and tie in the enclosure to the Floridian theme of Manatee Springs.
-Third, I would tackle the problem that is Wildlife Canyon. While capybaras and giant anteaters are already planned to take over the former Sumatran rhinoceros yards, the capybaras already on exhibit, I, personally, would have brought in Malayan tapirs, as they would fit perfectly into the former Sumatran rhino yards. The yards already have pools and mud wallows and large shade structures that would protect their eyes. Tapirs are also large and charismatic and could, possibly, be a real draw for guests just due to their oddity. The two yards could allow for a lot of flexibility. The zoo could house them together in one having another species (personally, I'd prefer lowland anoa) in the other yard, or house them separately. I would thus move the current capybaras into the saddlebill stork enclosure in Jungle Trails, since its theming has already been ruined with currasows and eventually tamarins. I would then move the storks to the African savanna. After that, I would work on providing more space for the other animals already exhibited there. Firstly, the bactrian camels and emus would have to go as they are just too common and of little conservation value. With that done, I would move the Visayan warty pigs into the former emu enclosure. In the former warty pig enclosure, I would combine the front and rear enclosures into one, increase the planting, install some hides, similar to those in the duiker exhibit, and bring back the western tufted deer. Then, I would combine the two camel yards into one for the Przewalski's horses and the Sichuan takin and horse yards for the takin. With this increased space, I would install piles of boulders in the takin yard to provide them with more climbing opportunities. I would also use the time the animals would need to be off exhibit to attempt to grow grass in the yards.
-My most ambitious plan for the zoo would be in regards to the elephants. First thing first, I would move all of the parking from zoo grounds, freeing up the last remaining free space in the zoo, the safari parking lot. In this parking lot, I would build a new house and set of enclosures for the zoo's elephants, allowing them much more space then they currently have. With the Elephant Reserve emptied, I would move Manjula the Indian rhinoceros (and any future rhinoceroses the zoo may or may not obtain) into the cow yard. If the zoo decides to take on a bull rhino, he could be housed in Sabu's yard. If not, then the heavy-duty fencing around Sabu's yard could be taken down and replaced with something softer, and the bactrian camels from Wildlife Canyon could be moved there.
-With Manjula's yard in Rhino Reserve freed up and two other Indian rhinoceros yards currently setting empty, I would then begin work on renovating Rhino Reserve. With Manjula's yard empty, I would use it as an expansion of the Grevy's zebra yard. With the zoo wanting to breed black rhinos again, I would thus fill in the pool in the leftside former Indian rhinoceros yard and use it as a second black rhinoceros yard to more easily manage a bull, cow, and future calves. I would then also fill in the pool in the rightside former Indian rhinoceros yard and use that yard for the zoo's bongo herd, freeing up the bongo yard for the okapis, thus allowing all of the okapis to be out at once.
And that's just part one!
-First and foremost, the bear grottos need immediate attention. When the last remaining American black and spectacled bears pass, I would combine their grottos into one and connect it to the current polar bear exhibit. I would have all of the moats filled in and glass viewing windows set into rock walls installed along the current viewing areas. I would have the exhibit formed by the former American black and spectacled bear grottos to be the tundra meadow enclosure, having them filled in and planted with grass and shrubs, their pools filled with sand. I would fill the moat in the current polar exhibit with gravel to allow for natural substrate in the shoreline enclosure. This way, the zoo can maintain the historical importance of the grottos while creating a much improved habitat for the polar bears.
-Second, when the two white lionesses pass, I would renovate their enclosure for orphan/problem American black bears and tie in the enclosure to the Floridian theme of Manatee Springs.
-Third, I would tackle the problem that is Wildlife Canyon. While capybaras and giant anteaters are already planned to take over the former Sumatran rhinoceros yards, the capybaras already on exhibit, I, personally, would have brought in Malayan tapirs, as they would fit perfectly into the former Sumatran rhino yards. The yards already have pools and mud wallows and large shade structures that would protect their eyes. Tapirs are also large and charismatic and could, possibly, be a real draw for guests just due to their oddity. The two yards could allow for a lot of flexibility. The zoo could house them together in one having another species (personally, I'd prefer lowland anoa) in the other yard, or house them separately. I would thus move the current capybaras into the saddlebill stork enclosure in Jungle Trails, since its theming has already been ruined with currasows and eventually tamarins. I would then move the storks to the African savanna. After that, I would work on providing more space for the other animals already exhibited there. Firstly, the bactrian camels and emus would have to go as they are just too common and of little conservation value. With that done, I would move the Visayan warty pigs into the former emu enclosure. In the former warty pig enclosure, I would combine the front and rear enclosures into one, increase the planting, install some hides, similar to those in the duiker exhibit, and bring back the western tufted deer. Then, I would combine the two camel yards into one for the Przewalski's horses and the Sichuan takin and horse yards for the takin. With this increased space, I would install piles of boulders in the takin yard to provide them with more climbing opportunities. I would also use the time the animals would need to be off exhibit to attempt to grow grass in the yards.
-My most ambitious plan for the zoo would be in regards to the elephants. First thing first, I would move all of the parking from zoo grounds, freeing up the last remaining free space in the zoo, the safari parking lot. In this parking lot, I would build a new house and set of enclosures for the zoo's elephants, allowing them much more space then they currently have. With the Elephant Reserve emptied, I would move Manjula the Indian rhinoceros (and any future rhinoceroses the zoo may or may not obtain) into the cow yard. If the zoo decides to take on a bull rhino, he could be housed in Sabu's yard. If not, then the heavy-duty fencing around Sabu's yard could be taken down and replaced with something softer, and the bactrian camels from Wildlife Canyon could be moved there.
-With Manjula's yard in Rhino Reserve freed up and two other Indian rhinoceros yards currently setting empty, I would then begin work on renovating Rhino Reserve. With Manjula's yard empty, I would use it as an expansion of the Grevy's zebra yard. With the zoo wanting to breed black rhinos again, I would thus fill in the pool in the leftside former Indian rhinoceros yard and use it as a second black rhinoceros yard to more easily manage a bull, cow, and future calves. I would then also fill in the pool in the rightside former Indian rhinoceros yard and use that yard for the zoo's bongo herd, freeing up the bongo yard for the okapis, thus allowing all of the okapis to be out at once.
And that's just part one!
I like your plan for Cincinnati, Kudu. I've thought about what changes I'd make to the zoo quite a bit myself. Here are some thoughts.
As for the bear line, I'd take a more radical and unpopular approach. As you said already, I'd wait for the Andean and black bears to pass before getting started. I'd take it one step further and relocate the polar bears to another institution. They're just such a tough species to keep happy in captivity, and the space is limited even with the two new grottos added.
After the bears were gone, I'd re-theme Jungle trails as an all African set of exhibits. The orange would move out along with gibbons and other Asian species. I would raze and re-work (nice to have imaginary unlimited money, right?) the orang, gibbon, macaque and part of the 2 bear grottoes to be one gorilla exhibit. The path past the bear line would disappear and the old exhibits would become part of JT. Gorillas and bonobos would become the primary species in the zone, while the lemurs would remain as well. I would put an exhibit for the red river hogs in the current stork exhibit. I would also add African leopards in the current polar bear enclosure by adding clubbing structures and a mesh barrier over the entire grotto. The arctic fox exhibit would also be razed and incorporated for the leopards. The colobus and guenons from Gorilla World would go into the exhibits across from the bonobo yard. The Orang/night house would be torn down and expanded to house gorillas in cooler weather.
I would take on the empty Gorilla World enclosures. I'd fill the moat and add dirt/sand. Glass viewing would come next. I'd add a water feature and keep with the tropical theming. Jaguars would be the new inhabitants of the main yard. It would be consistent with the nearby Cat Canyon. I would use the colobus enclosure for a neotropical primate such as howlers. The smaller primate enclosure would house a tropical reptile such as green iguanas in the summer, or perhaps tamarins.
With the Gorilla World rework done, I would take nearby Wildlife Canyon on next. I would turn the entire area into a South American zone. Camels and emus go. River hogs are already in JT. Warty pigs, horses and takins come later, but will be accounted for. I'd keep the anteaters and capybaras. A South American tapir species would inhabit one of the old Sumatran rhino yards. Chacoan peccaries would go in one of the suid yards. I'd have guanacos in the old camel yard and rheas in the horse yard. I'd unite the emu and wallaby exhibits, put up additional rock barrier, and put in bush dogs.
Again, a tough decision will be made on the elephants. Going with the trends at Philly, Bronx, and the Chicago zoos, I'd ship them out. Cincinnati is a zoo with problems when it comes to space and this will forever hamper their efforts to house elephants satisfactorily. Make a tough decision and move on. I'd keep with the Indian theme of the historic building and bring the Indian rhinos over from Reserve to fill the cow yard. I'd then bring in some blackbuck and nilgai to put into the bull yard.
Gotta build a deck, so I'll be back later to finish.
As for the bear line, I'd take a more radical and unpopular approach. As you said already, I'd wait for the Andean and black bears to pass before getting started. I'd take it one step further and relocate the polar bears to another institution. They're just such a tough species to keep happy in captivity, and the space is limited even with the two new grottos added.
After the bears were gone, I'd re-theme Jungle trails as an all African set of exhibits. The orange would move out along with gibbons and other Asian species. I would raze and re-work (nice to have imaginary unlimited money, right?) the orang, gibbon, macaque and part of the 2 bear grottoes to be one gorilla exhibit. The path past the bear line would disappear and the old exhibits would become part of JT. Gorillas and bonobos would become the primary species in the zone, while the lemurs would remain as well. I would put an exhibit for the red river hogs in the current stork exhibit. I would also add African leopards in the current polar bear enclosure by adding clubbing structures and a mesh barrier over the entire grotto. The arctic fox exhibit would also be razed and incorporated for the leopards. The colobus and guenons from Gorilla World would go into the exhibits across from the bonobo yard. The Orang/night house would be torn down and expanded to house gorillas in cooler weather.
I would take on the empty Gorilla World enclosures. I'd fill the moat and add dirt/sand. Glass viewing would come next. I'd add a water feature and keep with the tropical theming. Jaguars would be the new inhabitants of the main yard. It would be consistent with the nearby Cat Canyon. I would use the colobus enclosure for a neotropical primate such as howlers. The smaller primate enclosure would house a tropical reptile such as green iguanas in the summer, or perhaps tamarins.
With the Gorilla World rework done, I would take nearby Wildlife Canyon on next. I would turn the entire area into a South American zone. Camels and emus go. River hogs are already in JT. Warty pigs, horses and takins come later, but will be accounted for. I'd keep the anteaters and capybaras. A South American tapir species would inhabit one of the old Sumatran rhino yards. Chacoan peccaries would go in one of the suid yards. I'd have guanacos in the old camel yard and rheas in the horse yard. I'd unite the emu and wallaby exhibits, put up additional rock barrier, and put in bush dogs.
Again, a tough decision will be made on the elephants. Going with the trends at Philly, Bronx, and the Chicago zoos, I'd ship them out. Cincinnati is a zoo with problems when it comes to space and this will forever hamper their efforts to house elephants satisfactorily. Make a tough decision and move on. I'd keep with the Indian theme of the historic building and bring the Indian rhinos over from Reserve to fill the cow yard. I'd then bring in some blackbuck and nilgai to put into the bull yard.
Gotta build a deck, so I'll be back later to finish.
I personally disagree, and think that Cincinnati zoo should keep at least 1 bear species. You shouldn't get rid of all of them. If you have to get rid of some, and move the rest to a different area in the zoo.
Bronx:
1. Do a mass renovation of Wild Asia including a brand new multi-acre elephant facility able to hold bulls and a family herd. I'd also include an rhino wallow and multiple hoofstock habitats.
2. Once the polar bear kicks the bucket, destroy the grotto and make the area suitable for sloth bears.
I'd also do a spit & shine on the whole zoo to make everything fresh (sprucing up African Plains a bit.
1. Do a mass renovation of Wild Asia including a brand new multi-acre elephant facility able to hold bulls and a family herd. I'd also include an rhino wallow and multiple hoofstock habitats.
2. Once the polar bear kicks the bucket, destroy the grotto and make the area suitable for sloth bears.
I'd also do a spit & shine on the whole zoo to make everything fresh (sprucing up African Plains a bit.
bigfoot410
Well-Known Member
I posted some ideas on the "Future of the Bronx Zoo thread" but here are renovations I would like to see at the Bronx Zoo:
Big Bears area: Renovate the current polar bear exhibit with a tall mesh cover for Steller’s Sea Eagle. Being able to see them nest and fly along the cliffs would be amazing. Fill in the moat for the brown bears to allow for further expansion of that exhibit with both glass and open air viewing. In the plaza behind the bears make it more immersive (maybe a little ice cream parlor, seating and the current restrooms can have an Alaskan theme). Exhibits around the plaza for bald eagle, snowy owls, gyrfalcon, arctic fox, eiders and other sea ducks, North American porcupine (a South American species can replace them in the CZ). Ideally a 2nd bear habitat could be built here on the grounds of WoD (for a polar bear return), but that is unlikely.
Expand Tiger Mountain into Amur River Valley: allow the conservation message to spread from Amur tigers to the entire region. Using the deep wooded area next to the tigers for immersive exhibits for Amur leopards, Siberian lynx or Amur leopard cats, large flight cage for Cinereous vultures, exhibit for eagle or ural owls, cranes and maybe not the best fit geographically but a takin exhibit.
World of Darkness: Other than for Boo at the Zoo the WoD has been empty since 2009. It is an interesting building and an example of 1960’s era modern architecture that really sticks out since it has been empty for so long. However; I am of two minds should it be knocked down for an expanded/2nd bear exhibit or renovated and reopened.
a. If the WoD is to reopen I would like to keep the same theme: nocturnal animals. It’s a big, black building so unless it gets a major outside face lift I would keep the theme. Focus on animals that the public has major misconceptions about- bats, snakes, spiders, rats etc. and have the WoD be a way for the public to challenge these fears and misconceptions. A walk through spider habitat (orb or garden spider varieties that stay on their webs) and a walk through bat habitat (with an option to pass it) would be ideal. Also large exhibits for various snake species, cloud rats, Madagascar jumping rats (with maybe dwarf lemurs in trees above), return of naked mole rats, terrariums for various spider, scorpion, smaller snakes and other insects, a vampire bat cave and a large forest habitat for aye ayes would complete the exhibit. I would love to have a return of sand cats, leopard cats and many of the other great species once held, but that might not work trying to give all the animals a much larger space. Also, I would rather re-theme and renovate the WoD instead of just reopening as is with the current exhibit spaces.
World of Reptiles: With so many excellent reptile houses recently opened (especially Fort Worth and Los Angeles) eventually the Bronx Zoo has to look to completely refurbish it’s grand dame. Being the oldest building at the zoo the outside cannot be altered and it is a beautiful building. However; the inside can be modernized with larger habitats, floor to ceiling glass and possibly a change in displaying the animals via habitats instead of by genus. One main area I would focus on is the crocodilian hall. Make it one large habitat with a deeper pool. I love the false gharials, but the space isn’t good for them. I would keep a pair of Cuban Crocodiles here. I also think if the WoR went a biome route, the entrance should focus on locals- hellbenders, timber rattlesnakes and other species found in the Northeast. Desert, swamp, islands and rainforest biomes can also be represented. If $ was available maybe a modern wing could be attached to the back of the building for larger species like a rainforest biome for the false gharials, reticulated pythons and other species. The amazing conservation work with reptiles and amphibians would also be highlighted throughout.
Old Bird House (in Astor Court): This is much more fantasy than my other ideas. Administration be moved elsewhere. The Old Bird House can then go through a restoration inside to focus on another conservation hot spot with a very popular animal, penguins. The focus of the renovation would be in line with an idea William Conway had in the late 1970’s to renovate one of the Astor Court building for a penguin habitat. I would go with Antarctic penguins (similar to CPZ which might be why this exhibit was never built) and the discussion on climate change’s impact would be shown. Another exhibit could highlight issues in the Northern poles with a new Rocky Coast (puffins in a much larger exhibit) and Seashore (free flight area for terns, oystercatcher and other smaller sea birds). This exhibit would be able to address a hot topic area of conservation as well as thematically work with the historic old bird building.
Rare Animal Range: Over 20 acres of space that has so much potential. I discussed this area as a possible Australia or South American zone which could work. But ultimately I would chose this area as the only area left on Bronx Zoo grounds that could possibly hold a major Asian Elephant facility (unless Wild Asia as it is now is scrapped and redone, which I might tackle that idea later!). Yes, a large building (a la Oregon or Copenhagen) and several acre habitats for a breeding herd and a bachelor herd. I know I have completely gone into fantasy world, but to see what the Bronx Zoo designers could do with the $ for a major habitat like this.
a. The major draw would be elephants, but other species should be included: Javan banteng, Malaysian tapir (outside!), babirusa, Javan and/or White Handed gibbon, black leopard (outside!), fishing cat, adjunct storks (remain where they are) could all be included in exhibits along the trails leading to different viewpoints into the elephant habitats.
b. If enough acreage allowed I would add a Malaysian tiger exhibit, possibly with the ability to rotate sun bears and/or sloth bears into the various habitats. Other exhibits could complement the predator area including warty pigs, Celebes macaque (I know phase out species ) , another deer species, binterong, crested porcupine…
So along with my ideas on the other thread, this would be some areas I'd like the Bronx Zoo to tackle. I have ideas of a Children's Zoo expansion, Wild Asia and extension of CGF in my head too!
Big Bears area: Renovate the current polar bear exhibit with a tall mesh cover for Steller’s Sea Eagle. Being able to see them nest and fly along the cliffs would be amazing. Fill in the moat for the brown bears to allow for further expansion of that exhibit with both glass and open air viewing. In the plaza behind the bears make it more immersive (maybe a little ice cream parlor, seating and the current restrooms can have an Alaskan theme). Exhibits around the plaza for bald eagle, snowy owls, gyrfalcon, arctic fox, eiders and other sea ducks, North American porcupine (a South American species can replace them in the CZ). Ideally a 2nd bear habitat could be built here on the grounds of WoD (for a polar bear return), but that is unlikely.
Expand Tiger Mountain into Amur River Valley: allow the conservation message to spread from Amur tigers to the entire region. Using the deep wooded area next to the tigers for immersive exhibits for Amur leopards, Siberian lynx or Amur leopard cats, large flight cage for Cinereous vultures, exhibit for eagle or ural owls, cranes and maybe not the best fit geographically but a takin exhibit.
World of Darkness: Other than for Boo at the Zoo the WoD has been empty since 2009. It is an interesting building and an example of 1960’s era modern architecture that really sticks out since it has been empty for so long. However; I am of two minds should it be knocked down for an expanded/2nd bear exhibit or renovated and reopened.
a. If the WoD is to reopen I would like to keep the same theme: nocturnal animals. It’s a big, black building so unless it gets a major outside face lift I would keep the theme. Focus on animals that the public has major misconceptions about- bats, snakes, spiders, rats etc. and have the WoD be a way for the public to challenge these fears and misconceptions. A walk through spider habitat (orb or garden spider varieties that stay on their webs) and a walk through bat habitat (with an option to pass it) would be ideal. Also large exhibits for various snake species, cloud rats, Madagascar jumping rats (with maybe dwarf lemurs in trees above), return of naked mole rats, terrariums for various spider, scorpion, smaller snakes and other insects, a vampire bat cave and a large forest habitat for aye ayes would complete the exhibit. I would love to have a return of sand cats, leopard cats and many of the other great species once held, but that might not work trying to give all the animals a much larger space. Also, I would rather re-theme and renovate the WoD instead of just reopening as is with the current exhibit spaces.
World of Reptiles: With so many excellent reptile houses recently opened (especially Fort Worth and Los Angeles) eventually the Bronx Zoo has to look to completely refurbish it’s grand dame. Being the oldest building at the zoo the outside cannot be altered and it is a beautiful building. However; the inside can be modernized with larger habitats, floor to ceiling glass and possibly a change in displaying the animals via habitats instead of by genus. One main area I would focus on is the crocodilian hall. Make it one large habitat with a deeper pool. I love the false gharials, but the space isn’t good for them. I would keep a pair of Cuban Crocodiles here. I also think if the WoR went a biome route, the entrance should focus on locals- hellbenders, timber rattlesnakes and other species found in the Northeast. Desert, swamp, islands and rainforest biomes can also be represented. If $ was available maybe a modern wing could be attached to the back of the building for larger species like a rainforest biome for the false gharials, reticulated pythons and other species. The amazing conservation work with reptiles and amphibians would also be highlighted throughout.
Old Bird House (in Astor Court): This is much more fantasy than my other ideas. Administration be moved elsewhere. The Old Bird House can then go through a restoration inside to focus on another conservation hot spot with a very popular animal, penguins. The focus of the renovation would be in line with an idea William Conway had in the late 1970’s to renovate one of the Astor Court building for a penguin habitat. I would go with Antarctic penguins (similar to CPZ which might be why this exhibit was never built) and the discussion on climate change’s impact would be shown. Another exhibit could highlight issues in the Northern poles with a new Rocky Coast (puffins in a much larger exhibit) and Seashore (free flight area for terns, oystercatcher and other smaller sea birds). This exhibit would be able to address a hot topic area of conservation as well as thematically work with the historic old bird building.
Rare Animal Range: Over 20 acres of space that has so much potential. I discussed this area as a possible Australia or South American zone which could work. But ultimately I would chose this area as the only area left on Bronx Zoo grounds that could possibly hold a major Asian Elephant facility (unless Wild Asia as it is now is scrapped and redone, which I might tackle that idea later!). Yes, a large building (a la Oregon or Copenhagen) and several acre habitats for a breeding herd and a bachelor herd. I know I have completely gone into fantasy world, but to see what the Bronx Zoo designers could do with the $ for a major habitat like this.
a. The major draw would be elephants, but other species should be included: Javan banteng, Malaysian tapir (outside!), babirusa, Javan and/or White Handed gibbon, black leopard (outside!), fishing cat, adjunct storks (remain where they are) could all be included in exhibits along the trails leading to different viewpoints into the elephant habitats.
b. If enough acreage allowed I would add a Malaysian tiger exhibit, possibly with the ability to rotate sun bears and/or sloth bears into the various habitats. Other exhibits could complement the predator area including warty pigs, Celebes macaque (I know phase out species ) , another deer species, binterong, crested porcupine…
So along with my ideas on the other thread, this would be some areas I'd like the Bronx Zoo to tackle. I have ideas of a Children's Zoo expansion, Wild Asia and extension of CGF in my head too!
Patience, my friend. I wasn't done yet
. Picking up where I left off, I'd go from Elephant Reserve to Africa. The only change I'd make is to the cheetah yard. I'd make the cheetah performance yard their permanent home and put olive baboons into the cheetah yard as it was planned originally.
Next would be Rhino Reserve. I'd keep things relatively status quo here. The only change I'd make is adding cape buffalo in the old Indian rhino yards. They're a horribly underrepresented in the Eastern US. Once the white lions run their course, I'd bring in spotted hyenas to occupy that enclosure across from the black rhino. It's always held a big predator, so it's feasible.
Then comes the big question. What to do with the Safari lot land. I'd make it an Asian-themed tropical exhibit. Kind of like a Jungle Trails continuation with an Asian theme. The orangs would go here, along with the gibbons and langurs. Addtionally, I'd house sun bears here to fill the bear void. Muntjac, babirusa, and a new clouded leopard exhibit (long overdue) would go here. Ideally, I'd also like to build a new reptile building somewhere. You can't tear down the current building due to it's historic status. Might not be possible.
@groundskeeper24 - Thanks! I've tried to keep my renovation plans within the realm of possibility for the zoo over the next, say 20 years. Most of the projects being minor renovations with the polar bear and elephant projects being the two billboard projects over the period... I really like the sound of cape buffalo, by the way! They are, indeed, too rare.
I’ve been thinking about this some more, and I’ve edited some of my plans...
-First off, for Wildlife Canyon, instead of expanding the current Visayan warty pig exhibit for the western tufted deer, I would keep it as is, size-wise, and renovate it for Indian crested porcupines and put the tufted deer in with the red pandas.
-Second, for Rhino Reserve, instead of expanding the Grevy's zebra yard into Manjula's current yard, I would split the yard in two and renovate it for the aardvarks and aardwolves, perhaps mixing the bat-eared foxes with the aardvarks.
I've been trying to come up with a solid plan for Night Hunters, but it has become quite difficult.... I do have a few solid ideas beyond freeing the aardvarks, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes from the build, including:
-Building an outdoor Pallas' cat enclosure in the area that is currently the "Highland Garden" next to the snow leopard exhibit.
-Moving the fossas into the current southern helmeted currasow exhibit in Jungle Trails and moving the curassows to the South American atrium in Wings of The World.
-Moving the binturongs to Jungle Trails as well, as I do believe that the Francois langurs are gone. I would then rotate them in and out with the lion-tailed macaques like the langurs did.
I'm still tossing around some ideas in my head as to what could be done... The cougars are really throwing things off... Ideally I'd send them away and renovate their exhibit for the clouded leopards, but I doubt the zoo would part with the cougars... And it is this fact that is really giving me creativity block , haha.
I’ve been thinking about this some more, and I’ve edited some of my plans...
-First off, for Wildlife Canyon, instead of expanding the current Visayan warty pig exhibit for the western tufted deer, I would keep it as is, size-wise, and renovate it for Indian crested porcupines and put the tufted deer in with the red pandas.
-Second, for Rhino Reserve, instead of expanding the Grevy's zebra yard into Manjula's current yard, I would split the yard in two and renovate it for the aardvarks and aardwolves, perhaps mixing the bat-eared foxes with the aardvarks.
I've been trying to come up with a solid plan for Night Hunters, but it has become quite difficult.... I do have a few solid ideas beyond freeing the aardvarks, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes from the build, including:
-Building an outdoor Pallas' cat enclosure in the area that is currently the "Highland Garden" next to the snow leopard exhibit.
-Moving the fossas into the current southern helmeted currasow exhibit in Jungle Trails and moving the curassows to the South American atrium in Wings of The World.
-Moving the binturongs to Jungle Trails as well, as I do believe that the Francois langurs are gone. I would then rotate them in and out with the lion-tailed macaques like the langurs did.
I'm still tossing around some ideas in my head as to what could be done... The cougars are really throwing things off... Ideally I'd send them away and renovate their exhibit for the clouded leopards, but I doubt the zoo would part with the cougars... And it is this fact that is really giving me creativity block , haha.
@Kudu21: I never really thought about changes to Night Hunters, being that it's so new. One thing I'd like to see happen is moving the bobcat from Night Hunters to Wolf Woods in the Children's Zoo. It's a perfect geographical fit, being an exhibit based on animals that once inhabited Ohio. I suppose the big hangup might be the age of the animal. If it's the same one that's always been there, then it's pretty old and may not adjust well to a dramatic change of scenery. If it were possible I'd renovate the old wild turkey mesh enclosure for the cats. Obviously, it wouldn't be a walk-though anymore, but there's plenty of space there for the cat. The enclosure in NH is painfully small.
As for the clouded leopards, I have some ideas. I'd love nothing more than to see the gorillas given a better exhibit. Gorilla World could probably be a good exhibit for any number of mid-sized to large carnivores once they're moved. I think an Asian bear species like sloth or sun bears would fit very well in the gorilla enclosure. Jaguars were the species I tabbed for the exhibit in my post, but other species would work as well. Once that was done, you could re-work the old colobus exhibit, combined with the guenon exhibit, for clouded leopards. It's certainly more space than NH affords them, and it's very vertically oriented, which the leopards could make use of.
One last idea I kicked around was for the elephant building. Originally, I proposed the idea of ditching them and using Reserve for rhinos and Asian hoofed stock. Perhaps the zoo could do away with orangutans instead. This would leave my idea for housing the gorillas in JT open as a possibility, and also free up the Safari lot for a new elephant exhibit. I don't recall exactly how big the lot is, but perhaps both elephants and Indian rhinos could be housed there. Maybe even some others.
If this would be doable, I might consider taking the elephant house and making it into a new reptile building. The Reptile House is a historic structure, but it's extremely outdated for holding any animal.
I'd make the Reptile House into a shop or restaurant. It would take a big re-work to prepare the elephant building to house reptiles, but it wouldn't be the first big change it's seen. I'd keep the cow yard and divide it in half. The galapagos tortoises would go into one end. I'd house a big crocodilian in the other, where there's already a big water feature. Then, you could put a glass greenhouse type addition on where the bull yard is to keep big lizards, tortoises and crocs. The inside would hold snakes, lizard and smaller reptiles.
As for the clouded leopards, I have some ideas. I'd love nothing more than to see the gorillas given a better exhibit. Gorilla World could probably be a good exhibit for any number of mid-sized to large carnivores once they're moved. I think an Asian bear species like sloth or sun bears would fit very well in the gorilla enclosure. Jaguars were the species I tabbed for the exhibit in my post, but other species would work as well. Once that was done, you could re-work the old colobus exhibit, combined with the guenon exhibit, for clouded leopards. It's certainly more space than NH affords them, and it's very vertically oriented, which the leopards could make use of.
One last idea I kicked around was for the elephant building. Originally, I proposed the idea of ditching them and using Reserve for rhinos and Asian hoofed stock. Perhaps the zoo could do away with orangutans instead. This would leave my idea for housing the gorillas in JT open as a possibility, and also free up the Safari lot for a new elephant exhibit. I don't recall exactly how big the lot is, but perhaps both elephants and Indian rhinos could be housed there. Maybe even some others.
If this would be doable, I might consider taking the elephant house and making it into a new reptile building. The Reptile House is a historic structure, but it's extremely outdated for holding any animal.
I'd make the Reptile House into a shop or restaurant. It would take a big re-work to prepare the elephant building to house reptiles, but it wouldn't be the first big change it's seen. I'd keep the cow yard and divide it in half. The galapagos tortoises would go into one end. I'd house a big crocodilian in the other, where there's already a big water feature. Then, you could put a glass greenhouse type addition on where the bull yard is to keep big lizards, tortoises and crocs. The inside would hold snakes, lizard and smaller reptiles.
Houston Zoo: Give the sea lion exhibit a major upgrade. The one that's there is really generic and boring. Since the sea lion is the only marine mammal at the zoo, I think it should get a bit more presentation. Personally I'd be all over a rocky shore theme with underwater viewing.
San Antonio Zoo: From what I've read, this zoo has improved a lot before I moved to San Antonio, but it still doesn't have a "big" exhibit. They say they want to get African elephants once their lone Asian elephant bites the dust, and I do hope they take the opportunity to make it their big exhibit, but it could be a while before that happens. I would consider using an existing animal for the big exhibit, perhaps their Sumantran tigers? As a relief from the Texas heat, they'd have a swimming pool, but what makes the exhibit stand out is the underwater viewing. As far as I'm aware, no zoo in the US has underwater viewing for tigers, so it would certainly get attention. Alternately, I'd get a new species. This zoo doesn't have any great apes, and it would be cool to get one. Possibly bonobos?
San Antonio Zoo: From what I've read, this zoo has improved a lot before I moved to San Antonio, but it still doesn't have a "big" exhibit. They say they want to get African elephants once their lone Asian elephant bites the dust, and I do hope they take the opportunity to make it their big exhibit, but it could be a while before that happens. I would consider using an existing animal for the big exhibit, perhaps their Sumantran tigers? As a relief from the Texas heat, they'd have a swimming pool, but what makes the exhibit stand out is the underwater viewing. As far as I'm aware, no zoo in the US has underwater viewing for tigers, so it would certainly get attention. Alternately, I'd get a new species. This zoo doesn't have any great apes, and it would be cool to get one. Possibly bonobos?
Cleveland Zoo: My ratings for this zoo have plummeted from 70-80 in 2011 to now only 30-40. Fish are kept in bad enclosures and look like they are dying or depressed.
GumLeaf Hideout: Get a new tree kangaroo and put the magpie goose in the pond near the cockatoos.
Destroy the little playground in Australian Adventure and the rabbit exhibit. Make some sort of educational children's area, called Learning Zoo or Zooschool or something. Remove the sheep/donkey runs (they are dangerous to visitors) and make smaller runs for the sheep, donkeys, and miniature horses.
PCA- Remodel extensively! Move the fish to the Cleveland Aquarium and make that area a herpetology area. Move the herps from the RainForest and use the lower level for pygmy hippos, more crocodiles, maybe even jaguar or something (margay, more primates)
Northern Trek- Get penguins permanently, remodel all the exhibits, etc. Move the camel (which looks weird- it has matted hair and is thin), to another zoo with Bactrian camels. Make that exhibit for penguins (the former camel exhibit). Put more turtles and fish in Wolf Wilderness, remove the pheasant and add maybe a wild turkey or ruffed grouse there. Add mudpuppies, deer mice, frogs, toads, etc.
African Savanna- Demolish the leopard exhibit and expand the rhinos to there. Monkey Island should become a hyrax/klipspringer/meerkat kopje. Move the meerkats from African Elephant Crossing and put Kirk's dik-diks in their place.
GumLeaf Hideout: Get a new tree kangaroo and put the magpie goose in the pond near the cockatoos.
Destroy the little playground in Australian Adventure and the rabbit exhibit. Make some sort of educational children's area, called Learning Zoo or Zooschool or something. Remove the sheep/donkey runs (they are dangerous to visitors) and make smaller runs for the sheep, donkeys, and miniature horses.
PCA- Remodel extensively! Move the fish to the Cleveland Aquarium and make that area a herpetology area. Move the herps from the RainForest and use the lower level for pygmy hippos, more crocodiles, maybe even jaguar or something (margay, more primates)
Northern Trek- Get penguins permanently, remodel all the exhibits, etc. Move the camel (which looks weird- it has matted hair and is thin), to another zoo with Bactrian camels. Make that exhibit for penguins (the former camel exhibit). Put more turtles and fish in Wolf Wilderness, remove the pheasant and add maybe a wild turkey or ruffed grouse there. Add mudpuppies, deer mice, frogs, toads, etc.
African Savanna- Demolish the leopard exhibit and expand the rhinos to there. Monkey Island should become a hyrax/klipspringer/meerkat kopje. Move the meerkats from African Elephant Crossing and put Kirk's dik-diks in their place.
Sorry @TheMightyOrca, Bronx has underwater viewing for their Amurs.
@TheMightyOrca, Virginia Zoo has underwater viewing for their tigers.
I think that Tiger Trails at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has underwater viewing for tigers.
zooboy28
Well-Known Member
It has a pool that is glass-fronted, calling it underwater viewing might be a bit of a stretch. It doesn't really even look deep enough for swimming in, but that might be the preception.
Photo here: http://www.zoochat.com/297/sdwap-tiger-trail-split-level-water-377471/
GraysonDP
Well-Known Member
Here are some changes I would make to the Bronx Zoo:
- Use former Rare Animal Range to build a state-of-the-art exhibit for a breeding herd of Asian elephants.
- Turn former monkey house into an Outback House for Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and platypuses. Outdoor yards will be on Astor Court.
- Remove komodo dragons and white rhinos from Zoo Center in order to use the building for a hippo exhibit with underwater viewings both inside and outside.
-Turn former World of Darkness building into an Amazon Rainforest complete with tapirs, capybaras, toucans, giant otters, howler monkeys, tamarins, macaws, and other South American animals.
- Phase out elephants, tigers and red pandas from the monorail and replace them with Bactrian camels, Malayan tapirs, and orangutans. Phase out tapirs and leopards from Jungle World.
- Bulldoze bear exhibits, phase out polar bears, and built state-of-the-art grizzly bear exhibit in its place.
- Renovate Carter Giraffe Building and move out hyenas and wild dogs to expand the complex. Build new exhibits for lions, hyenas, cheetahs and wild dogs next to African Plains in between Congo Gorilla Forest and Baboon Reserve. Put warthogs in former lion exhibit.
- Build meerkat exhibit in between African Plains and Wild Asia plaza.
- Use former Rare Animal Range to build a state-of-the-art exhibit for a breeding herd of Asian elephants.
- Turn former monkey house into an Outback House for Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and platypuses. Outdoor yards will be on Astor Court.
- Remove komodo dragons and white rhinos from Zoo Center in order to use the building for a hippo exhibit with underwater viewings both inside and outside.
-Turn former World of Darkness building into an Amazon Rainforest complete with tapirs, capybaras, toucans, giant otters, howler monkeys, tamarins, macaws, and other South American animals.
- Phase out elephants, tigers and red pandas from the monorail and replace them with Bactrian camels, Malayan tapirs, and orangutans. Phase out tapirs and leopards from Jungle World.
- Bulldoze bear exhibits, phase out polar bears, and built state-of-the-art grizzly bear exhibit in its place.
- Renovate Carter Giraffe Building and move out hyenas and wild dogs to expand the complex. Build new exhibits for lions, hyenas, cheetahs and wild dogs next to African Plains in between Congo Gorilla Forest and Baboon Reserve. Put warthogs in former lion exhibit.
- Build meerkat exhibit in between African Plains and Wild Asia plaza.
bigfoot410
Well-Known Member
Interesting ideas;
I think several Bronx Zoo people on here agree the Rare Animal Range would be the best spot for the Asian Elephants.
Monkey House- you cannot do yards onto Astor Court, that area is a protected landmark. Small species could go in an "Australia House" in the former Monkey House.
Zoo Center- they spent so much money on the renovation I don't think they would go back, but they could have done pygmy hippos on that side where the komodos are now.
Your other ideas would be great (even though not financially feasible) like having tapirs on the monorail. However; I don't think orangs would be good at Wild Asia.
I think several Bronx Zoo people on here agree the Rare Animal Range would be the best spot for the Asian Elephants.
Monkey House- you cannot do yards onto Astor Court, that area is a protected landmark. Small species could go in an "Australia House" in the former Monkey House.
Zoo Center- they spent so much money on the renovation I don't think they would go back, but they could have done pygmy hippos on that side where the komodos are now.
Your other ideas would be great (even though not financially feasible) like having tapirs on the monorail. However; I don't think orangs would be good at Wild Asia.
Elephants to RAR, is boring. You guys just plop geography here and there amongst Zoo grounds with no cohesiveness. It's fine and dandy, but look at historical buildings before taking your minds eraser and wiping clean.
The monkey into outback. Outback has been played out and it is nearly the same at every zoo with a few changes in animal collection. Would you really waste a historical building on such a thing?
WOD is not large enough for all you entail in your Amazon area. Again, Amazon? Can't anyone come up with better ideas? It's the same recycled scraps leftover from the larger firms like CLR and Porticopotty.
Again, why ruin history with Africa? Those exhibits have worked for decades. You guys like to erase history. The dog exhibit is kinda new-ish. Don't know why you'd scrap it.
Bulldoze bear exhibits? I'd pay to see that rock vs. a dozer. Are you serving drinks and snacks? May take a while.
Bringing in Orangs for WA, seems wasteful. Highly regarded and engaging animal only to be seen during nice weather? Hmm.
The monkey into outback. Outback has been played out and it is nearly the same at every zoo with a few changes in animal collection. Would you really waste a historical building on such a thing?
WOD is not large enough for all you entail in your Amazon area. Again, Amazon? Can't anyone come up with better ideas? It's the same recycled scraps leftover from the larger firms like CLR and Porticopotty.
Again, why ruin history with Africa? Those exhibits have worked for decades. You guys like to erase history. The dog exhibit is kinda new-ish. Don't know why you'd scrap it.
Bulldoze bear exhibits? I'd pay to see that rock vs. a dozer. Are you serving drinks and snacks? May take a while.
Bringing in Orangs for WA, seems wasteful. Highly regarded and engaging animal only to be seen during nice weather? Hmm.