In the latest Beastly Banner, the zoo shed a little light on their new master plan.
Spring 2020 - Adventure Cove: seals, sea lions, 250-seat amphitheater, indoor/outdoor Animal Encounter Village featuring sloths, penguins, cheetahs, and toucans.
2020 Orangutan: "You will soon be able to visit the Zoo's orangutan troop year-round as we construct a bright, two-story dayroom with lots of space for primates to swing, play, and relax."
2025 Congo Expedition: "Our bonobo and gorilla habitats will be renovated, expanded, and enriched..."
Except these cubs were inbred, so could there be any potential problems?Three African Lion cubs hav been born at Columbus Zoo!
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! 3 African lion cubs born at Columbus Zoo
They will most likely not be utilized in the SSP. As the article mentions, Tomo is over-represented anyways. They will probably be sterilized and then females will probably stay at Columbus, while males might start a bachelor pride or move out of the AZA.Except these cubs were inbred, so could there be any potential problems?
Yes. The lions are listed in ZIMS as Melanochaita. The zoo currently has 2 females born in Denver whose parents were imported by Denver Zoo from Cango Wildlife Ranch (South Africa) - these 2 females came from Denver to Columbus in 2007, and 3 females born in Columbus in 2015. There are also 3 cubs born this spring. The father of all cubs (2019 and 2015 litters) came to Columbus from San Diego Safari Park and died recently - he is listed in ZIMS as Krugeri subspecies which I believe is currently considered a synonym to Melanochiata.According to Zooinstitutes, this Zoo exhibits Melanochaita subspecies of Lion, Gyas subspecies of Brown bear and South African vervet. Is this true?
Not a regular, but visited last year even later in the year (end of December). I saw everything in 2:30-3 hours, although presumably it'll take you longer as the weather will be better. Lots of the zoo will be closed, with some parts not being accessible at all (African Savanna, most of Australia).Question for you Columbus Zoo regulars: Am planning on visiting this week while there on business. How long would seeing everything that's open this time of year likely take? Thanks!
Thanks!Not a regular, but visited last year even later in the year (end of December). I saw everything in 2:30-3 hours, although presumably it'll take you longer as the weather will be better. Lots of the zoo will be closed, with some parts not being accessible at all (African Savanna, most of Australia).