Sounds nice but why not do rotational also having western black rhinos and northern white per each exhibit maybe add patas monkeys to the white rhino Gazelle exhibit and maybe also grants zebra as the rotational. What about greater eland added to the mix now would those exhibits have a side exhibit or lower or higher ridge seperate exhibit of a canivoreI don't know if this is in the right place, but I can't think of anywhere else to put it so this seemed my best option. Anyway, title says it all. Design your own zoo, note down which species you would have, how they will be exhibited etc. Say where your zoological park would be in the world, and why it would be special. I'll start with my example.
Fauna Gardens Wildife Park would be a unique experiance built up somewhere in the United Kingdom. The park would be unique for housing many species not currently seen within the United Kingdom, such as Cetaceans and Giant Pandas, as well as less well known ungulates such as Gerenuks and Thomson's Gazelle.
The park itself would be split into four ‘Biome Parks,’ each representing two or three of the world’s major habitats. These shall be ‘Rainforests and Swamps,’ ‘Woodlands and Mountains,’ ‘Grasslands and Deserts,’ and ‘Oceans and Tundra.’
Dividing the park in this manner will hopefully bring in a huge number of benefits, including educating visitors to the various animal habitats, and also allowing the visitor to ‘customize’ their day. For example, it would cost £5.00 to gain admission to one zone, whilst it would cost £16.00 for a ‘Multi-Park Ticket,’ allowing the visitor to go between parks. (Prices based on a full-paying adult in high season).
Anyway, lets start with the animal parts
GRASSLANDS AND DESERTS
Africa in Danger holds several species of African animals that are either endangered or critically endangered. The main paddock is a massive 15 acres for a herd of Grevy’s Zebra (equus grevyi), a herd of pure-bred West-African Giraffes (giraffa camelopardalis peralta) and a pair of Eastern Black Rhinoceros (Diceros Bicornis Michaeli). There are also two smaller paddocks for the Black Rhinoceros, one of which is off-show. The giraffe and zebra also have three small isolation paddocks each.
The indoor building acts as a part of the Black Rhinoceros indoor accomodation. There is also an enclosure for Radiated Tortoises (astrochelys radiata) which has both indoor and outdoor accomodation. A wooden boardwalk takes the visitor up to a second level and out onto a large wooden balcony directly above the main paddock. This would have informative displays and boards, as well as binoculars, telescopes and donation boxes.
The zebra and giraffe have seperate indoor enclosures which are off-show at the other end of the main paddock.
Enrichment would include a number of salt licks and scratching posts, a large mud wallow, pursuit balls, browse feeders at varying heights and other varied ways of feeding to keep the animals active. The paddock would be landscaped so that it isn’t completely flat, allowing the animals to stand at different points of elevation. It would be naturally planted with large rocks, African daisies, African grasses and Acacia trees. The paddock would include two areas of hard-standing, one of which would be outside the main building and one of which would be outside of the giraffe and zebra indoor accomodation.
An enclosure for African Hunting Dogs (lycaon pictus) would also be incorporated into this area, and would use wood and glass as fencing where possible. Within the enclosure would be elevated platforms for rest, logs and rocks for climbing/hiding, long grasses and dug-out dens for hiding and a number of enrichment toys, such as pursuit balls, feeder balls and stuffed prey dummies. Meat would be placed in these dummies at feeding times.
Mara is a large paddock similar to Africa in Danger’s main paddock; however it showcases species that are not quite as threatened as those seen in the aforementioned area. The main point for visitors is a large elevated platform that lies cleverly on the border between the grassland and the hippo’s lake, making the whole area seem like one huge exhibit.
The grassland side of the exhibit houses several species, such as Southern White Rhinoceros (ceratotherium simum simum), Gemsbok (oryx gazella), Ostrich (struthio camelus), Blue Wildebeest (connochaetes taurinus), Gerenuk (litocranius walleri), Impala (aepyceros melampus) and Thomson’s Gazelle (eudorcas thomsonii). Indoor accomodation for these species is in the form of large, off-show stables at the far end of the paddock. Six smaller paddocks are also connected to the main paddock, allowing for isolation and introductions where necessary.
Enrichment, landscaping and planting is similar to Africa in Danger’s paddock.
The hippo’s lake side features a small herd of Common Hippopotamus (hippopotamus amphibius), as well as Cape Buffalo (syncerus caffer). Indoor accomodation is again off-show stables. This exhibit is planted with reeds and papyrus, whilst the species have a large pool, a mud wallow, scatter feeds and scratching posts as enrichment. Underwater webcams are also in place within the pool to allow the visitors to observe them, even when the animals are beneath the surface of the pool.
The African Aviaries showcase a number of African birds, including African White-Backed Vultures (gyps africanus), Secretary Birds (sagittarius serpentarius), Marabou Storks (leptoptilos crumeniferus), Greater Flamingos (phoenicopterus roseus), Hammerkops (scopus umbretta), Amethyst Starlings (cinnyricinclus leucogaster) and Lilac-Breasted Rollers (coracias caudatus).
There is an enclosure for Cheetah (acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii), which is naturally landscaped and planted with long grasses and logs. This enclosure is split by chain-link fence so that the cheetahs can be seperated when necessary, and each half has a seperate indoor den which is off-show to the public. There shall also be elevated platforms for resting on, as well as pursuit balls and stuffed dummies for enrichment.
There is also a similar enclosure for Brown Hyenas (hyaena brunnea).
The Baboon Rocks are three large, netted enclosures either side of the baboon house. Large poles and platforms create interesting climbing frames for the baboons, whilst they are kept enriched by pursuit balls, feeder balls, ropes, tyre swings and scatter feeds. One enclosure is for Hamadryas Baboons (papio hamadryas), one is for Chacma Baboons (papio ursinus) and the other is for Guinea Baboons (papio papio).
Warthogs (phacochoerus africanus) and Yellow Mongooses (cynictis penicillata) share a medium-sized paddock connected to the elephant house, with off-show accomodation at the back of the building.
A small herd of African Bush Elephants (loxodonta africana) have two seperate paddocks, one on either side of the elephant house. The first is a large grassy paddock, whilst the second is a slightly smaller sandy paddock. The cows and calves are kept seperate from the bulls except in breeding season, and the two groups rotate daily between paddocks. Even in the grassy paddock, there are several piles of sand for sand baths. They also have enrichment logs and branches, as well as browse feeders and a pool in each paddock.
So, what does everybody think? Would you change anything? Is there anything impossible to achieve? I personally think the Black Rhinoceros sharing with Giraffes and Zebra may not work since they are more aggressive than White Rhinos, but I don't know and think it would look good.
Also, more importantly, start designing your ideas for zoos/even just exhibits.
I'll do some more on the grasslands and desert part soon
Design a Zoo 2018
- Thread starter birdsandbats
- Start date
What seal species or multiple species would be housed common grey and harbour or would it be hooded and ringed seal
Hooded and Ringed. I listed the latter of page 57 of this thread but I might as well include the former as well.
Sahara: we begin with a mixed-species yard of addax, African spurred tortoise, addra gazelle, scimitar-horned oryx, and slender-horned gazelle. Signs put an emphasis on how all of these antelope are endangered, and how the oryx went extinct in the wild but now small numbers roam free thanks to conservation efforts. An enclosure of striped hyenas is located next door. Fennecs and sand cats are rotated between small carnivore burrowing enclosures to simulate them. Finally, guests transition from the desert to the dry plains, where a grassy habitat home to Grevy's zebra is found. Across is a small building holding a naked mole-rat habitat that allows people to see the tunnels of the mammal that lives like an insect.
I like the fact of more non traditional species of seal seems so often all you see is grey and harbour seal as well as California sealions it would be nice to see crabeater harp ring or hooded seals same goes for monk seals 2
Serengeti: the first habitat to come into view is the enormous mixed ungulate/bird enclosure. Here, crowned cranes, wildebeest, zebras, gunieafowl, impalas, bustards, kudus, marabou and saddle-billed storks, giraffes, ostriches, gazelles, and topi mingle. Inside the enclosure is a large watering hole towards the center that animals can drink from and a grove of trees near the edge to simulate an acacia thicket. A giraffe feeding deck is included. Overlooking is a series of large carnivore habitats rotated between cheetahs, hyenas, and lions. A woodland area features enclosures for baboons, black rhino, dik-dik, vervets, and warthogs. The rhino yard includes a large mud wallow located near the viewing area. Savannah small carnivore habitats are rotated between bat-eared foxes and servals. Finally, the bird of prey exhibits show off the secretary birds and two vulture species. Signs around the area tell how Africa's fauna is being endangered, via human-predator conflicts, the poaching of rhinos, the poisoning of vultures and other issues, and how they can help.
African Rainforest: the exhibit begins with a walk-through aviary of African pymgy geese, lovebirds, congo peafowl, crested guineafowl, two species of turacos, red-crested poachard, sacred ibis, and white-faced whistling duck. Included in it is a pond for the waterfowl and ibises. As the path through the jungle continues, a mixed-ungulate yard for bongos, duikers, okapis, and red river hogs then comes into view. A boardwalk goes over this exhibit. Allen's swamp and red-tailed monkeys share an enclosure with pygmy hippos in the next habitat. Here there is a water feature that starts with a winding stream and ends in a deeper pool with underwater viewing. Guests then arrive at a small nocturnal house. Bushbabies, dwarf crocodiles, fruit bats, palm civets, and pottos occupy this space. After they exit, Mesh enclosures include one shared by colobus and Debrazza'a monkeys, as well as those for crowned eagles and African grey parrots. Finally, we arrive at the great ape and mandrill facility. Troops of bonobos, gorillas, and mandrills have expansive outdoor yards with climbing structures and artificial termite mounds. Indoor viewing is also available. Signs in the habitat explain the perils humans are causing the rainforest and its inhabitants, such as the gorilla-cell phone connection, and how people can help.
Okavango: as you enter the wetland, there is mixed-species habitat of cape buffalo, hamerkops, lechwe, and lesser flamingos, with grassing paddocks for the ungulates and a large pond for the water birds. Overlooking are two carnivore habitats, one a yard for painted dogs and the other for leopards, the latter being meshed with several large trees for the cats to climb. Down the trail, the hippo and Nile crocodile underwater viewing areas are located directly across from each other. Land portions feature a grazing area for the hippos and rocks for the crocodiles to sunbathe on. Another large reptile, the Nile monitor, is displayed next. Clawless otters and marsh mongooses are rotated between exhibits where guests can view them swimming underwater. The largest exhibit is the 5-acre elephant habitat that includes six viewing points, one featuring underwater viewing of the massive pool. Right across from it is a free-flight African fish eagle exhibit. An African-themed restaurant is attached to the elephant building and includes a window where guests can see their indoor area. Guests will learn about the ivory trade from signs and how they can help.
Kalahari Desert & Skeleton Coast: a mixed-species yard of African crested porcupines, gemsbok, and springbok starts off the exhibit. Located right across is an enclosure home to ratels. People will then enter a small reptile house where two species of adder, three species of gecko, African bullfrogs, agamas, and leopard tortoises are kept. As they exit, there are three sandy enclosures for colonies of cape ground squirrels, meerkats, and yellow mongooses. Guests then leave the desert and enter the coast, where neighboring enclosures provide deep underwater viewing for African penguins and cape fur seals. Signs tell how overfishing and water pollution harms these animals and how guests can help.
Madagascar: we start off our tour of the island with the spiny forest of the southwest. An exhibit replicating this environment is home to a troop of ring-tailed lemurs and shared with radiated tortoises. A neighboring terrarium has lesser hedgehog tenrecs. We then much travel further up the west coast with the Dry Deciduous Forest. Here black-eyed black, mongoose, and coquerel's sifaka lemurs share space. A tank across the hall shows off Malagasy killfish. Golden mantella and tomato frogs are also displayed. We then cross to the island's opposite side to the Masoala peninsula. This includes a red-ruffed lemur habitat. Reptile cases are home to ground boas and panther and tiny leaf chameleons. There is also a hissing cockroach habitat. As we go "south", a troop of black-and-white ruffed lemurs are to be found, along with carpet chameleons and leaf-tailed geckos. The final leg of the indoor area is the nocturnal exhibit, not unlike the one in African Rainforest. Aye-ayes, fossas, jumping rats, and mouse lemurs live here. Outdoor exhibit space for the lemurs and fossas is also found around the building's exterior. Signs explain how logging, hunting, and collection from the pet trade is devastating the island's wildlife and how ordinary people can help make a difference.
The animals of my Temperate Eurasia super reigon
Alps
Alpine ibex
Chamois
Eurasian brown bear
Eurasian eagle owl
Eurasian lynx
Polish Forest
Eurasian beaver
Eurasian otter
European bison
Red deer
Wild boar
Himalayan Peaks
Bar-headed goose
Bharal
Himalayan tahr
Himalayan monal
Palla's cat
Snow leopard
Wild yak (domestic variety may be used as a proxy)
Mongolian Steppe
Bactrian camel
Mongolian gazelle
Przewalski's horse
Saiga antelope
Sichuan Bamboo Forest
Giant panda
Golden pheasant
Golden snub-nosed monkey
Red panda
Sichuan takin
Japan
Asiatic black bear
Japanese macaque
Japanese serow
Red-crowned crane
Sea otter
Southeast Siberian Woodland
Amur leopard
Amur tiger
Manchurian sika deer
Siberian musk deer
Siberian roe deer
Alps
Alpine ibex
Chamois
Eurasian brown bear
Eurasian eagle owl
Eurasian lynx
Polish Forest
Eurasian beaver
Eurasian otter
European bison
Red deer
Wild boar
Himalayan Peaks
Bar-headed goose
Bharal
Himalayan tahr
Himalayan monal
Palla's cat
Snow leopard
Wild yak (domestic variety may be used as a proxy)
Mongolian Steppe
Bactrian camel
Mongolian gazelle
Przewalski's horse
Saiga antelope
Sichuan Bamboo Forest
Giant panda
Golden pheasant
Golden snub-nosed monkey
Red panda
Sichuan takin
Japan
Asiatic black bear
Japanese macaque
Japanese serow
Red-crowned crane
Sea otter
Southeast Siberian Woodland
Amur leopard
Amur tiger
Manchurian sika deer
Siberian musk deer
Siberian roe deer
Alps: the first exhibit is a large, fee-flight netted cage home to Eurasian eagle owls. Next, a mountainous enclosure, similar to the one for bighorns and mountain goats in North American Rockies & Plains, is home to chamois and ibex. Overlooking this are two habitats, one for brown bears and one for Eurasian lynx. The bear exhibit has an artificial stream running through it that waterfalls into the ungulate habitat. Signs tell how humans have harmed native wildlife of this area- for example, why bears and lynx are now very rare in the Alps, and how people can support conservation efforts.
Polish Forest: neighboring river exhibits with underwater viewing showcase the beavers and otters. The trail continues with adjacent woodland habitats, one for boars and one for red deer. The centerpiece of the area is a larger wooded yard for the zoo's herd of European bison. Signs tell how hunting and water pollution harmed the beavers and otters of Europe, and how much like the American variety, European bison almost faced extinction but zoos have helped save them.
Himalayan Peaks: a pond exhibit is home to bar-headed geese. Signs inform about their epic migration over the mountain. Across, beautiful Himalayan monals call a free-flight cage home. A rocky enclosure is home to Palla's cats. The climax of the area is an alpine predator-prey exhibit where snow leopards, in a netted cage keep watch on bharals, Himalayan tahrs, markhors (which I forgot to mention in my species list), and yaks. A Nepali restaurant allows additional viewing of the snow leopard habitat. Signs tell how humans are causing troubles for snow leopards and other animals and how visitors can help.
Mongolian Steppe: the area is composed of a single large, grassy treeless yard home to bactrian camels, Mongolian gazelles, wild horses, and saiga antelopes. There are several view points around the perimeter. Signs tell about the dangers facing the critically endangered camel and saigas and camels, how to help, and how zoos saved the Przewalski's horse from the brink of extinction.
Not gonna lie. That sounds dope as hell. Are you planning to make more exhibits?
I additionally have similar ones for the Americas, Europe, and Temperate Asia so far, and expect more for Tropical Asia, Australia & New Zealand,. and Antarctica
Sichuan Bamboo Forest: a netted unique habitat is shared by three very different animals: on the large floor, takin graze while above them, golden snub-nosed monkeys clamber in the trees. Free-flight golden pheasants also roam the area. Next, the most iconic species from the region is displayed: the giant pandas roam a large area that includes growing bamboo and a pool to cool off in on hot summer days. Right across, a smaller netted habitat is home to red pandas. Signs tell about they can help support panda conservation and how saving their habitat also helps lesser known animals from the same part of the world.
Japan: we start with a wooded mountain habitat shared by macaques and Japanese serow. It includes an artificial hot spring for the monkeys to warm up during the winter, much like in the wild. Another wooded area across the path houses Asiatic black bears. Next, an area mimicking a grassy marsh displays red-necked cranes. Finally, an enclosure with a staircase leading to a deep underwater viewing area is home to sea otters. Signs tell about the dangers facing the animals of the habitat, especially the sea otters who were extirpated from Japanese waters, and how to help the cause.
Southeast Siberian Woodland: big cat habitats are rotated between Amur leopards and tigers. They all mimic a boreal forest and a creek runs through them for both to drink from and for the tigers to swim in. Below them, sika, musk, and roe deer share a mixed ungulate enclosure that the felines can watch. Signs tell guests the dangers facing the region's wildlife, especially the critically endangered Amur leopards, how zoos are helping, and how they can get involved.