Design a Zoo
- Thread starter Javan Rhino
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hybridanimallvr
New Member
u jelly cuz u didnt think of it
Right, I'm not jelly, I'm a human being and not a wobbly dessert. (I think you may be more familiar with the term jello, same thing as jelly in English!
)And it's a horrible idea, why would you want to do this?
I'm guessing you're a troll and want to stir up trouble, I'm bored so I thought I'd humour you. Let's see how long before you start offending people?
jbnbsn99
Well-Known Member
Not in the least, but I am in utter awe at your command of the English language.
Cian bennett
Member
I know this may not be the place but i didnt want to start a new thread. Does anyone know a medium to large zoo which has a great map and a good mixed species list of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibeans and invertabrates 
Malayan Tiger
Well-Known Member
I will post mine soon. It will be like no other.......
After being sick and tons of school work(mainly for state test) I am back and as promised I bring you Bird Hunters!First is a forest exhibit for 1.1 Barn Owls.Next is a forest/hills exhibit for 0.1 Eurasian Scops-Owl.Next forest exhibit is 2.0 Scunda Scops-Owl.In a tropical forest is 1.2 Spectacled Owls.In a shady riverbed you find 1.1 Pel's Fishing-Owl.Next in a desert exhibit for 2.2 Burrowing Owls(the pairs rotate). Next is 1.1 Snowy Owls in a tundra forest.In a forest you see 1.1.1 Tawny Owls.In a desert/forest you find 1.0 Boobook Owl.Next is a jungle where you find 1.1 Pearl-Spotted Owls. Next is a lightly forested exhibit for 1.2.1 Short-Eared Owls. Next is a forest exhibit for 1.1 Great Horned Owls. All exhibits have a small pond.Sometime soon I will post the rest of this exhibit.
Gforrestersmith
Well-Known Member
Here's another zoo idea from me.
List of exhibits:
African Elephants: A huge yard and shelter for one of the most major animals in the zoo- a herd of African bush elephants. It includes the shelter as well as a large pool and lots of enrichment for the elephants.
Giraffe Plains: This yard is also huge but is home to another large mammal- Reticulated giraffes. The giraffes also have a shelter and share their exhibit with wildebeest, springbok, marabou storks and ground hornbills.
South American Pampas: Random habitats for flamingos, maned wolves, bush dogs and giant anteaters.
Penguin House: A building with a huge exhibits for a large colony of Humboldt penguins and a flock of Inca terns. There is also underwater viewing.
Manatee Bay: An indoor building with an aquarium for Florida manatees.
Bonobo House: A large yard for bonobos as well as nearby habitats for golden lion tamarins, cottontop tamarins and hamadryas baboons.
Asian mixed exhibits: A large mixed exhibit for siamangs, babirusas, Malayan tapirs, Asian small clawed otters and binturongs.
Cuban Crocodile Pool: A random pool for Cuban crocodiles. Nearby are habitats for various lizards, snakes and turtles.
Komodo Dragon Habitat: Another random exhibit for Komodo Dragons.
Cassowary Pen: Final Exhibit for cassowaries.
Przewalski Horses: Random exhibit for Przewalski horses.
What do you think?
List of exhibits:
African Elephants: A huge yard and shelter for one of the most major animals in the zoo- a herd of African bush elephants. It includes the shelter as well as a large pool and lots of enrichment for the elephants.
Giraffe Plains: This yard is also huge but is home to another large mammal- Reticulated giraffes. The giraffes also have a shelter and share their exhibit with wildebeest, springbok, marabou storks and ground hornbills.
South American Pampas: Random habitats for flamingos, maned wolves, bush dogs and giant anteaters.
Penguin House: A building with a huge exhibits for a large colony of Humboldt penguins and a flock of Inca terns. There is also underwater viewing.
Manatee Bay: An indoor building with an aquarium for Florida manatees.
Bonobo House: A large yard for bonobos as well as nearby habitats for golden lion tamarins, cottontop tamarins and hamadryas baboons.
Asian mixed exhibits: A large mixed exhibit for siamangs, babirusas, Malayan tapirs, Asian small clawed otters and binturongs.
Cuban Crocodile Pool: A random pool for Cuban crocodiles. Nearby are habitats for various lizards, snakes and turtles.
Komodo Dragon Habitat: Another random exhibit for Komodo Dragons.
Cassowary Pen: Final Exhibit for cassowaries.
Przewalski Horses: Random exhibit for Przewalski horses.
What do you think?
It needs much more detail. Use more descriptive words, actually tell us about the exhibit. Words like "huge" and "large" are very bland. They only give us a small sense of the general size of the exhibit. And the word "random" tells us nothing about any of the exhibits at all.
I suggest you take time before typing up a post to let your imagination run wild and bring some liveliness to your ideas, rather than posting what seems like the first thing that's come to your mind.
I suggest you take time before typing up a post to let your imagination run wild and bring some liveliness to your ideas, rather than posting what seems like the first thing that's come to your mind.
Sorry to be a grammar Nazi but I agree, random doesn't tell us anything. Random means by chance so unless the exhibits are there by chance that doesn't mean much.
Before I go on do I need work on my descriptions or can I continue the way I have been.
Your descriptions are very vague and generic to be honest. That means it's more difficult for the rest of us to really imagine what you are creating.
ok thank you dude.
Norwegian moose
Well-Known Member
The ultimate geo-zoo
The ultimate geo-zoo
This zoo will be located in southern Europe, in either Spain or France. The zoo is divided geographically into seven themes: The Arctic, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, The Americas and The Oceanarium.
The entrance of the zoo will consist of a large building, with a glass roof, a ticket booth, a cafeteria, a gift shop and educational facilities. A chairlift is going over large areas of the zoo. That is a good way to see the zoo from above. The zoo also have status as a botanical garden. And throughout the zoo you can see many species of plants, but also sculptures, fountains and ponds can be seen.
The first theme is The Arctic theme. You will see a large overhanging sign where it stands “The Arctic”. This theme will hold animals found in the Arctic and neighboring areas. The first exhibit holds Polar bear. Since the zoo is in a warm climate, two thirds of the exhibit will be indoors. Indoors there is a large pool of salt water with viewing windows, and snow machines will produce snow. Still there are holes in the roof of the building that will give the polar bears natural sunlight. Outdoors there will be large cooling machines, and the land area will consist of rocks and grass. The polar bear pool also would have underwater view.
Also in the Arctic house, there would be an indoor tank for Beluga. This tank will be quite large. Moreover, it has lots of enrichment and decorations like rocks, and plants. Also in the building, there will be viewing windows for Harbor seal and Walrus. The exhibits for these species and the animals within it will be outdoor. And they feature rocky outcrops for the seals to walk on, and off course large quantities of water to swim in.
Outside the house there is an aviary simulating a bird cliff, holding Atlantic-puffin, Mew gull, Common guillemot and Northern gannet. Inside the aviary there will be a large artificial mountain, and also a salt water pool for the birds to dive in. The aviary would feature a wave-machine, making the ocean-effect as realistic as possible.
An aviary will hold several species of arctic and subarctic ducks and geese. The aviary will hold the following species: Harlequin duck, Smew, Long-tailed duck, Common eider, Greater white-fronted goose and Snow goose. Here is it also a separate aviary holding Snowy owl
The next exhibit will be a mixed enclosure, holding Reindeer and Muskox. This exhibit will recreate the arctic tundra, as best as possible, with little vegetation. Also the exhibit is air-conditioned by being sunken into the terrain, at the same time as large fans are working to cool the animals. The last exhibit in this theme will be a tundra exhibit, holding Arctic fox.
The ultimate geo-zoo
This zoo will be located in southern Europe, in either Spain or France. The zoo is divided geographically into seven themes: The Arctic, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, The Americas and The Oceanarium.
The entrance of the zoo will consist of a large building, with a glass roof, a ticket booth, a cafeteria, a gift shop and educational facilities. A chairlift is going over large areas of the zoo. That is a good way to see the zoo from above. The zoo also have status as a botanical garden. And throughout the zoo you can see many species of plants, but also sculptures, fountains and ponds can be seen.
The first theme is The Arctic theme. You will see a large overhanging sign where it stands “The Arctic”. This theme will hold animals found in the Arctic and neighboring areas. The first exhibit holds Polar bear. Since the zoo is in a warm climate, two thirds of the exhibit will be indoors. Indoors there is a large pool of salt water with viewing windows, and snow machines will produce snow. Still there are holes in the roof of the building that will give the polar bears natural sunlight. Outdoors there will be large cooling machines, and the land area will consist of rocks and grass. The polar bear pool also would have underwater view.
Also in the Arctic house, there would be an indoor tank for Beluga. This tank will be quite large. Moreover, it has lots of enrichment and decorations like rocks, and plants. Also in the building, there will be viewing windows for Harbor seal and Walrus. The exhibits for these species and the animals within it will be outdoor. And they feature rocky outcrops for the seals to walk on, and off course large quantities of water to swim in.
Outside the house there is an aviary simulating a bird cliff, holding Atlantic-puffin, Mew gull, Common guillemot and Northern gannet. Inside the aviary there will be a large artificial mountain, and also a salt water pool for the birds to dive in. The aviary would feature a wave-machine, making the ocean-effect as realistic as possible.
An aviary will hold several species of arctic and subarctic ducks and geese. The aviary will hold the following species: Harlequin duck, Smew, Long-tailed duck, Common eider, Greater white-fronted goose and Snow goose. Here is it also a separate aviary holding Snowy owl
The next exhibit will be a mixed enclosure, holding Reindeer and Muskox. This exhibit will recreate the arctic tundra, as best as possible, with little vegetation. Also the exhibit is air-conditioned by being sunken into the terrain, at the same time as large fans are working to cool the animals. The last exhibit in this theme will be a tundra exhibit, holding Arctic fox.
Norwegian moose
Well-Known Member
Europe
The next theme is the European theme. On a large overhanging sign it stands “Europe”. Along your route, you will find several maps and posters about the animals in the zone, and where they live. The European theme is divided into several subsections. The first section is the English farm. This will be a reconstruction of an old English farm, with domesticated animals. The houses are built to look like they are made in another era. In addition, many of the animals here is old English livestock races. Here is a list of the livestock breeds in the English farm: Jersey cattle, Dexter cattle, Hereford cattle, Highland cattle, Bagot goat, Shetland pony, Clydesdale horse, Hampshire sheep, Dorset sheep, Berkshire swine, Gloucester swine, Orpington chicken, Sussex chicken, Roman goose and Muscovy duck.
The next part of the European theme will hold the European animals that are living in, or in close proximity to water, in addition to some land living European reptiles. The first exhibit is the shorebirds aviary. This aviary will simulate a beach, with shallow water. However, the aviary will also have many rocks and a wave machine like in the arctic bird-cliff aviary. The aviary will keep the following species: Eurasian oystercatcher, Pied avocet, Ruff, Common ringed plover, European golden plower, Northern lapwing and Common redshank.
The next aviary will be a large mixed species wetland aviary, with lots of foliage. The species held here are: Great egret, Eurasian spoonbill, White stork and Black stork. Neighboring single-species aviaries holds Common kingfisher, Gray heron, Corn Crake and Common crane.
The Aquatic bird pond will be more like a small lake, than a pond. The exhibit will also contain a beach, for the birds to rest on. The exhibit will contain large numbers of loons, moorhens, ducks, geese, swans and cormorants. In addition to the wild living birds coming to the lake. Here is a list of the bird species found in The Aquatic bird pond: Common moorhen, Black-throated loon, Eurasian teal, Northern pintail, Gadwall duck, Mallard, Common shelduck, Tufted duck, Common pochard, Common goldeneye, Greylag goose, Barnacle goose, Mute swan and European shag.
A separate pond will hold European beaver. The water area will be the size of the bird pond. There will also be a land area for the beavers, where they can rest, dig and find trees to use in their construction. The exhibit will also be viewable indoors, where there will be underwater view.
Two all-indoor glass-fronted exhibits for Eurasian water shrew and Pyrenean desman will also be located in this building. The indoor accommodation for the Eurasian water vole will also be here, although they also have an outdoor exhibit. This exhibit have both water and land areas, in addition to a large area off grass.
Outside this building, there is an exhibit for European mink. The exhibit will replicate a small river. Along the banks of the river, vegetation will grow. There will be a pile of soil, for the minks to dig their burrows in. In addition, there will be signage describing the difference between European and American minks, and the threats they face. The next exhibit is built along the same river as the mink exhibit and features Eurasian otter. The exhibit in itself will look quite similar to the former exhibit, but the water will run much faster, and the water will take up much more of the space in the exhibit. In addition, there will be fewer plants in this exhibit. These things are done, because the otter is much more dependent of freshwater, than the mink. At this exhibit, it is also an underwater view.
The river from the otter exhibit will run into the basement of the next exhibit complex, the European freshwater aquarium. This small building will house several freshwater fish species, from many different freshwater habitats. I will briefly describe each of the tanks, and the fish species they house. The first exhibit is a lake tank, holding Common carp, Crucian carp, European chub and Ide. A second lake tank is holding Common roach, Common rudd, Common bream, Silver bream and European whitefish .The next tank is holding two species of sturgeon, Beluga sturgeon and Sterlet. A single species tank holds European brook lamprey. A river aquarium with larger fish holds Asp, Tench and Northern pike. Three single species tanks holds European perch, Brown trout and Arctic char. The last tank in the European freshwater aquarium holds hundreds, or even thousands of Common minnow and Three-spined stickleback. Note that there are no salmon in this aquarium. The salmon are held in the North-American zone.
Outside the European freshwater aquarium are the enclosures for different kinds of European reptiles and amphibians. These animals will not be visible in the winter, because they are hibernating. The exhibits will consist of some trenches in the ground, with glass-viewing windows. All the amphibian exhibits will feature large quantities of water. The reptiles will have a bit less water. Nevertheless, all the exhibits will be specifically designed for the species in question. All the exhibits have plants that are found in the species native habitat. The reptile exhibits would have lots of rocks, for them to sunbathe on. First up is the amphibians with exhibits containing Fire salamander, Great crested newt, Alpine newt, Smooth newt, European fire-bellied toad, Common midwife toad, Common toad, Natterjack toad, European green toad, European Tree Frog, European common frog and Pool frog.
The European reptile enclosures is holding the following species Hermann’s tortoise, Spur-thighed tortoise, European pond turtle, Common wall gecko, Ocellated lizard, European green lizard, Italian wall lizard, Sand lizard, Viviparous lizard, European slow worm, Leopard snake, Four-lined ratsnake, Aesculapian snake, European grass snake, Smooth snake and Northern viper.
The next subsection of the European theme primarily holds mammals and birds living in forests. The first exhibit in this theme will be a large walkthrough aviary holding many species of European passerines. This aviary will as far as I know be unique in the world, in that manner. The aviary is integrated into a forest, with both pine trees and deciduous trees. Along the way, lots of feeding platforms and enrichment objects are placed. The visitors will walk on a fenced trail, covered by a wooden roof, to avoid disturbing the birds too much, and to give them space to retreat from the crowd. In addition, there are lots of maps and stationary binoculars in the aviary, for the guests to use. The aviary holds a very large diversity of bird species. In addition, the sheer numbers of individual birds in itself is staggering. The aviary holds both coniferous and deciduous passerine species, as well as some birds living in other habitats. Here is a list of the bird species in the aviary. Goldcrest, Long-tailed tit, Bearded reedling, Coal tit, Crested tit, Marsh tit, Blue tit, Great tit, Eurasian treecreeper, Eurasian nuthatch, Blackcap, European Pied Flycatcher, European robin, Bluethroat, Common redstart, Tree sparrow, House sparrow, European serin, Greenfinch, Eurasian siskin, European goldfinch, Common chaffinch, Eurasian bullfinch, Hawfinch, Yellowhammer and White wagtail.
Next, there are aviaries for other species of passerines, namely several European starlings and Corvidae species. These birds are too large and many too ferocious to mix with most of the smaller passerine species. All the aviaries here is single-species. And they will all replicate the habitat of the species as good as possible, being situated in natural woodland, with lots of enrichment options for the intelligent bird to discover. Species found in these aviaries are: European starling, Eurasian song trush, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Golden oriole, Eurasian jay, Eurasian magpie, Eurasian jackdaw, Carrion crow and Common raven.
Then there are the aviaries for other smaller European birds, living in forests. These aviaries contain species like woodpeckers, doves, pigeons and others. Some of the species are very rare in captivity. Species found here are: Great spotted woodpecker, White-backed woodpecker, Black woodpecker, Common hoopoe, Eurasian cuckoo, European bee-eater, European turtle dove, Eurasian collared dove, Rock dove and Common wood-pigeon.
Some aviaries are holding European Galliformes species. Species held here are: European quail, Red-legged partridge, Common pheasant, Rock ptarmigan, Black grouse, Western capercaillie and Hazel grouse.
Next, the aviaries for some smaller European owls are found. Species kept here are: Boreal owl, Little owl and European pygmy owl.
The European small mammal house is sunken into the ground. The house have a living grass roof that blends well into the surrounding environment. Inside all the small mammals have, large glass fronted exhibits, with dioramas that aims to recreate their natural habitat. The decorations in the different exhibits are unique, and creates dioramas that are very realistic. Examples of dioramas are those portraying a messed up kitchen with mice, or an exhibit depicting a farmers corn crops. A few of the larger small mammals also have adjoining outside enclosures. Species found here are: European hedgehog, Common shrew, Pygmy shrew, European mole, European hare, European rabbit, European ground squirrel, Red squirrel, Norway lemming, Steppe lemming, Bank vole, Field vole, Hazle dormouse, Edible dormouse, Garden dormouse, Striped field mouse, Wood mouse, House mouse and Eurasian harvest mouse.
Outside this building, there is a small annex holding Brown long-eared bat. In this exhibit, the night-day cycle is reversed.
The next subsection of the European theme focuses on European carnivores. First up are the mustelids. All of them except the European badger and the wolverine are kept in netted enclosures that are built into a surrounding forest. This gives the exhibits a very natural feel. In addition, all the exhibits are made with elements to reflect their natural habitat. The exhibit for European polecat have rocky terrain and a pond. In contrast, the close relatives exhibit containing Marbled polecat are covered by a grass mat. Also there are piles of soil here, for the polecats to dig into. The Stoat and Least weasel exhibits look like densely planted forests, with lots of rocks and burrows for them to hide. The exhibit for Pine marten features lots of branches and trees for the animals to hide on. The Stone marten have lots of large stones and boulders, but also smaller rocks, built on top of each other to create their perfect environment. The stones are covered with mountain plants.
The European badger enclosure is not covered with netting, instead they have an open-air enclosure, with glass walls. Their exhibit have many piles of soil, where plants like cranberries grow. There are lots of holes and tunnels in the soil. And because the piles lay close to the glass surrounding the enclosure, you will be able to see the badgers as they travel around underground in their exhibit. This exhibit also have lots of natural woodland. The open-air Wolverine enclosure is also build into natural woodland. Moreover, the trees in this enclosure are some of the tallest in the zoo. In the trees, bits of meat are hung to serve as enrichment. There is an area of open land between the trees, here is it a small lake, and this is the easiest place to view the wolverines.
The European cats are next, and the zoo exhibits two of the three species. The European wildcat is kept in an enclosure with glass windows. They have an exhibit containing shrub tickets, but also tall trees. It can be difficult to spot the cats in this large exhibit, all though they also have an area of open terrain, in the middle of it. The European lynx exhibit contains a Swedish wooden cabin used for viewing purposes. Inside that cabin you can watch the lynxes undisturbed through binoculars, in their huge exhibit. You can get much closer to these normally shy creatures, without disturbing them, than you can in the wild. Their exhibit is essentially a large enclosed forest, situated on a hillside, with a small pond.
The adjacent enclosure is for Red fox. This exhibit is split in two. The first part contain woodland, while the other part contain a flowery meadow, with tall grass. The foxes also have access to an underground den.
The last European carnivore exhibit is also one of the largest exhibits in the zoo. This is a mixed-species enclosure containing European brown bear and Eurasian gray wolf. This exhibit is essentially massive, and is about as large as all the other by-passed exhibits in the European theme, combined! The enclosure has a raised footpath going through it. Along the way, the raised footpaths have some viewing-towers, which contain binoculars, to watch the animals, and signs and posters telling about them. Public feedings take place in the enclosure every other day. The enclosure itself is made up of a huge enclosed forest. Although there are also elements of steeper terrain and mountain-slopes, lakes, open terrain and tussocks. This enclosure is one of the largest and best brown bear/wolf enclosures in the world!
The next enclosure is even larger than the bear/wolf enclosure! This enclosure is holding five European ungulate species. They are as follows: Wild boar, European bison, Moose, Red deer and Roe deer. These animals do not live in the exact same place in the wild now, as far as I know. Anyways they should have coexisted some thousand years back. This enclosure is very similar to the wolf/bear enclosure, as it is made up of an enclosed natural forest. In the enclosure, there will be several lakes, shrub-tickets and forest clearings. Through this enclosure, there will also be an elevated footpath, with several viewing towers. In addition, there will be public feedings here every day.
The Alpine subsection have a mixed-species exhibit for Alpine chamois and Alpine ibex. This exhibit is built on an artificial mountain, and have lots of mountain plants. The mountain has many ridges and protrusions consisting of wooden platforms. Several mountain-plants grows in the exhibit.
Adjacent is the Alpine marmot exhibit. This exhibit have glass fencing. The enclosure replicate an Alpine mountain plateau, grown with grass and moss, and with lots of boulders and holes in the ground.
There are several smaller aviaries with birds from the Alpine region. Species kept here are: Alpine accentor, Wallcreeper, Alpine chough, Red-billed Chough and Alpine rock partridge.
Then there are two large aviaries holding Bearded vulture and Griffon vulture. Both the aviaries will be so large that the birds can fly freely in them. Keep in mind that most of the other birds of prey are kept in a separate area of the zoo.
The last enclosure in the European theme is the mixed species exhibit for European mouflon and Fallow deer. This enclosure is situated in hilly terrain, with some flat terrain at the bottom, and it has a flowery meadow and some trees. People are allowed to touch, and at some times at the day feed these animals. These are both Southern European species and marks the end of Europe, and the start of North Africa. Nevertheless, they still live in different countries in the wild. The next part of the zoo is Africa.
The next theme is the European theme. On a large overhanging sign it stands “Europe”. Along your route, you will find several maps and posters about the animals in the zone, and where they live. The European theme is divided into several subsections. The first section is the English farm. This will be a reconstruction of an old English farm, with domesticated animals. The houses are built to look like they are made in another era. In addition, many of the animals here is old English livestock races. Here is a list of the livestock breeds in the English farm: Jersey cattle, Dexter cattle, Hereford cattle, Highland cattle, Bagot goat, Shetland pony, Clydesdale horse, Hampshire sheep, Dorset sheep, Berkshire swine, Gloucester swine, Orpington chicken, Sussex chicken, Roman goose and Muscovy duck.
The next part of the European theme will hold the European animals that are living in, or in close proximity to water, in addition to some land living European reptiles. The first exhibit is the shorebirds aviary. This aviary will simulate a beach, with shallow water. However, the aviary will also have many rocks and a wave machine like in the arctic bird-cliff aviary. The aviary will keep the following species: Eurasian oystercatcher, Pied avocet, Ruff, Common ringed plover, European golden plower, Northern lapwing and Common redshank.
The next aviary will be a large mixed species wetland aviary, with lots of foliage. The species held here are: Great egret, Eurasian spoonbill, White stork and Black stork. Neighboring single-species aviaries holds Common kingfisher, Gray heron, Corn Crake and Common crane.
The Aquatic bird pond will be more like a small lake, than a pond. The exhibit will also contain a beach, for the birds to rest on. The exhibit will contain large numbers of loons, moorhens, ducks, geese, swans and cormorants. In addition to the wild living birds coming to the lake. Here is a list of the bird species found in The Aquatic bird pond: Common moorhen, Black-throated loon, Eurasian teal, Northern pintail, Gadwall duck, Mallard, Common shelduck, Tufted duck, Common pochard, Common goldeneye, Greylag goose, Barnacle goose, Mute swan and European shag.
A separate pond will hold European beaver. The water area will be the size of the bird pond. There will also be a land area for the beavers, where they can rest, dig and find trees to use in their construction. The exhibit will also be viewable indoors, where there will be underwater view.
Two all-indoor glass-fronted exhibits for Eurasian water shrew and Pyrenean desman will also be located in this building. The indoor accommodation for the Eurasian water vole will also be here, although they also have an outdoor exhibit. This exhibit have both water and land areas, in addition to a large area off grass.
Outside this building, there is an exhibit for European mink. The exhibit will replicate a small river. Along the banks of the river, vegetation will grow. There will be a pile of soil, for the minks to dig their burrows in. In addition, there will be signage describing the difference between European and American minks, and the threats they face. The next exhibit is built along the same river as the mink exhibit and features Eurasian otter. The exhibit in itself will look quite similar to the former exhibit, but the water will run much faster, and the water will take up much more of the space in the exhibit. In addition, there will be fewer plants in this exhibit. These things are done, because the otter is much more dependent of freshwater, than the mink. At this exhibit, it is also an underwater view.
The river from the otter exhibit will run into the basement of the next exhibit complex, the European freshwater aquarium. This small building will house several freshwater fish species, from many different freshwater habitats. I will briefly describe each of the tanks, and the fish species they house. The first exhibit is a lake tank, holding Common carp, Crucian carp, European chub and Ide. A second lake tank is holding Common roach, Common rudd, Common bream, Silver bream and European whitefish .The next tank is holding two species of sturgeon, Beluga sturgeon and Sterlet. A single species tank holds European brook lamprey. A river aquarium with larger fish holds Asp, Tench and Northern pike. Three single species tanks holds European perch, Brown trout and Arctic char. The last tank in the European freshwater aquarium holds hundreds, or even thousands of Common minnow and Three-spined stickleback. Note that there are no salmon in this aquarium. The salmon are held in the North-American zone.
Outside the European freshwater aquarium are the enclosures for different kinds of European reptiles and amphibians. These animals will not be visible in the winter, because they are hibernating. The exhibits will consist of some trenches in the ground, with glass-viewing windows. All the amphibian exhibits will feature large quantities of water. The reptiles will have a bit less water. Nevertheless, all the exhibits will be specifically designed for the species in question. All the exhibits have plants that are found in the species native habitat. The reptile exhibits would have lots of rocks, for them to sunbathe on. First up is the amphibians with exhibits containing Fire salamander, Great crested newt, Alpine newt, Smooth newt, European fire-bellied toad, Common midwife toad, Common toad, Natterjack toad, European green toad, European Tree Frog, European common frog and Pool frog.
The European reptile enclosures is holding the following species Hermann’s tortoise, Spur-thighed tortoise, European pond turtle, Common wall gecko, Ocellated lizard, European green lizard, Italian wall lizard, Sand lizard, Viviparous lizard, European slow worm, Leopard snake, Four-lined ratsnake, Aesculapian snake, European grass snake, Smooth snake and Northern viper.
The next subsection of the European theme primarily holds mammals and birds living in forests. The first exhibit in this theme will be a large walkthrough aviary holding many species of European passerines. This aviary will as far as I know be unique in the world, in that manner. The aviary is integrated into a forest, with both pine trees and deciduous trees. Along the way, lots of feeding platforms and enrichment objects are placed. The visitors will walk on a fenced trail, covered by a wooden roof, to avoid disturbing the birds too much, and to give them space to retreat from the crowd. In addition, there are lots of maps and stationary binoculars in the aviary, for the guests to use. The aviary holds a very large diversity of bird species. In addition, the sheer numbers of individual birds in itself is staggering. The aviary holds both coniferous and deciduous passerine species, as well as some birds living in other habitats. Here is a list of the bird species in the aviary. Goldcrest, Long-tailed tit, Bearded reedling, Coal tit, Crested tit, Marsh tit, Blue tit, Great tit, Eurasian treecreeper, Eurasian nuthatch, Blackcap, European Pied Flycatcher, European robin, Bluethroat, Common redstart, Tree sparrow, House sparrow, European serin, Greenfinch, Eurasian siskin, European goldfinch, Common chaffinch, Eurasian bullfinch, Hawfinch, Yellowhammer and White wagtail.
Next, there are aviaries for other species of passerines, namely several European starlings and Corvidae species. These birds are too large and many too ferocious to mix with most of the smaller passerine species. All the aviaries here is single-species. And they will all replicate the habitat of the species as good as possible, being situated in natural woodland, with lots of enrichment options for the intelligent bird to discover. Species found in these aviaries are: European starling, Eurasian song trush, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Golden oriole, Eurasian jay, Eurasian magpie, Eurasian jackdaw, Carrion crow and Common raven.
Then there are the aviaries for other smaller European birds, living in forests. These aviaries contain species like woodpeckers, doves, pigeons and others. Some of the species are very rare in captivity. Species found here are: Great spotted woodpecker, White-backed woodpecker, Black woodpecker, Common hoopoe, Eurasian cuckoo, European bee-eater, European turtle dove, Eurasian collared dove, Rock dove and Common wood-pigeon.
Some aviaries are holding European Galliformes species. Species held here are: European quail, Red-legged partridge, Common pheasant, Rock ptarmigan, Black grouse, Western capercaillie and Hazel grouse.
Next, the aviaries for some smaller European owls are found. Species kept here are: Boreal owl, Little owl and European pygmy owl.
The European small mammal house is sunken into the ground. The house have a living grass roof that blends well into the surrounding environment. Inside all the small mammals have, large glass fronted exhibits, with dioramas that aims to recreate their natural habitat. The decorations in the different exhibits are unique, and creates dioramas that are very realistic. Examples of dioramas are those portraying a messed up kitchen with mice, or an exhibit depicting a farmers corn crops. A few of the larger small mammals also have adjoining outside enclosures. Species found here are: European hedgehog, Common shrew, Pygmy shrew, European mole, European hare, European rabbit, European ground squirrel, Red squirrel, Norway lemming, Steppe lemming, Bank vole, Field vole, Hazle dormouse, Edible dormouse, Garden dormouse, Striped field mouse, Wood mouse, House mouse and Eurasian harvest mouse.
Outside this building, there is a small annex holding Brown long-eared bat. In this exhibit, the night-day cycle is reversed.
The next subsection of the European theme focuses on European carnivores. First up are the mustelids. All of them except the European badger and the wolverine are kept in netted enclosures that are built into a surrounding forest. This gives the exhibits a very natural feel. In addition, all the exhibits are made with elements to reflect their natural habitat. The exhibit for European polecat have rocky terrain and a pond. In contrast, the close relatives exhibit containing Marbled polecat are covered by a grass mat. Also there are piles of soil here, for the polecats to dig into. The Stoat and Least weasel exhibits look like densely planted forests, with lots of rocks and burrows for them to hide. The exhibit for Pine marten features lots of branches and trees for the animals to hide on. The Stone marten have lots of large stones and boulders, but also smaller rocks, built on top of each other to create their perfect environment. The stones are covered with mountain plants.
The European badger enclosure is not covered with netting, instead they have an open-air enclosure, with glass walls. Their exhibit have many piles of soil, where plants like cranberries grow. There are lots of holes and tunnels in the soil. And because the piles lay close to the glass surrounding the enclosure, you will be able to see the badgers as they travel around underground in their exhibit. This exhibit also have lots of natural woodland. The open-air Wolverine enclosure is also build into natural woodland. Moreover, the trees in this enclosure are some of the tallest in the zoo. In the trees, bits of meat are hung to serve as enrichment. There is an area of open land between the trees, here is it a small lake, and this is the easiest place to view the wolverines.
The European cats are next, and the zoo exhibits two of the three species. The European wildcat is kept in an enclosure with glass windows. They have an exhibit containing shrub tickets, but also tall trees. It can be difficult to spot the cats in this large exhibit, all though they also have an area of open terrain, in the middle of it. The European lynx exhibit contains a Swedish wooden cabin used for viewing purposes. Inside that cabin you can watch the lynxes undisturbed through binoculars, in their huge exhibit. You can get much closer to these normally shy creatures, without disturbing them, than you can in the wild. Their exhibit is essentially a large enclosed forest, situated on a hillside, with a small pond.
The adjacent enclosure is for Red fox. This exhibit is split in two. The first part contain woodland, while the other part contain a flowery meadow, with tall grass. The foxes also have access to an underground den.
The last European carnivore exhibit is also one of the largest exhibits in the zoo. This is a mixed-species enclosure containing European brown bear and Eurasian gray wolf. This exhibit is essentially massive, and is about as large as all the other by-passed exhibits in the European theme, combined! The enclosure has a raised footpath going through it. Along the way, the raised footpaths have some viewing-towers, which contain binoculars, to watch the animals, and signs and posters telling about them. Public feedings take place in the enclosure every other day. The enclosure itself is made up of a huge enclosed forest. Although there are also elements of steeper terrain and mountain-slopes, lakes, open terrain and tussocks. This enclosure is one of the largest and best brown bear/wolf enclosures in the world!
The next enclosure is even larger than the bear/wolf enclosure! This enclosure is holding five European ungulate species. They are as follows: Wild boar, European bison, Moose, Red deer and Roe deer. These animals do not live in the exact same place in the wild now, as far as I know. Anyways they should have coexisted some thousand years back. This enclosure is very similar to the wolf/bear enclosure, as it is made up of an enclosed natural forest. In the enclosure, there will be several lakes, shrub-tickets and forest clearings. Through this enclosure, there will also be an elevated footpath, with several viewing towers. In addition, there will be public feedings here every day.
The Alpine subsection have a mixed-species exhibit for Alpine chamois and Alpine ibex. This exhibit is built on an artificial mountain, and have lots of mountain plants. The mountain has many ridges and protrusions consisting of wooden platforms. Several mountain-plants grows in the exhibit.
Adjacent is the Alpine marmot exhibit. This exhibit have glass fencing. The enclosure replicate an Alpine mountain plateau, grown with grass and moss, and with lots of boulders and holes in the ground.
There are several smaller aviaries with birds from the Alpine region. Species kept here are: Alpine accentor, Wallcreeper, Alpine chough, Red-billed Chough and Alpine rock partridge.
Then there are two large aviaries holding Bearded vulture and Griffon vulture. Both the aviaries will be so large that the birds can fly freely in them. Keep in mind that most of the other birds of prey are kept in a separate area of the zoo.
The last enclosure in the European theme is the mixed species exhibit for European mouflon and Fallow deer. This enclosure is situated in hilly terrain, with some flat terrain at the bottom, and it has a flowery meadow and some trees. People are allowed to touch, and at some times at the day feed these animals. These are both Southern European species and marks the end of Europe, and the start of North Africa. Nevertheless, they still live in different countries in the wild. The next part of the zoo is Africa.
Malayan Tiger
Well-Known Member
65 to 80, at the most, should be sufficient, as you don't have too many large animals. I am not aware of Irelands laws, but you may not need insurance. If you rent an Earthmover you can make the lakes yourself in a few weeks.
If you ever breed the Sri Lankan Elephants, Let me know. I may be interested in purchasing one.
Jungle Leaf
If you ever breed the Sri Lankan Elephants, Let me know. I may be interested in purchasing one.
Jungle Leaf
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