I'd posit that there are very few zoos in the competition stronger than Zürich in this category. Arguably the greatest zoo exhibit on the planet, and certainly the best replication of a rainforest ever achieved by a zoo in a temperate climate, Masoala Regenwald, counts in its entirety here (EDIT: I thought the consensus was that, while Bush is better in some aspects, Masoala is more successful in recreating a particular ecosystem, although if some disagree, then apologies for trying to objectively assert this). Very few experiences offered by zoos can surpass the thrill of watching lemurs emerge from the foliage after patiently watching a rustling branch, or having huge geckos scurry across your path.
Aside from Masoala, the Australia zone is also of a very high standard. It is a shame they no longer have Perenties, but even still there is a reptilian, island-based (though not Australian) rarity, the Exuma Island Iguana. Being in a walkthrough space with Emus is also a rare treat (much more common with rheas, of course), and throughout the complex the use of bright red rock, as well as the main pavilion being, I believe, a replica of the Sydney Opera House, further enhance the experience.
Zürich was also the first zoo in Europe to breed Galapagos Giant Tortoise, and to this day has seen by far the most success of any such collection. Some subspecies-pure individuals, as well as hybrids, inhabit a very nice enclosure. I am not sure if we can count the excellent coral reef aquariums (the most aesthetically pleasing such ones that I have seen, more so than even Burgers') in the Exotarium here, as they also counted for Asia, but several of the inhabitants do have the coasts of island nations as part of their range. Elsewhere in the Exotarium, the Lesser Antillean Iguanas, something of a rarity, should count too, as well as Red-tailed Ratsnakes, Fiji Banded Iguanas, Yellow-headed ay Geckos and Reticulated Pythons. And then there are the tiny, beautiful and endangered Tiger Chameleons, the only ones in Europe and one of Zürich's best rarities!
That said, all this excellence is somewhat dampened by the atrocious orangutan enclosure in the Ape House, and the rather mediocre gibbon enclosure in the same building. Depending on how much each voter thinks these low points detract from the excellence elsewhere, Artis may have a lifeline. As I know very little about what the Dutch collection has on offer here, I remain fully open to changing my vote based on future discussion, but for now I am voting 4-1 to Zürich.
A shame that poor luck with key closures and narrow losses mean that Zürich is out regardless of this result, but on the bright side that has facilitated quite the underdog story with Paris making it into the final twelve!
