Fresno Chaffee Zoo Fresno Chaffee Zoo Master Plan Speculation

Blackleopard207

Blackleopard207

Well-Known Member
https://fresno.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=11332829&GUID=113F32D2-0F72-4AFD-83A0-C403CB568B24

I’m really looking forward to the new Conservation Corridor, especially the new exhibits for lemurs, red wolves, and giant tortoises. I’m also curious about the primate exhibits. I wonder if they will have more than just monkeys. Maybe an ape species? And a lot of times rotating exhibits are for larger animals? Maybe a new cat species like leopards or hyenas? African wild dogs? I could see them doing a rotating exhibit with species like this.
 
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There was talk of bringing gorillas back to the zoo in the earlier master plan (they were sent away in the 1990s), but that seems to have gone away along with the hippo and crocodile complex in the current plan.

I would expect that the existing colobus monkey troop at the zoo and lemurs will probably stay at the zoo, but would not expect many more primate species, and certainly no apes other than the existing orang-siamang exhibit.

You can see from the master plan that there is not really another tropical zone planned for the zoo, so your hopes for more big cats, hyenas, wild dogs, etc. are not in their plans. The planned California zone might have mountain lions, which would bring another cat to the zoo to complement the existing tigers, lions, and cheetahs.
 
Yeah I know it probably won’t be that, but I’m just speculating because they showed two primate exhibits, aside from their lemur exhibit. Currently colobus monkeys are the only other option. I wonder what they’ll do with the second primate exhibit? And as far as the rotation exhibits and the primate exhibits go, they showed no picture in the master plan except for a map view. No exhibit look or species were shown. And from what I’ve seen, most rotational exhibits seem to be for carnivores.

And as far as gorillas go, yeah that area is definitely too small for them. But I’m just curious. But it is a little disappointing to see the hippo/crocodile area no longer in existence.
 
Also I was just looking and found something interesting. There is also plans for a small primate habitat next to the Valley Farm, separate from the other primate habitats. This will probably be the future home of colobus monkeys. However the other two exhibits weren’t labeled small primate. This is a bit interesting. If it were a kind of ape, I would guess chimpanzees.
 
Blackleopard207 said:
Also I was just looking and found something interesting. There is also plans for a small primate habitat next to the Valley Farm, separate from the other primate habitats. This will probably be the future home of colobus monkeys. However the other two exhibits weren’t labeled small primate. This is a bit interesting. If it were a kind of ape, I would guess chimpanzees.
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Given the location of those two primate exhibits - across from the African savanna - the intention might be for those to house African monkeys like the colobus. It looks too small in that plan for chimpanzees - and presumably there would be more detail if it were for a great ape.

As for the primate enclosure next to the walk-through aviary: I had assumed that was a replacement exhibit for the tamarins, since their previous home (the rainforest building adjoining the aviary) is being demolished. It could be for a different monkey species, though.
 
Blackleopard207 said:
Yeah I know it probably won’t be that, but I’m just speculating because they showed two primate exhibits, aside from their lemur exhibit. Currently colobus monkeys are the only other option. I wonder what they’ll do with the second primate exhibit? And as far as the rotation exhibits and the primate exhibits go, they showed no picture in the master plan except for a map view. No exhibit look or species were shown. And from what I’ve seen, most rotational exhibits seem to be for carnivores.

And as far as gorillas go, yeah that area is definitely too small for them. But I’m just curious. But it is a little disappointing to see the hippo/crocodile area no longer in existence.
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I too am extremely disappointed about hippos not returning, but that's okay.
 
Hi Blackleopard, I know this thread's kind of old but thank you for bringing attention to Fresno Chaffee's new updated masterplan! I reviewed most of it and thought I'd offer my theories.

For one, I love the California coastal mountains and San Joaquin section! It will complement the forest theming of Sea Lion Cove, adding to the Californian feel and expanding upon their gorgeous immersive winding trail! I love the animal selection they have listed there. The plan says that they will be including exhibits for mountain lions, the coastal giant salamander, various California birds, amphibians, and reptiles, plus kit foxes, river otters, a bald eagle, various fish species, pronghorns, wolves, grey foxes and more! I like the emphasis on mostly smaller California species. Not only does it give attention to otherwise underrated/underappreciated animals, but it also makes maintaining the zoo easier as the zoo will be quite busy with its already many large exhibits like the African Adventure, Kingdoms of Asia, and upcoming aquarium. I theorize this to be one of the reasons for the loss of the African River, African Forest, and South America sections. :(

I'm also excited for conservation corridor! I'm very grateful that they'll be remaking enclosures for their lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, red wolves, macaws, and giant anteaters! I see that they're now emphasizing improving on the enclosures of animals they already have rather than bringing in new megafauna, which is very admirable. I love the premise of conservation corridor: rather than make a new continent-devoted section, they are utilizing a new space for current animals that don't fit into their African or Asian themed areas, and now devoting it into a conservation themed area. This is perfect for emphasizing the conservation needs of the South American jungles (anteater and macaws) that are facing threat from deforestation, Madagascar and Galapagos Islands (lemurs and tortoise) which are especially precious islands, being that they hold many species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world), plus their Red Wolves (emphasizing how endangered their species is).
 
As others have said, by "small primates" I think the area in valley farm and nature play refers to really small primates, not medium sized ones like the colobus monkey. My theory was that their current squirrel monkeys would be moved here, but others pointed out that the zoo either had or currently has tamarins? During my twenty years of visiting the zoo I've never seen tamarins (which is a shame as they're the cutest primate) so if they still have them, then most likely this area is for them. Also interesting to note that their flamingos would inhabit this section. I suppose that the flamingoes and cute small monkeys fit well into this "kiddie" area as they'd be appealing to children for their cute/pretty privilege appearance. I could see how the zoo could use this as a great opportunity to educate kids how despite little monkeys being cute and exhibited near the zoos domestic livestock (the hens and barn animals, which I assume will be the zoo's new petting zoo), how they do not make great pets and are better off in zoos or in the wild.

I'm looking forward to the new parking garage (the zoo really needs one as its been packed and near impossible to find parking now), aquarium, and support facilities.

As for the primate exhibits and rotation exhibits in African Adventure, I agree with the others that at least one of the two primate exhibits will be for their current colobus monkey. My theory is that their current red rufus lemurs will be in a mixed exhibit with their ring tailed lemurs over in conservation corridor, with their squirrel monkeys and tamarins in a mixed species over in Valley Farm (if not, one of the two will be moved to another zoo, as neither would fit with the Africa theme of African Adventure) and instead Wolf Guenons will make a return to the zoo to inhabit the second primate exhibit. As for the rotation exhibits, my theory was that the rotation exhibits would serve for small desert African Animals. It would be very simple and easier to construct, plus require less space and maintenance. My theory was that the rotation exhibits would rotate for their current fennec fox, and introduce new animals like African tortoises, mongooses, MAYBE at most an aardvark too. It would be simple to make as all species would share a similar desert habitat and would be easier to hold than large animals like hyenas or leopards. However, another Zoo Chatter on a separate thread mentioned that this area would most likely be for the zoo's seasonal exhibits like their animatronic dinosaurs, butterfly house, etc., so most likely no new African species unfortunately. :( Considering the map's pathway layout, it would seem an odd place to fit any animal exhibits.
 
Some questions though: Is the conservation corridor's reptile/amphibian conservation center meant to be a replacement for the current reptile house? Also, what of the Roo walkabout? Don't tell me they're going to demolish it and remove their kangaroos and Australian birds from the zoo. :( That'd be a shame, every time I've ever visited the zoo their walkabout has always been closed. I also find it surprising that the zoo would phase out their capybaras and condors (since they aren't listed anywhere in the master plan), especially their capybaras being that capys have been especially popular with casual zoo goers on the internet in recent years due to their kind demeanors and loveable nature.
 
fs_squid8711 said:
There Taking down sea lion cove?! :(
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As could be seen down below for the layout of the new California exhibit, Sea Lion Cove will remain exactly as is. The Red Wolf Woods, Galapagos tortoises, reptile house, and the old entry will all be removed and replaced with a carousel and small aquarium, which is where their ray touch pool will move to. To the right of Sea Lion Cove, the lemur island, Anteater, capybara, existing monkey exhibits, and bird show will all be removed and replaced with exhibits for mountain lions, river otters, eagles, wolves, pronghorns, and more. The aquarium and California animals are most likely meant to compliment Sea Lion Cove with an aquatic/Californian theme. The reptiles, Anteater, lemurs, red wolves, and Galapagos tortoises will be moved to conservation corridor. As for the capybara there’s no mention of them so most likely they’ll be phased out
 
BenFoxster said:
As others have said, by "small primates" I think the area in valley farm and nature play refers to really small primates, not medium sized ones like the colobus monkey. My theory was that their current squirrel monkeys would be moved here, but others pointed out that the zoo either had or currently has tamarins? During my twenty years of visiting the zoo I've never seen tamarins (which is a shame as they're the cutest primate) so if they still have them, then most likely this area is for them. Also interesting to note that their flamingos would inhabit this section. I suppose that the flamingoes and cute small monkeys fit well into this "kiddie" area as they'd be appealing to children for their cute/pretty privilege appearance. I could see how the zoo could use this as a great opportunity to educate kids how despite little monkeys being cute and exhibited near the zoos domestic livestock (the hens and barn animals, which I assume will be the zoo's new petting zoo), how they do not make great pets and are better off in zoos or in the wild.

I'm looking forward to the new parking garage (the zoo really needs one as its been packed and near impossible to find parking now), aquarium, and support facilities.

As for the primate exhibits and rotation exhibits in African Adventure, I agree with the others that at least one of the two primate exhibits will be for their current colobus monkey. My theory is that their current red rufus lemurs will be in a mixed exhibit with their ring tailed lemurs over in conservation corridor, with their squirrel monkeys and tamarins in a mixed species over in Valley Farm (if not, one of the two will be moved to another zoo, as neither would fit with the Africa theme of African Adventure) and instead Wolf Guenons will make a return to the zoo to inhabit the second primate exhibit. As for the rotation exhibits, my theory was that the rotation exhibits would serve for small desert African Animals. It would be very simple and easier to construct, plus require less space and maintenance. My theory was that the rotation exhibits would rotate for their current fennec fox, and introduce new animals like African tortoises, mongooses, MAYBE at most an aardvark too. It would be simple to make as all species would share a similar desert habitat and would be easier to hold than large animals like hyenas or leopards. However, another Zoo Chatter on a separate thread mentioned that this area would most likely be for the zoo's seasonal exhibits like their animatronic dinosaurs, butterfly house, etc., so most likely no new African species unfortunately. :( Considering the map's pathway layout, it would seem an odd place to fit any animal exhibits.
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It is quite a shame that Hippos, Crocs and Chimps will not return to Fresno and I wish they made something more permanent in the space next the Elephants as the major issue with Africia is the amount of backtracking it has and having those exhibits to walk through after reaching the baobab tree would cut back on the backtracking a lot on Tembo Trail; Getting rid of the African Forrest and African River expansions is the most baffling part of this for me as it seems that's what just about everyone wanted to happen as I was told it was the plan back in 2015 and that the expansions would happen within the next few years or so (only thing that would've made African perfect in my option is if the Zebras got their own space to come back to the zoo as they were phased out for being too aggressive with other hoof stock). Also not a fan of getting rid of Roo Walkabout as I still think it is still too new to be removed within the decade and the playground for valley farm looks quite tacky in my option as I think it would take away from the educational value of learning about the agriculture in the area, also having the goats be able to climb on the structure with kids sounds like a bad idea as kids and goats have the potential to play too rough with each other and push one or the other off the structure.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Very interesting!

How much of the new Masterplan is close to being realised?
Is there are timeline for the new areas?
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The linked master plan includes an estimated timeline at the end, the new entry, parking garage, and California are estimated for completion by 2027, Conservation Corridor by 2028, Valley Farm by 2029, the vet hospital and African primates by 2029, and aquarium and reptile house by 2031 and 2032 respectively. It will most likely take much longer though, at this rate Kingdoms of Asia still has not been completed (the tapir and babirusa exhibit), and the zoo has already begun construction on valley farm, so it looks like they won’t be going in order of the timeline anymore.
 
FrederickA said:
It is quite a shame that Hippos, Crocs and Chimps will not return to Fresno and I wish they made something more permanent in the space next the Elephants as the major issue with Africia is the amount of backtracking it has and having those exhibits to walk through after reaching the baobab tree would cut back on the backtracking a lot on Tembo Trail; Getting rid of the African Forrest and African River expansions is the most baffling part of this for me as it seems that's what just about everyone wanted to happen as I was told it was the plan back in 2015 and that the expansions would happen within the next few years or so (only thing that would've made African perfect in my option is if the Zebras got their own space to come back to the zoo as they were phased out for being too aggressive with other hoof stock). Also not a fan of getting rid of Roo Walkabout as I still think it is still too new to be removed within the decade and the playground for valley farm looks quite tacky in my option as I think it would take away from the educational value of learning about the agriculture in the area, also having the goats be able to climb on the structure with kids sounds like a bad idea as kids and goats have the potential to play too rough with each other and push one or the other off the structure.
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I too am still strongly disappointed by the omission of the African River and Forest expansions, even simplified versions with reduced species each would have been better than nothing. In my personal experience gorillas, penguins, and hippos in particular seem to be extremely popular zoo animals. For instance, my mom doesn’t really like zoos but she loves to go to the LA zoo just for the gorillas. The exclusion of the gorillas might be too big a blow, in general their popularity among non zoo nerds must not be taken for granted, many love them for their gentle playful nature, others still misunderstand them and would love to see them for how intimidating and dangerous they are, though would benefit from learning about their peaceful nature, and what better way to learn this then at a zoo! Not to mention their cultural significance in pop culture such as King Kong and Tarzan. Those three plus the chimps (technically Bonobos were originally planned, not chimps), Nile Croc for crocodilian and herp lovers, and not to mention the originally planned South American exhibit planned to exhibit jaguars and giant otters, would have (in my opinion) put the zoo on par with the likes of Omaha, St. Louis, and the San Diego parks. Obviously I still like the new plans, but I still think it’s too great a missed opportunity. I’d

Id rather see hippos or other exotic species over cougars, bald eagles, and the other Californian species, considering that is from SoCal already live in California and could see these species either in the wild or at other zoos and similar facilities focusing on native wildlife. The CALM zoo featuring cougars, eagles, and other California species like bears, bobcats, roadrunners, badgers, and more is just an hour and a half away from Fresno, and the aquarium is not too necessary and addition considering that Fresno is already so close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In general most would probably go to the zoo to see large land species anyways rather than fish, plus I feel that an aquarium should be a luxury that comes after a zoo has most of the more iconic zoo species already, though as previously mentioned the zoo won’t be getting the African apes, penguins, hippos, or jaguars anymore, which I would prefer over an aquarium.

I agree about the loss of Roo Valley, I’m actually a really big fan of the exhibit and find it to be an underrated Roo walkabout. It’s big enough for the Roos to get away from the path but small enough that you’re never too far from a Roo or emu even if they choose to stay off in the distance. It’s a very charming exhibit, and with its removal the zoo will lose even more iconic megafauna, roos, wallabies, and emus. Not to mention lose its Australian representation. If anything I’d rather they decrease the scope of their Valley Farm concept and leave enough space to add more Australian exhibits such as a cassowary, tree kangaroo, or even koala if possible and have them exhibited near the walkabout. Better yet though I’d rather the zoo kept their already existing wilderness falls and dinondig, perhaps incorporate a small petting zoo in that area, and return the Valley Farm space to its original proposed space as the South American exhibit. They could keep the SA walkthrough and add nearby exhibits for jaguars and giant otters, then move the flamingoes, anteaters, and squirrel monkeys to this section, basically a South American version of Kingdoms of Asia.
 
FrederickA said:
It is quite a shame that Hippos, Crocs and Chimps will not return to Fresno and I wish they made something more permanent in the space next the Elephants as the major issue with Africia is the amount of backtracking it has and having those exhibits to walk through after reaching the baobab tree would cut back on the backtracking a lot on Tembo Trail; Getting rid of the African Forrest and African River expansions is the most baffling part of this for me as it seems that's what just about everyone wanted to happen as I was told it was the plan back in 2015 and that the expansions would happen within the next few years or so (only thing that would've made African perfect in my option is if the Zebras got their own space to come back to the zoo as they were phased out for being too aggressive with other hoof stock). Also not a fan of getting rid of Roo Walkabout as I still think it is still too new to be removed within the decade and the playground for valley farm looks quite tacky in my option as I think it would take away from the educational value of learning about the agriculture in the area, also having the goats be able to climb on the structure with kids sounds like a bad idea as kids and goats have the potential to play too rough with each other and push one or the other off the structure.
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I also agree about the zebras, I figured with the omission of the African River and Forest complexes, they could have at least made up for it by returning zebras to the zoo by giving them their own paddock across from the elephants. I also believe they could have compromised, perhaps combined their originally planned River and Forest exhibits into one single exhibit, keep at least one of the two great apes, then perhaps downsize from the hippos to Pygmy hippos, and downsize from the originally planned bongo antelope to okapis instead, they would need less room then a Bongo herd. Also maybe downsize from African penguins to little blue penguins and have them incorporated into the new aquarium, even though the aquarium is supposed to be themed around Pacific Ocean species.
 
BenFoxster said:
I too am still strongly disappointed by the omission of the African River and Forest expansions, even simplified versions with reduced species each would have been better than nothing. In my personal experience gorillas, penguins, and hippos in particular seem to be extremely popular zoo animals. For instance, my mom doesn’t really like zoos but she loves to go to the LA zoo just for the gorillas. The exclusion of the gorillas might be too big a blow, in general their popularity among non zoo nerds must not be taken for granted, many love them for their gentle playful nature, others still misunderstand them and would love to see them for how intimidating and dangerous they are, though would benefit from learning about their peaceful nature, and what better way to learn this then at a zoo! Not to mention their cultural significance in pop culture such as King Kong and Tarzan. Those three plus the chimps (technically Bonobos were originally planned, not chimps), Nile Croc for crocodilian and herp lovers, and not to mention the originally planned South American exhibit planned to exhibit jaguars and giant otters, would have (in my opinion) put the zoo on par with the likes of Omaha, St. Louis, and the San Diego parks. Obviously I still like the new plans, but I still think it’s too great a missed opportunity. I’d

Id rather see hippos or other exotic species over cougars, bald eagles, and the other Californian species, considering that is from SoCal already live in California and could see these species either in the wild or at other zoos and similar facilities focusing on native wildlife. The CALM zoo featuring cougars, eagles, and other California species like bears, bobcats, roadrunners, badgers, and more is just an hour and a half away from Fresno, and the aquarium is not too necessary and addition considering that Fresno is already so close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In general most would probably go to the zoo to see large land species anyways rather than fish, plus I feel that an aquarium should be a luxury that comes after a zoo has most of the more iconic zoo species already, though as previously mentioned the zoo won’t be getting the African apes, penguins, hippos, or jaguars anymore, which I would prefer over an aquarium.

I agree about the loss of Roo Valley, I’m actually a really big fan of the exhibit and find it to be an underrated Roo walkabout. It’s big enough for the Roos to get away from the path but small enough that you’re never too far from a Roo or emu even if they choose to stay off in the distance. It’s a very charming exhibit, and with its removal the zoo will lose even more iconic megafauna, roos, wallabies, and emus. Not to mention lose its Australian representation. If anything I’d rather they decrease the scope of their Valley Farm concept and leave enough space to add more Australian exhibits such as a cassowary, tree kangaroo, or even koala if possible and have them exhibited near the walkabout. Better yet though I’d rather the zoo kept their already existing wilderness falls and dino dig, perhaps incorporate a small petting zoo in that area, and return the Valley Farm space to its original proposed space as the South American exhibit. They could keep the SA walkthrough and add nearby exhibits for jaguars and giant otters, then move the flamingoes, anteaters, and squirrel monkeys to this section, basically a South American version of Kingdoms of Asia.
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I would much rather the zoo had gone with this plan since the area up from Safari Cafe is basically a kids zone the petting zoo should've been moved there. Also since the birds of prey aviary seems like it is going to be removed in the current master plan anyways perhaps the cages could be fused in one big one for Kolas or maybe fuse two of them for Kolas and keep one separate for Tree kangaroos (only if the space is deemed adequate for this) and the old African spurred tortoise/Duiker area is not really being utilized last I checked perhaps that could be an area for Tasmanian Devils or maybe Wombats, and move the Australin Aviary here for a more defined Australian zone. I also I had an idea on how to save on acquiring new animals perhaps the zoo could move it's Lemurs, colobus monkey and Fennec fox to an African forest expansion; and while the Fennec Fox doesn't fit with a forest or river themed expansion it would just be to condense the African animals in a dedicated Africa area. I would diverge from you slightly in regard to California animals I would make the area from the cafe to the current entrance Themed around north American animals in general as the Red wolves and Sea Lions already do a good enough job representing animals found on opposite ends of the continent. Since in this hypothetical the African primates are moved to Africia and the Anteater and Squirrel Monkeys are moved to a dedicated south America section, the alligator could be moved onto lemur island if the rockwork was redone. Using these new spaces I would use these to make this area more focused on north America animals in general perhaps Bobcat's in the anteater exhibit or an armadillo where the fennec fox was, just laying out ideas. Expanding on a hypothetical south America area if the farm was moved to where the kid's play area was that would leave the old warthog exhibit, old valley farm area and Tapir area ripe for an expansion, (although I can't help but wonder if the valley farm was moved perhaps some of it and the tapir habitat could've been fused together to make a more adequate habitat for an Indian Rhino) where perhaps the reptile house could be moved since the Galapagos islands are under the jurisdiction of a south American country and the crested screamers could have their own exhibit and the zoo reworks their peccary exhibit a little as while most people associate south America with rainforest there is also a considerable amount of savannah/grassland on the continent where peccaries can be found. With these in mind that would leave the zoo with dedicated areas to Africia, Asia, Austrillia, North America and South America with only Antartica and Europe having no dedicated area, but the zoo has no Antarctic species last I checked and the only European animals they have is the Eurasian eagle owl and a few reptiles, so I think it's fine. If the zoo did this it would be perfect and then the aquarium with the stingrays (Although most species in stingray bay aren't found in the Pacific Ocean except the Nurse Shark and they seem to want to put a focus on Pacific Ocean animals in the current plan) would be the cherry on top.
 
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