These exhibits have transformed the zoo from a struggling mediocre establishment and put it on the map.
It's definitely on the map.
I made my first visit over the weekend and was impressed with the zoo overall; a lot of the locals seem impressed too from overhearing their conversations. If I was a local, however, I'd be irritated. While I understand that they're expected to open more sections over the years, it seems to be missing a large swath of species.
The bird collection was mediocre, but bonus points for having a bateleur eagle. The primate collection was abysmal, and you need another ape species. Bonobos would be nice, but I'd settle for chimps.
...with construction for Kingdoms of Asia beginning early 2019. This will bring bigger better exhibits to the Malayan Tigers
I didn't see any actual construction going on aside from something behind the gift shop next to the Kopje Lodge (Lounge?), but improved, and I mean vastly improved, tiger exhibits are my top concern for this reno. The current exhibit is wonderfully planted, but it's no bigger than my apartment.
...Sloth Bears, Komodo Dragons, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Sumatran Orangutans, as well as a few new species to the zoo.
Sloth Bears are an interesting pick up, but if they go ahead with this... uh, Cambodian-inspired design I hope zoo officials are dexterous enough to include Indian-esque temples. Sloth Bears don't live in Malaysia.
If the orangutan habitat isn't going to change much -- and it is a decent size -- they need to improve the viewing areas, and I would like to see some naturalistic additions to the space. In its current evolution, there's almost nowhere to get a good picture.
Later plans include Phase II of African Adventure: The African River, Phase III of African Adventure: The African Forest, a South American section, and a new entrance.
If the zoo can implement a hippo exhibit into the current field setup, then African Adventure will be truly word class. I mean one that feels more like a riverine space rather than a large pool.
And while this isn't a dig at Fresno per se, what the hell is up with the lack of leopards?! Did the AZA forget they exist? Fresno seems to have the space to comfortably house the Big 5.
Final thought: More birds. A lot more birds.
Actually, that's not true. More later. Let me go through my pictures. My favorite part though was seeing a prehensile porcupine! I had been wanting to see one.
