Micke Grove Zoo Future of the Micke Grove Zoo!

V

Viper

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
I wanted to post this if anyone else was curious as well.

Micke Grove Zoo is a wonderful small zoo that resides in Micke Grove Park in Lodi, CA. It contains many commendable exhibits containing many unique animals such as radiated tortoises, Prevosts squirrels, and snow leopards. A few years ago, the zoo has lost their accreditation and the loss has taken it's toll. As well as some amazing exhibits (Island Lost In Time, Aviary) it also contains many out of date enclosures that are in need of bulldozing that is yet to come.

The Zoo has plans to transform it's current 5 acre property into 15 acres by using the idea of priviatization. Of course being a zoogoer as myself, I wanted to search the web to see what secrets the zoo's masterplan had in store. After going deep into the internet, I found what I was looking for. . .

New and improved zoo master plan approved | Recordnet.com

Quite an impressive feat for a small zoo like this. . .

Viper
 
Any idea when this master plan was produced?

FYI there was a keeper from Mick Grove on this site for a while, but she lost her job due to budget cutbacks several months ago and we have not heard from her since.
 
@Arizona Docent

Yes, I've heard of her. (cherylgilman) I mentioned her and you as well on my post "A day in the life of a Zookeeper"

Quite a tragic ending for this valued member (or at least to me) that shared info and updates on exhibits and animals alike. Sad to see her go.

Don't know if this will help but, in the brochure, there is a blowup image of the master plan behind the wording (background) and shows some details.
http://www.sjgov.org/parks/HKGT%20Brochure.pdf

Sorry, don't know when the plan was produced. :o
Will keep looking.

Viper
 
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This article says that the master plan was completed in 2008: County puts off decision on zoo | Recordnet.com

With the current financial crisis and a change in leadership, its hard to know if this plan will be used or shelved. This is at least the second iteration of a large-scale master plan for the Micke Grove Zoo. In the early 1980s there was a plan to expand the zoo by many acres and build large exhibits for lions, zebras, etc., but that was all shelved by 1985 or so.

Hopefully with Terry Maple's help they can get the snow leopard/otter exhibit finished finally, get their finances and staffing stabilized, and get their accreditation back.
 
I just found out that that this Master Plan is still in use at Micke Grove Zoo. They are now starting their focus on constructing a new Gibbon enclosure and bringing a pair of Fossa to the Zoo as well.

The Asian Trek exhibit is back on construction (slowly). When i recently visited the zoo, I saw some workers setting up chain link fences here and there, but unsure wether or not if they are sticking with the original plan. I also saw a small veiwing shelter on the other side of the lot.

The zoo is currently making improvements and quite ambitious plans for the future.
 
Viper said:
I just found out that that this Master Plan is still in use at Micke Grove Zoo. They are now starting their focus on constructing a new Gibbon enclosure and bringing a pair of Fossa to the Zoo as well.

The Asian Trek exhibit is back on construction (slowly). When i recently visited the zoo, I saw some workers setting up chain link fences here and there, but unsure wether or not if they are sticking with the original plan. I also saw a small veiwing shelter on the other side of the lot.

The zoo is currently making improvements and quite ambitious plans for the future.
Click to expand...

How is the zoo looking Viper? I haven't visited it for a few years. Maybe it is time for a return visit if you think that it would be worthwhile.

What have they done with the old sea lion exhibit?

I'm glad to hear that the Asia exhibit is back on track and that a new gibbon exhibit is in the works. I really hope that they can get their AZA accreditation back in the near future.
 
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Micke Grove Zoo is progressing slowly. The old sea lion exhibit has been transformed into a seasonal lorikeet walk through aviary. The zoo is considering taking down the Lorikeet aviary, due to how much work it takes to sustain the enclosure. They are thinking about a different seasonal exhibit to replace it.

The new fossa and gibbons are going to be an exciting addition to the zoo grounds. The fossa pair, as of right now, are in quarantine and the exhibit is expected to open late in January or early febuary. The Gibbons however, will take a little more time to build. They have ripped apart the old Hamandrayas Baboon enclosure to make way for the apes. Still unsure what exactly the enclosure will look like.

I am quite excited that the Asia exhibit has returned back under construction. Like i said, the exhibit is progressing slowly. But, once the zoo gets the funding, i would expect the zoo to quickly pick up the pace.

The AZA accreditation loss has definatley taken it's toll by hindering the construction of Asian Trek for a while. If the Zoo wants a much more larger stock, then accreditation would be required. However, the zoo is doing well without the accredited status. (Though they still aim to get it)

Depending on where you live, a visit might not be a bad thing to consider. I would recomend visiting when the Fossa come out on exhibit.

PS: If you do decide to visit, please be sure to tell me how you think of it. I wouldn't mind asking zoo staff about any ideas you might have, since I volunteer there. ;)
 
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I grew up in Sacramento and would make regular treks down to Lodi to visit this zoo. It was always fun to visit because they had animals that Sacramento Zoo didn't like sea lions and tamarins. I remember when they had a rescued elephant seal in the early 1980s, the first time that I saw one.

I think that getting their accreditation back is important. It's a shame that it happened and that they lost animals like the Rodrigues fruit bats. Perhaps when I come up to Sacramento in the spring or summer will stop by for a visit. Thanks for the updates on how the zoo is doing.
 
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