Gold Coast Zoo

[OskarGC]

Gold Coast Zoo is my speculative zoo design. Besides my own ideas, I have taken inspiration from exhibits at other zoos in Australia and around the world, particularly those I have visited and been impressed by.

Gold Coast Zoo is situated in the northern Gold Coast on roughly 500 acres (202 hectares) of former farmland. The zoo boasts a diverse collection of animals, each displayed in exhibits designed to closely recreate their natural habitats. This focus ensures the wellbeing of the animals and creates visually appealing environments for guests.
The zoo is divided into six main sections:

• Australia
• Aquarium
• Africa
• Tropical Islands of Asia
• Amazonia
• Feathers & Scales

Upon entering the zoo through the grand front gates, visitors find themselves on a front street featuring an information centre, a zoo members office, staff buildings, and several food and retail options. After this area, the actual entrance to the zoo is through a turnstile gate system. The journey begins with the large Australia Section. Which in order is split into five sections:

• Australia Trail
• Reptile & Nocturnal House
• Australia Aviaries
• QLD House
• Brink of Extinction

Australia Trail
The Australia Trail begins with an exhibit based on a Tasmanian fern forest. This exhibit features ferns and other native plants, multiple hollow logs, rocks, and a den to provide Tasmanian Devil (1.2) places to hide. Following this is a small walkthrough exhibit themed after a coastal headland habitat, this includes scattered trees, clumps of grass, a few shelters and a small pond for Cape Barren Goose (3.3) and Quokka (5.5). Next is a medium-sized exhibit that has a sandy substrate with a small grassy area, a sandstone shelf with overhanging rocks for shelter, and several boulders that provide vantage points for Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby (4.4). A pair of Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (1.1) live on the floor below with access to a night den visible to guests during the day. Past here is the next enclosure, this large walkthrough exhibit offers paths going in different directions, providing guests various options for each visit. It is mainly open and covered in grass, featuring a creek, patches of trees, and covered rest areas. It is home to Red Kangaroo (5.5), Emu (1.1), Swamp Wallaby (2.2) and Red-Necked Wallaby (2.2). Just outside the walkthrough exhibit is a massive flight aviary with trees, rocks and dead logs, providing plenty of flight room for a breeding part of Wedge-Tailed Eagle (1.1). Beside this is a small pit-style exhibit that includes a dead log, big desert rocks and a crevice for the Perentie (1.1) to shelter in. Next is a larger-than-usual Koala enclosure with a grass substrate in contrast to the usual dirt, there are small eucalyptus trees, bushes, and the usual cut-off branches of eucalyptus for the Koala (3.3) to feed on. Tammar Wallaby (1.2) also inhabit this enclosure. After this there is an open bushland-themed enclosure with big trees, grasses, boulders, and dead logs. It includes behind-the-scenes and on-exhibit dens for the pack of Dingo (2.2) that live here. Then there is another pit-style exhibit similar to the Perentie’s but based on a more temperate setting with dead logs and a tree that provides the ability for natural climbing behaviours for the Lace Monitor (1.1). Next is a lush exhibit, it’s well-landscaped with rainforest plants, undergrowth, and lots of trees, including a big Strangler Fig as the centrepiece, this is for a pair of Southern Cassowary (1.1). After this is a simple enclosure with two shelters, climbing structures, branches, and a central rainforest tree for Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo (1.1). Planted bushes and thick undergrowth provide shelter for Red-Necked Pademelon (2.2) on the floor below. Inspired by the Great Flight Aviary at Melbourne Zoo, the Australian Waterbird Aviary is a large, impressive structure that features a body of water running through most of the aviary that ranges in depth, lush aquatic plants, flora that naturally grows close to the water’s edge, big trees (both dead and alive), waterside boulders, and a few sandy beaches. Guests view the inhabitants from an elevated boardwalk not far off the ground. Twice daily, a feeding presentation takes place on one of the viewing platforms. The aviary houses: Australian Pelican (2.2), Radjah Shelduck (3.3), Australian Shelduck (2.2), Magpie Goose (3.3), Plumed Whistling-Duck (6.6), Brolga (1.1), Black-Necked Stork (1.1), Black Swan (1.1), Little Black Cormorant (2.2), Pied Cormorant (1.1), Eurasian Coot (3.3), Australasian Darter (1.1), Cattle Egret (4.4), Straw-Necked Ibis (2.2), Nankeen Night-Heron (2.2), Pied Heron (4.4), White-Faced Heron (2.2), Royal Spoonbill (3.3) and Spectacled Flying-Fox (4.4).

Great Flight Aviary | Picture by @akasha

After exiting the aviary there is a fairly simple exhibit that features two pools surrounded by mown grass, rocks, and long grass furnishings, this houses a pair of Saltwater Crocodile (1.1). Across from here is a nicely furnished open-topped exhibit with a long pond that runs the width of the front of the enclosure with a sandy beach on one end. There are native plants and grasses and large rocks for basking. Inhabitants include Merten’s Water-Monitor (1.1), Eastern Water-Dragon (1.3), Eastern Long-Necked Turtle (2.2), Saw-Shelled Turtle (2.2) and Murray River-Turtle (2.2). Just down the path is a similar exhibit to the previous crocodile enclosure, featuring a large pool with murky water surrounded by mown grass, and a grove of Pandanus trees that add some shade to the habitat, this is for Freshwater Crocodile (3.3).

 

[OskarGC]

Walking a bit further down the path, visitors reach the expansive Reptile & Nocturnal House which is divided into two halves:

• Daytime
• Nighttime

Reptile & Nocturnal House
Daytime
Entering the building you are welcomed into the Daytime section, each of the exhibits are built into the walls on each side of a long hallway that has a few bends. The first exhibit is on your left and based on a seabird colony from the Tasmanian coastline with burrows and tussock grasses, it’s for an adult Tiger Snake (1.0). There’s a larger tank based on a canefield with canegrass, a piece of tin and a small dead tree for a Coastal Taipan (1.0). After this there is a savanna woodland themed exhibit, there are small trees, a few plants, rocks and a mock-rock termite mound, this exhibit is for a mix of Frilled Lizard (1.2), Northern Carpet-Python (1.1) and Freckled Monitor (1.1). Then there’s one based on a sandstone cliff-face with rocky crevices, a small pool of water and a vertical hollow log for a pair of Kimberley Rock-Monitor (1.1). The next is like a larger version of the previous one though it is based on a sandstone gorge with a pool of water through the centre of the exhibit and a few caves for hiding. This is for Oenpelli Python (1.1). There’s one based on coastal sand dunes with beach sand substrate, Beachgrass, burrows and a few rocks for an Eastern Brown-Snake (1.0). Next is a littoral rainforest paludarium with many live plants and a base filled with rocks and water for a group of Orange-Eyed Tree-Frog (3.3). There’s a large exhibit themed after a mangrove forest with mangrove trees and roots and a base filled most of the way with water for Mangrove Monitor (1.1). After this there is an exhibit based on Christmas Island with burrows, a shallow pond and small Coconut Palms, it’s for Coconut Crab (2.2). Next is an arid tank with logs and rocks for a mix of Goldfields Crevice-Skink (3.3) and Western Shingleback (1.1). The largest enclosure in the Daytime half of the Reptile & Nocturnal House is planted with small trees and ferns, littered with hollow logs, rocks and a tree stump for a pair of Numbat (1.1).

Numbat Exhibit | Picture by @WhistlingKite24

Nestled beside this exhibit is a small tank planted with grasses on a sandy substrate for Turtle Frog (1.1). After this there is a paludarium based on an ephemeral wetland in South-West WA, there are pieces of driftwood, rocks, and it’s planted with aquatic plants and reeds. This is for a small group of Western Swamp-Turtle (2.2). Next is an exhibit based on the rainforest floor, with branches, leaf litter, rocks and a burrow. This tank is home to a mix of Pink-Tongued Skink (1.1) and Northern Leaf-Tailed Gecko (1.2). Following this is a large water-filled exhibit with a small land area in the back. There are aquatic plants, driftwood and a base covered in large rocks for Red-Bellied Turtle (3.3), Spangled Perch (3.3), Coal Grunter (3.3) and Sleepy Cod (3.3). After this there is an aquarium with very similar furnishings to the exhibit though with more hiding spots and on a much smaller level, this houses Freshwater Moray-Eel (1.1), Banded Rainbowfish (8.8), Crimson-Spotted Rainbowfish (8.8), Chequered Rainbowfish (8.8) and Purple-Spotted Gudgeon (4.4). Afterwards there is an arboreal paludarium planted and filled with vines and branches for Common Tree-Snake (1.1). The base is filled with small stones and water that is regularly stocked with feeder-fish. The next two tanks are very similar in size. The first is based on a mountain streamside habitat and is filled with a jumble of rocks, many hiding spots and a few reeds for Booroolong Frog (3.3). The second is based on an alpine sphagnum swamp and has a small water area. It’s filled with sphagnum moss and associated grasses/reeds for a group of Southern Corroboree-Frog (4.4). After this there is a tank based on the blacksoil plains habitat in the monsoon season with a small pool of water and a few bits of grass for Crucifix Toad (1.2). Following this are two identical exhibits but based on different habitats with varying furnishings. The first one is themed on a spinifex grassland with red desert sand, spinifex tufts, dead wood and rocks, this houses Central Netted-Dragon (2.3) and Night Skink (1.2). The second one is right next door based on an arid rocky escarpment with a mock-rock outcrop, a jumble of big rocks and a few pieces of dead for a lively mix of Eastern Pilbara Spiny-Tailed Skink (4.4) and Red-Barred Dragon (1.2). The next exhibit is rather large with cracked yellow soil that has a few tufts of dry grass growing in areas, the surface is covered in light gibber meanwhile there are two burrows with subterranean viewing for a pair of Inland Taipan (1.1). Following this is a mulga forest themed tank with a small dead tree and hollow logs which is home to Pygmy Mulga-Monitor (1.1) and Tree Skink (3.3).

Pygmy Mulga-Monitor and Tree Skink Exhibit | Picture by @WhistlingKite24

Next is an exhibit of a similar size but with clumps of spinifex, logs, rocks and an old fence post for Centralian Blue-Tongue Skink (1.1) and Inland Bearded-Dragon (1.1). Then there’s a larger exhibit based on a dried up desert gorge with dead logs, a mock rock wall on either wall of the enclosure and even a tree growing. This is home to a mix of Spiny-Tailed Monitor (1.1) and Bredl’s Carpet-Python (1.2). Across from here are two identically-sized tanks. The first is centralian with red desert sand, spinifex clumps, rocks and a log for a Woma Python (1.0) followed by the second which is themed after a mallee habitat with grass, bushes, a hollow log and small trees for a King Brown-Snake (1.0). The final arid-based tank is themed after a spinifex-covered sand dune with clumps of spinifex and a few pieces of dead wood and rocks. Short-Tailed Monitor (1.1) live in here. Next up there is a heavily planted aquarium with diverse aquatic plants, pieces of driftwood and rocks for a pair of Arafura File-Snake (1.1). Then there’s a large exhibit themed after a monsoon forest pocket amongst a sandstone escarpment in the Kimberley region. There’s a pool of water at the base and mock rock walls on either wall to create the feeling of a gorge with a multitude of plants growing all over including a Rock Fig as the central furnishing. This tank is home to a mix of Magnificent Tree-Frog (3.3) and Rough-Scaled Python (1.1). After this, there is an exhibit based on the bottom of a sandstone gorge with smooth undulating levels of mock rock, logs and a large pool of water with a small Pandanus tree growing over it. This is for Water Python (0.1).

Water Python Exhibit | Picture by @WhistlingKite24

Next is an exhibit themed after the Sydney Basin with a few plants, branches and lots of rock crevices for hiding for Broad-Headed Snake (1.2). Then there’s a tank based on a heath underground with rocks, tufts of grass and other flora creating hiding spots for Burton’s Legless-Lizard (1.1). Following this is a simple forest floor exhibit with lots of dead leaf litter and a few rocks. This is home to Giant Burrowing-Cockroach (6.6). After this there is a tall tank with fresh branches of Eucalyptus cut-offs placed in a naturalistic water holder so as to act as a home and also as food for Spiny Stick-Insect (6.4) and Goliath Stick-Insect (5.3). Then there’s a sort of meadow-themed exhibit with lots of grasses and a few rocks for a pair of Eastern She-Oak Skink (1.1). Following this is a heavily planted paludarium based on a streamside habitat with water-lilies, reeds and other waterside vegetation and a water area bordered by a bank and lots of rocks for a mix of Eastern Water-Skink (1.2) and Green-and-Golden Bell-Frog (3.3). There’s a rocky riverine exhibit with lots of riparian grasses and a small pool of water for a Red-Bellied Black-Snake (1.0). The final exhibit in the Daytime section is similar to the Red-Bellied Turtle exhibit from earlier on in the building but based on a more southern setting with deeper water and temperate aquatic plants. This is home to Australian Bass (2.2), Eel-Tailed Catfish (2.2), Speckled Longfin-Eel (1.1) and Irwin’s Snapping-Turtle (1.1).

Nighttime
The first two exhibits in the Nighttime half of the Reptile & Nocturnal House are practically the same, just different sizes. Both are based on the grassy woodland habitat of Tasmania with lots of grass on the ground, a fallen hollow log and a few Eucalyptus trees providing a variety of climbing and digging opportunities. The first and larger exhibit is for a mix of Common Brushtail-Possum (1.1) and Eastern Barred-Bandicoot (1.1). The second is a little bit smaller for a pair of Eastern Quoll (1.1). In between here and the next main exhibit is a smaller tank themed after a Sandstone cave with lots of mock rock and real rock integrated to create this for Giant Cave-Gecko (1.2). Next is one based on the forest floor of a savanna woodland with rocks, hollow logs, small bushes and dry leaf litter for Fat-Tailed Dunnart (1.2). This is followed by a larger exhibit with trees, spinifex grass and a roof covered in mock rock to allow a sort of cave. This enclosure is home to Ghost Bat (10.10) and Spectacled Hare-Wallaby (1.1). After this there is a small tank with two small mangrove trees that create space for the web of a Golden Orbweaver-Spider (0.1). Then there’s an exhibit based on an island in Shark Bay with small trees, shrubs, rocks and grasses for a mix of Greater Stick-Nest Rat (2.2) and Woylie (1.1). Followed by an exhibit themed on the heathland of South-West WA and planted with Wandoo, Casuarina and Banksia for a pair of Red-Tailed Phascogale. There’s a small tank based on the forest floor with a few plants and a burrow for Queensland Whistling-Tarantula (0.1). After this are two almost identical rainforest-themed enclosures. Both planted with many trees and other plants as well as rocks and logs allowing lots of digging and climbing opportunities for their inhabitants. The first is for Striped Possum (1.1) and Rufous Bettong (1.2) and the second is home to Black-Footed Tree-Rat (1.1) and Northern Brown-Bandicoot (1.1). Then there’s an exhibit based on the alpine heath habitat and planted with Mountain Plum-Pine among other native shrubs, bushes and grasses. The base is like a mini boulder-field with many holes and crevices allowing hiding and climbing opportunities for Mountain Pygmy-Possum (1.1). There’s a small tank with mock-rock sides and background and a mixture of rocks and sand on the base for a pair of Centralian Knob-Tailed Gecko (1.1). Followed by a larger exhibit themed after a spinifex grassland with red desert sand, clumps of spinifex, a few rocks and a few burrows with windows allowing the guests to view inside them. This is home to a mix of Greater Bilby (1.1) and Spinifex Hopping-Mouse (10.10).

General View of Nighttime Section | Picture by @Hix

The next is based on a gibber plain with gibber-covered flooring, burrows and a few small trees each with tree hollows for Australian Owlet-Nightjar (1.1) and Plains Rat (1.3). The last arid-based exhibit is a small tank with rocks and a hide for Flinders Ranges Scorpion (1.0). There’s a medium-sized tank with rocks, branches and other plants for Brown Tree-Snake (1.1). This is followed by a large bushland-themed exhibit with trees, branches, rocks and tree hollows for a mix of Squirrel Glider (1.2) and Tawny Frogmouth (1.1). Golden-Tailed Gecko (1.1) live in a simple tank with a few branches and rocks for hiding. Then there’s a similar exhibit to the Squirrel Glider/Tawny Frogmouth exhibit but a little bit smaller and less open with thicker trees for Feathertail Glider (2.3) and Yellow-Bellied Glider (1.1). This is followed by a backyard pond themed tank with a pool of water, branches, plants and a water pipe. This exhibit is home to Green Tree-Frog (3.3) and Peron’s Tree-Frog (4.4). The last large bushland-themed exhibit is similar to the two previous glider exhibits but larger and the most open with expansive trees and branches for Greater Glider (1.1) and Short-Beaked Echidna (1.2). Then there’s a row of small tanks all next to each other. The first is based on a tree trunk with pieces of bark for a pair of Golden Huntsman (1.1) to hide beneath. The second one is themed on part of an old shed with a small piece of corrugated iron for Redback Spider (0.1). Then the last is based on the forest floor with leaf litter, twigs, rocks and a burrow for Sydney Funnelweb-Spider (0.1). There’s an exhibit themed on a river bank with lots of big rocks, large pieces of driftwood, riparian vegetation and a deep pond with some submerged logs running the length of the enclosure. This is home to Australian Water-Rat (1.1). After this is another exhibit themed on a river bank though there is not much land area within guest view. The water is much deeper and there are more underwater furnishings including aquatic plants for a pair of Platypus (1.1). The last exhibit in the Reptile & Nocturnal House is a tank based on the riverbed with lots of rocks, some driftwood and aquatic plants for Bullrout (1.1).