Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens LA Zoo News 2012

mstickmanp

mstickmanp

Well-Known Member
The Zoo Commission Meeting minutes for November have finally been posted. Here are some highlights:

-Rainforest of the Americas progress: demo is 99% complete and construction is 10% complete.
-LAIR is 90% complete.
-Fennec Fox loaned to Honolulu Zoo for breeding.
-Black Duiker lonaed to Lowry Park Zoo.
-Will receive Australian Lungfish for LAIR.
-Giant Otter pups will be on rotation with their parents.
-LAIR is expected to open March 2012.

http://lazoo.org/about/commission/minutes/November2011Minutes.pdf
 
This is great news Mario, finally a set month for the opening of LAIR. And I thought they were rotating the Giant Otter pups with their parents now. The Lungfish for LAIR are a great addition as well!
 
Blackduiker said:
And I thought they were rotating the Giant Otter pups with their parents now.
Click to expand...

You have to remember that these are the November meeting minutes, so I'm sure the pups have now been on exhibit regularly since the meeting happened.

I'm also very excited that there is a set month for the opening of the LAIR. Although with all the recent delays, I'll believe it when I see it. ;)
 
I think the biggest issue with the proposed opening of LAIR is getting all the specimens in place. It was already established that all the exhibit glass has been installed.
 
So I had a great time at the zoo today and got some nice photos of the LAIR from the carousel. I also got photos of the Rainforest of the Americas site plan that was on of the walls by the construction site. The photos should be up in couple of minutes.

EDIT: Photos have been posted.
 
Last edited:
This brings up the question, what will replace the hippo? I personally would love if the zoo brought Malayan Tapirs or maybe Pygmy Hippos. The exhibit was okay for the common hippo, but I'm sure the large pool would be a better fit for a pair of pygmy hippos or tapirs. For the moment the should let the remaining Indian Rhino back onto the main exhibit where the hippo was until she passes and then they should bring something new.
 
Agree both would be a nice alternative.

What is the plan for the Indian rhino once our Randa passes on?
 
Could the newly arrived Sumatran Rhino possibly be moving in soon? There are three yards once designated for housing the Indian Rhinos. And the one adjacent to the Markhor habitat originally exhibited Indian Tapirs.
 
I didn't really think about that, but I think the pool is too big for the Sumatran Rhino.

With Rainforest of the Americas now confirmed to have a Baird's Tapir exhibit and Mountain Tapirs in the current South America section, the LA Zoo could be the only zoo in North America to have 3 species of tapirs if they do decide bring Malayan Tapirs.
 
Blackduiker

mstickmanp said:
I didn't really think about that, but I think the pool is too big for the Sumatran Rhino.

With Rainforest of the Americas now confirmed to have a Baird's Tapir exhibit and Mountain Tapirs in the current South America section, the LA Zoo could be the only zoo in North America to have 3 species of tapirs if they do decide bring Malayan Tapirs.
Click to expand...

3 Tapir species would be appropriate, since Los Angeles was the very first zoo to ever exhibit all 4 species simultaneously. :cool:
 
Blackduiker said:
3 Tapir species would be appropriate, since Los Angeles was the very first zoo to ever exhibit all 4 species simultaneously. :cool:
Click to expand...

They could do it again if they did that, they'll have the three rarest species. I think it's different in America, but over here everywhere have lowland tapirs and they seem to be a fairly ubiquitous species in the UK.
 
Back in the 1970s, there were plans to showcase all 4 species of tapirs in their own new theme area. One of several proposals that never saw the light of day. $$$$
 
I remember hearing that he was going to begin training to hopefully involve him in the program, but that was about 5 years ago. So he could either be in it or not, I don't really know.
 
Blackduiker

The latest news from the February Zoo Scape mentions the departure of LA's last Japanese Serow. Could that be to clear a space for the Takins? Which would in return make their yard available once again to exhibit our newly arrived Sumatran Rhino, the home of his predecessors?

And it's official, LAIR is now completed and being occupied; both buildings. The director John Lewis says that there are nearly fifty separate habitats, with two outdoor areas. Curator Ian Recchio and his staff are working hard, but caringly to move each animal into their space for the March opening; no exact date given yet. Each habitat has macro-and micro-climates to be adjusted to suit resident species that may originate from moist, cool cloud forests or dry Southwest deserts. Some habitats are for aquatic species, while others are for terrestrials, with others housing both water and landlubbers. It has been over three years since the original reptile house was demolished. Their return is greatly anticipated by all Los Angeles Zoo goers.
 
Not just in LA. I heard great things as to species being or intended to be exhibited there. It should no doubt be a vast improvement on the old building!

On another note:
Have you been able to find out what is the plan with the larger group of Peninsular pronghorn imported last year?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top