Brookfield Zoo Master Plan Discussion and Speculation

[pachyderm pro]

As we enter the new year, we have finally reached a point where we can begin to expect some information in regards to the long awaited Brookfield Zoo master plan. This years Brookfield news thread has gotten really quite crowded with speculation instead of actual news so I think it's about time we have a thread dedicated to discussion of future plans independent of the news threads. Keep the pie-in-the-sky fantasy concepts to the Ideas, Dreams and Hopes thread. This is for discussion of what realistically could happen at the zoo and opinions on will happen.

The first major project and the only thing we 100% know for sure will be done is an extensive Tropic World renovation. After four decades of keeping great apes exclusively indoors, the primary focus of the renovation will be new outdoor gorilla and orangutan habitats. While no specifics were given, there are also plans to revamp the interior. Hopefully this means real substrates, plants, new paint-jobs and some new species. The plan is to begin construction in 2023 or 2024 which would put the completion of the project around 2025/2026.

That's the only major addition we have any sort of specifics on, but there are plenty of other things we can infer will happen.

I definitely think we can count on a major expansion of Habitat Africa taking over the hoofstock paddocks and the Pachyderm House. The zoo has expressed interest in breeding black rhinos again so if I had to place my bets I think it's highly likely a new rhino complex will be a priority. It's also very likely the lions will be moved to Habitat Africa as well. Of course, there is also the uncertain possibility of elephants (The phrase, "when Brookfield brings elephants back..." is starting to sound a whole lot like, "when covid is over..."). From what I heard earlier this year, the zoo is well aware of the public demand for them to return to the zoo and if the circumstances are right they would do it. However, the astronomical cost, limited availability, and the pushback from the animal rights folks are more than enough to deter the zoo from wanting to commit to elephants long term. Plus, we have no idea what the new director even has the same desire.

This surprisingly hasn't been talked about much, but I think it's going to be very interesting to see the future of the zoos dolphin program. There hasn't been any breeding happening for about a decade and cetaceans are controversial in nature, so it's possible Brookfield could opt to get out of dolphins. With that said, the Dolphins in Action presentation is a visitor favorite and Brookfield has done a ton of valuable research with dolphins through the years so it's equally likely they may hold on to their pod. Either way, I look forward to seeing how the zoo will proceed with dolphins in the future.

So much potential for the zoo as a whole and it's exciting that we are getting closer to hearing what they've come up with. The only thing I don't want is another Hamil Family Nature Plaza situation. There was so much potential for a Baboon Island replacement, only for it to be squandered by an underused event pavilion. The zoo has more than enough open fields, plazas and event spaces. We want more animal exhibits!

The zoo is aiming for the master plan to build up to the zoos centennial in 2034. With the uncertainly of the omicron variant and the pandemic as a whole, fundraising will undoubtably be the biggest hurdle in the process. Perhaps now that Lincoln Park is finally done with their long term capital campaign, some other zoo loving Chicago philanthropists will look to Brookfield to give their millions to (just please not the Hamil family ).

 

[Joseph G]

The first major project and the only thing we 100% know for sure will be done is an extensive Tropic World renovation. After four decades of keeping great apes exclusively indoors, the primary focus of the renovation will be new outdoor gorilla and orangutan habitats. While no specifics were given, there are also plans to revamp the interior. Hopefully this means real substrates, plants, new paint-jobs and some new species. The plan is to begin construction in 2023 or 2024 which would put the completion of the project around 2025/2026.


That's the only major addition we have any sort of specifics on, but there are plenty of other things we can infer will happen.


I definitely think we can count on a major expansion of Habitat Africa taking over the hoofstock paddocks and the Pachyderm House. The zoo has expressed interest in breeding black rhinos again so if I had to place my bets I think it's highly likely a new rhino complex will be a priority. It's also very likely the lions will be moved to Habitat Africa as well. Of course, there is also the uncertain possibility of elephants (The phrase, "when Brookfield brings elephants back..." is starting to sound a whole lot like, "when covid is over..."). From what I heard earlier this year, the zoo is well aware of the public demand for them to return to the zoo and if the circumstances are right they would do it. However, the astronomical cost, limited availability, and the pushback from the animal rights folks are more than enough to deter the zoo from wanting to commit to elephants long term. Plus, we have no idea what the new director even has the same desire.

If Tropic World is first on their list, it makes me hopeful for expansion out from the nearby pachyderm house to the rest of Habitat Africa like you’ve suggested.

Walking clockwise around the zoo becomes most frustrating at two parts: northwest of the pachyderm house as mentioned, and the old bear grottos. The plot of land they’d open up would be great, and could really tie the east side of the zoo together. But I don’t know if it’s going to be the bear grottos getting the axe first, or everyone in the big cat grottos getting a new home, or if both of these things could be tied together! As much as I want the zoo to expand and grow, I hope they do not leave any more dead space in the name of progress.

This surprisingly hasn't been talked about much, but I think it's going to be very interesting to see the future of the zoos dolphin program. There hasn't been any breeding happening for about a decade and cetaceans are controversial in nature, so it's possible Brookfield could opt to get out of dolphins. With that said, the Dolphins in Action presentation is a visitor favorite and Brookfield has done a ton of valuable research with dolphins through the years so it's equally likely they may hold on to their pod. Either way, I look forward to seeing how the zoo will proceed with dolphins in the future.

I don’t know if I see a future where Brookfield expands or replaces Seven Seas. I believe we’ll know the future of cetaceans in captivity well before the zoo’s centennial, but I don’t know if it would be worth it to expand for any future AZA standards.

 

[Amphibiman]

Aside from the Pachyderm House and Tropic World hopefully being first up on the list of things to attend to, I personally hope some renovations to the opposite side of the zoo come to fruition. There are just giant empty areas and some outdated grottos. The only really new exhibit that area has gotten recently was the Play Zoo. It's mostly unused space. With covid being a runaway hit I also think animal interactions may become less of a common aspect to some exhibits. I would also hope for an Australian expansion and North American expansion, plus the additions of a South America and Asian section to the zoo. At this point, I would be happy with a donkey, the way they have been axing species even before covid hit.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Aside from the Pachyderm House and Tropic World hopefully being first up on the list of things to attend to, I personally hope some renovations to the opposite side of the zoo come to fruition. There are just giant empty areas and some outdated grottos. The only really new exhibit that area has gotten recently was the Play Zoo. It's mostly unused space. With covid being a runaway hit I also think animal interactions may become less of a common aspect to some exhibits. I would also hope for an Australian expansion and North American expansion, plus the additions of a South America and Asian section to the zoo. At this point, I would be happy with a donkey, the way they have been axing species even before covid hit.

I definitely agree the east end of the zoo needs some serious TLC. During my visit last week I completely ignored that entire side because there is nowhere near as interesting as the west side. It feels like the priority is restaurants and gift shops instead of animal exhibits. I realize the zoo will probably never do this because it's become kind of an iconic part of the park, but BZ Red Hots is ridiculously oversized and if they demolished it they could really put whatever they wanted in it's place.

I think what makes the Bear Grottos so exciting is that once they're demolished that site could be turned into anything. We can make plenty of assumptions about what will be done to Tropic World and Habitat Africa, even the cat grottos we can reasonably guess an Asian Highlands zone is very likely. However, with the bear grottos there are endless possibilities for what could be done.

Like I said, I also think an Asian complex is extremely likely, specifically a Northern Asia exhibit taking up the cat grottos and the open area across from them. These exhibits opened with the zoo and are far past their due date. The tigers, leopards and sloth bears will need new exhibits and this is the only area large enough where the zoo could do an Asian exhibit for these animals. With the hoofstock yards being axed, I think its possible the camels and przewalski's horse could be shifted here as well. I am going to guess we will see a reconfigured version of the Siberian Escape exhibit from the now defunct Strahl era Master Plan.

Originally I was hesitant of the idea of a South American exhibit at Brookfield considering there is already South American habitat in Tropic World and The Living Coast (although it's less of a Peruvian exhibit at this point a more of generic aquarium at this point). This already covers some rainforest species and coastal species. However, now that I think about it there are a ton of South American species scattered all over the zoo. Tapirs and capybara at the pachyderm house, coati and ocelot at Deserts Edge, tamandua in the play zoo, Orinoco crocs in The Swamp etc. Perhaps it would be a good idea to condense these species all into a Pantanal complex. Jaguars, giant otters, bush dogs and/or hyacinth macaws are some other species that could be introduced. The Bear Grottos/sheep ridge would be the perfect spot for an exhibit like this.

I am going to speculate that the Australia area will be one of the last areas that will see significant changes. It could definitely use an upgrade and there's a ton more Australian wildlife I want to see at the zoo, but it's still in pretty good shape and other areas of the zoo need more help. I do wonder if the zoo will maintain the Australia House with some modifications or completely demolish it and start from scratch on a brand new Australian complex.

What exactly do you mean by North American expansion? Great Bear Wilderness is only 12 years old and while I think it could have been designed better it's far and away the most modern area in zoo. I highly doubt we will see any major changes here and there aren't many other areas where more North American species can be added.

 

[Amphibiman]

I definitely agree the east end of the zoo needs some serious TLC. During my visit last week I completely ignored that entire side because there is nowhere near as interesting as the west side. It feels like the priority is restaurants and gift shops instead of animal exhibits. I realize the zoo will probably never do this because it's become kind of an iconic part of the park, but BZ Red Hots is ridiculously oversized and if they demolished it they could really put whatever they wanted in it's place.

I think what makes the Bear Grottos so exciting is that once they're demolished that site could be turned into anything. We can make plenty of assumptions about what will be done to Tropic World and Habitat Africa, even the cat grottos we can reasonably guess an Asian Highlands zone is very likely. However, with the bear grottos there are endless possibilities for what could be done.

Like I said, I also think an Asian complex is extremely likely, specifically a Northern Asia exhibit taking up the cat grottos and the open area across from them. These exhibits opened with the zoo and are far past their due date. The tigers, leopards and sloth bears will need new exhibits and this is the only area large enough where the zoo could do an Asian exhibit for these animals. With the hoofstock yards being axed, I think its possible the camels and przewalski's horse could be shifted here as well. I am going to guess we will see a reconfigured version of the Siberian Escape exhibit from the now defunct Strahl era Master Plan.

Originally I was hesitant of the idea of a South American exhibit at Brookfield considering there is already South American habitat in Tropic World and The Living Coast (although it's less of a Peruvian exhibit at this point a more of generic aquarium at this point). This already covers some rainforest species and coastal species. However, now that I think about it there are a ton of South American species scattered all over the zoo. Tapirs and capybara at the pachyderm house, coati and ocelot at Deserts Edge, tamandua in the play zoo, Orinoco crocs in The Swamp etc. Perhaps it would be a good idea to condense these species all into a Pantanal complex. Jaguars, giant otters, bush dogs and/or hyacinth macaws are some other species that could be introduced. The Bear Grottos/sheep ridge would be the perfect spot for an exhibit like this.

I am going to speculate that the Australia area will be one of the last areas that will see significant changes. It could definitely use an upgrade and there's a ton more Australian wildlife I want to see at the zoo, but it's still in pretty good shape and other areas of the zoo need more help. I do wonder if the zoo will maintain the Australia House with some modifications or completely demolish it and start from scratch on a brand new Australian complex.

What exactly do you mean by North American expansion? Great Bear Wilderness is only 12 years old and while I think it could have been designed better it's far and away the most modern area in zoo. I highly doubt we will see any major changes here and there aren't many other areas where more North American species can be added.

In regard to the North America expansion I would like to see a couple of the things from the original master plan that didn't make it to the finished product. A raven exhibit near the bald eagle exhibit and the addition of a small animal house (a nice cabin-themed exhibit or something like that) with exhibits for smaller wildlife like skunks, native fish, a nice raccoon exhibit (I still miss the one from the old children's zoo), field mice, native amphibians...just small little gems that often get overlooked.

I also agree that Australia will be one of the Last to be touched, along with Great Bear. Australia still holds up and Great Bear is still pretty "new."

 

[StoppableSan]

I'm curious with regards to what a Tropic World refresh would entail, and I figured since the possibilities would be endless (of course not factoring in budget or other real-life factors like infrastructure or whichever design firm handles the project*, the best way of asking my questions would be organizing them in different categories: general design and specific areas (South America, Asia, and Africa). Also, I recognize that this is purely speculative, and the zoo could go in either a completely revelationary way design-wise, or it could also go with a reasonable and practical design that would, either way, prioritize animal welfare.

General:

• I would imagine the current indoor gorilla/orangutan exhibits'd be expanded significantly, but how would it be done? Would the habitats be expanded to the visitor paths with glass viewing and overhead netting like Franklin Park's indoor gorilla habitat? What about potential (and intentional) mixed species opportunities? For example, the gorillas being in with the Angolan colobus, or the orangutans being in with the gibbons? (I am aware about the gibbon that was able to jump the distance between the nearest tree to the orangs and the "karst" formation that demarcates the orangs' moat).
• In terms of natural substrate and plants being added within the primate enclosures, what would be the most practical way of establishing them within the building? To my understanding, tropical houses require significant concrete/galvanized steel reinforcement, so how far could Brookfield go if they decided to completely gut the building? Zoo Osnabrück's indoor chimpanzee area is one of, if not the lushest indoor great ape habitats out there, being able to seemingly be "outdoors" due to the lushness of the plants. That said, because the chimps are outside throughout most of the year, the plants are able to truly take root.
• Could we also see a species-list shakeup as well? I know that the main intent is getting the gorillas and orangutans outside as soon as possible, but would that also entail allowing other species outside as well?
• Is it possible that the "stylization" of the building would be eschewed in favor of more naturalistic design? And who would be at the helm? Studio Hanson-Roberts? Portico Group? CLR? (And funny enough, I'd genuinely be interested in seeing how these three along with other design firms like Torre Design or Ursa International would tackle the conundrum of Tropic World.)

South America:

• With this being the "newest" of the zones, and with it still holding giant anteater (and presumably still having the facilities for lowland tapir), would Tropic World feasibly be able to house the newly acquired capybara comfortably? Granted, this would entail the "refresh" with natural substrate and live plants within the habitat, and this would also entail the assumption that the zoo would also build outdoor habitats for those particular large mammals.

Asia:

• Would Asia get a less linear path design in favor of suspension bridges in the same vein as Africa and South America?

Africa:

• With the path surrounding the gorilla island being closed off permanently, is said path vital to the keeper-staff or other applicable people that it would be retained with the redesign?

Maybe there'd be more questions that I'll come up with, but I spent so much time as is just formatting everything that my will to continue to think of questions is kaput.

 

[Amphibiman]

I'm curious with regards to what a Tropic World refresh would entail, and I figured since the possibilities would be endless (of course not factoring in budget or other real-life factors like infrastructure or whichever design firm handles the project*, the best way of asking my questions would be organizing them in different categories: general design and specific areas (South America, Asia, and Africa). Also, I recognize that this is purely speculative, and the zoo could go in either a completely revelationary way design-wise, or it could also go with a reasonable and practical design that would, either way, prioritize animal welfare.

General:

• I would imagine the current indoor gorilla/orangutan exhibits'd be expanded significantly, but how would it be done? Would the habitats be expanded to the visitor paths with glass viewing and overhead netting like Franklin Park's indoor gorilla habitat? What about potential (and intentional) mixed species opportunities? For example, the gorillas being in with the Angolan colobus, or the orangutans being in with the gibbons? (I am aware about the gibbon that was able to jump the distance between the nearest tree to the orangs and the "karst" formation that demarcates the orangs' moat).
• In terms of natural substrate and plants being added within the primate enclosures, what would be the most practical way of establishing them within the building? To my understanding, tropical houses require significant concrete/galvanized steel reinforcement, so how far could Brookfield go if they decided to completely gut the building? Zoo Osnabrück's indoor chimpanzee area is one of, if not the lushest indoor great ape habitats out there, being able to seemingly be "outdoors" due to the lushness of the plants. That said, because the chimps are outside throughout most of the year, the plants are able to truly take root.
• Could we also see a species-list shakeup as well? I know that the main intent is getting the gorillas and orangutans outside as soon as possible, but would that also entail allowing other species outside as well?
• Is it possible that the "stylization" of the building would be eschewed in favor of more naturalistic design? And who would be at the helm? Studio Hanson-Roberts? Portico Group? CLR? (And funny enough, I'd genuinely be interested in seeing how these three along with other design firms like Torre Design or Ursa International would tackle the conundrum of Tropic World.)

South America:

• With this being the "newest" of the zones, and with it still holding giant anteater (and presumably still having the facilities for lowland tapir), would Tropic World feasibly be able to house the newly acquired capybara comfortably? Granted, this would entail the "refresh" with natural substrate and live plants within the habitat, and this would also entail the assumption that the zoo would also build outdoor habitats for those particular large mammals.

Asia:

• Would Asia get a less linear path design in favor of suspension bridges in the same vein as Africa and South America?

Africa:

• With the path surrounding the gorilla island being closed off permanently, is said path vital to the keeper-staff or other applicable people that it would be retained with the redesign?

Maybe there'd be more questions that I'll come up with, but I spent so much time as is just formatting everything that my will to continue to think of questions is kaput.

I would hope at the very least that Asia was redone somehow. The current viewing for the orangutans makes it almost impossible to get a decent view.

 

[Joseph G]

Like I said, I also think an Asian complex is extremely likely, specifically a Northern Asia exhibit taking up the cat grottos and the open area across from them. These exhibits opened with the zoo and are far past their due date. The tigers, leopards and sloth bears will need new exhibits and this is the only area large enough where the zoo could do an Asian exhibit for these animals. With the hoofstock yards being axed, I think its possible the camels and przewalski's horse could be shifted here as well. I am going to guess we will see a reconfigured version of the Siberian Escape exhibit from the now defunct Strahl era Master Plan.

Selfishly, I just want the clouded leopards to have an outdoor habitat. While I have enjoyed their move from the current binturong habitat to the old otter habitat, I really hope River and Kuso can produce some cubs and have somewhat of a mix between Nashville's and Denver's cloudy exhibits.

In regard to the North America expansion I would like to see a couple of the things from the original master plan that didn't make it to the finished product. A raven exhibit near the bald eagle exhibit and the addition of a small animal house (a nice cabin-themed exhibit or something like that) with exhibits for smaller wildlife like skunks, native fish, a nice raccoon exhibit (I still miss the one from the old children's zoo), field mice, native amphibians...just small little gems that often get overlooked.

I would love the ravens to move from the Hamill Family Play Zoo to North America. Slap a cabin in there with cutaway dam viewing a la Cleveland for beavers. There needs to be an exhibit where they currently have the fake deer carcass. Rounding the corner after balds and being able to see clear over to the bear exhibits feels so empty.

I'm curious with regards to what a Tropic World refresh would entail, and I figured since the possibilities would be endless (of course not factoring in budget or other real-life factors like infrastructure or whichever design firm handles the project*, the best way of asking my questions would be organizing them in different categories: general design and specific areas (South America, Asia, and Africa). Also, I recognize that this is purely speculative, and the zoo could go in either a completely revelationary way design-wise, or it could also go with a reasonable and practical design that would, either way, prioritize animal welfare.

General:

• I would imagine the current indoor gorilla/orangutan exhibits'd be expanded significantly, but how would it be done? Would the habitats be expanded to the visitor paths with glass viewing and overhead netting like Franklin Park's indoor gorilla habitat? What about potential (and intentional) mixed species opportunities? For example, the gorillas being in with the Angolan colobus, or the orangutans being in with the gibbons? (I am aware about the gibbon that was able to jump the distance between the nearest tree to the orangs and the "karst" formation that demarcates the orangs' moat).
• In terms of natural substrate and plants being added within the primate enclosures, what would be the most practical way of establishing them within the building? To my understanding, tropical houses require significant concrete/galvanized steel reinforcement, so how far could Brookfield go if they decided to completely gut the building? Zoo Osnabrück's indoor chimpanzee area is one of, if not the lushest indoor great ape habitats out there, being able to seemingly be "outdoors" due to the lushness of the plants. That said, because the chimps are outside throughout most of the year, the plants are able to truly take root.
• Could we also see a species-list shakeup as well? I know that the main intent is getting the gorillas and orangutans outside as soon as possible, but would that also entail allowing other species outside as well?
• Is it possible that the "stylization" of the building would be eschewed in favor of more naturalistic design? And who would be at the helm? Studio Hanson-Roberts? Portico Group? CLR? (And funny enough, I'd genuinely be interested in seeing how these three along with other design firms like Torre Design or Ursa International would tackle the conundrum of Tropic World.)

I haven't heard nearly as much about the structure of Tropic World as compared to say the Pachyderm House. I have to imagine it's in a much better place structurally if they're considering redeveloping the indoor habitats while gutting some of the building to add outdoor habitats. I keep (probably foolishly) looking at Indianapolis' orangutan facility and hoping there is a way to include a regular shift as well as a small high line, probably more comparable to what's at Smithsonian. With the addition of the Hamill Family Nature Plaza on the south side of the building, an outdoor shift from the Asia exhibit would have to go under or over the current visitor path. Certainly an option to give the animals options.

Piggybacking off of that, there is an opportunity to build outdoor gorillas west off of the building instead of north. I thought utilities were back there, but I believe most of those are on the south side of the building. Keeping that in mind, I would like to see them expand all three exhibits outside and completely wrap around the west and north sides of the building.

I would love to see some mixed species! Zoo Miami has successfully mingled white-cheeked gibbons and orangutans. And keeping in mind what I said above about my wishes for the optional enriching shift, I'd love to see them both able to utilize it.

Finally, praying for a maximum budget, I hope whoever gets this contract goes nuts. Of course all of my ideas bank on them keeping the same visitor paths and layout, but could you imagine a complete gutting of the building with multi-level viewing? It'll always come back to budget, but it could really end up being a blank canvas. Just going to keep my fingers crossed they don't need to spend anything on structural repairs before they even redo anything.

 

[Amphibiman]

I just hope these outdoor areas don't become a missed opportunity to do something truly amazing. It's beyond time that they let these species experience the outdoors, but it would be a shame if they didn't do something dramatic and interesting with it as well. Engage the regular park guests in some prime storytelling in order to get them further interested in these species and take them on an adventure. I feel a lot of the exhibits that we have received lacked the storytelling element that can draw in a crowd and make each exhibit feel like it's own special edutainment session rather than...here's an okapi...here's a duiker...here's another species of duiker...

 

[Tapir Master]

What are your thoughts that they may consider bringing back Aardvarks as part of a possible Habitat African expansion?

I know their solo house wasn’t that popular. But it doesn’t hurt to try again.

 

[Amphibiman]

What are your thoughts that they may consider bringing back Aardvarks as part of a possible Habitat African expansion?

I know their solo house wasn’t that popular. But it doesn’t hurt to try again.

I think that if they brought it back as part of a larger expansion. With the pangolins they have the beginnings of an African nocturnal exhibit that could be stellar. The pangolins, aardvark, they can move the Egyptian Flying Foxes over there. Civets...galagos. Go crazy. Africa by Night or something like that. I think if they bring back the aardvark to the where they were they NEED to absolutely increase the signage to let people know they were there. Clearly the little silhouette on the zoo map didn't do anything for the general public. I believe even myself stumbled upon it by accident one day.

 

[Tapir Master]

I think that if they brought it back as part of a larger expansion. With the pangolins they have the beginnings of an African nocturnal exhibit that could be stellar. The pangolins, aardvark, they can move the Egyptian Flying Foxes over there. Civets...galagos. Go crazy. Africa by Night or something like that. I think if they bring back the aardvark to the where they were they NEED to absolutely increase the signage to let people know they were there. Clearly the little silhouette on the zoo map didn't do anything for the general public. I believe even myself stumbled upon it by accident one day.

Agreed so much. It’s no wonder why the initial Aardvark House was so underrated because it was constantly overshadowed by exhibits with legit signage like the Australia House and Hoofstock Yards.

Nonetheless, the ideal of an all nocturnal African expansion for the aardvarks, civets, and others would easily make for a more appropriate expansion for these night dwelling animals. I would hope the New CEO at least take this into consideration.

 

[Black Footed Beast]

I absolutely hope that with the Master Plan, I completely hope they'd put more into the East side of the zoo, since after the marine mammals, the next free section is likely gonna be the Swamp or Tropic World for most people, so if they bring back the plans to make the area have a focus on Asian Species that'd be very good

 

[Amphibiman]

I would very much love to see that section revamped into an Asian section. They have most of the elements there already. Clouded Leopard Rainforest is fine as is. A majority of the species in the Big Cat section (snow leopards, sloth bears, tigers...) are already rooted in Asia. Move the non-Asian species and expand those habitats. Desert's Edge can be go through a really interesting re-theming into an Asian desert exhibit with jerboa, marbled polecats, pit vipers, there are variety of tarantula species, kangaroo rats...the list can go on. Adding those randos from the hoofstock yards such as the Bactrian Camels and P horses to the expanse next to the main gallery on that side would work out perfectly. Maybe even the exhibit next to Desert's Edge (it housed a leopard species that I forget the last time I was there) could be changed into an exhibit for Golden Eagle or some sort of vulture. Mix it up. Make it fun. Defy expectations. Give the public what they want. Engaging and educational experiences but also make it surprising and fresh. If they do have some sort of predatory bird in that last exhibit do a falconry demonstration with it a couple times a day. There's plenty of room in the area for it. Retheme the walkways and explore how the native cultures feel about these animals.

 

[birdsandbats]

marbled polecats

Where on Earth would Brookfield get those? Let's try to keep this thread within the realm of possibility.

 

[Amphibiman]

I was shooting for the stars here. But the point is that there are plenty of interesting species that could fill that exhibit hall and make it engaging and exciting.

 

[Amphibiman]

Here's a poorly done mock-up of what I would suggest regarding pathways and exhibit areas. Most of what I am proposing could be handled with movement of exhibits and a few construction projects for a few others.

Australia:
-Expand the main building into the yards. Move the kangaroos, wallabies and emu into the old Bactrian Camel exhibit and the land next to it which is vacant.
-Bring in more well-known Australian species with expanded exhibition space.
-Relocate all Australian species from elsewhere in the zoo and incorporate them into the exhibits where they should be.

Africa:
-Redo the remaining Hoofstock Yards to expand the Savannah and have additional space for the Black Rhinoceros.
-Incorporate the Grevy's Zebra into the expanded Savannah exhibit along with the Ostrich.
-Build a small nocturnal house next to the bridge into the woods by the giraffes. Use it to house the small mammals that would come from Desert's Edge and bring back Aardvarks (that's just a personal wish as they are my favorite animals next to any amphibian species).
-Move the African Lions into an additional kopje rock structure where the statue of the giant kangaroo is. The rock structure could also be their off-exhibit housing if designed correctly.
-Relocate all African species from elsewhere in the zoo and incorporate them into the exhibits where they should be.

North America:
-This exhibit would essentially stay the same.
-An outdoor aviary for the Common Raven would be made between the bald eagle aviary and the Wolf Woods.
-A cabin would be built into the land behind and next to the bear exhibits and the nature trail. It would house the small animals from North America that are located elsewhere in the zoo and incorporate them into this North American section as they should be.
-Relocate the White Pelicans to the nature trail.

South America:
This is personally what I hope happens with the Pachyderm House and it is already kind of going on that direction.
-Make a South American grasslands exhibit with most of the animals already located there (Capybara, Giant Anteater...) and incorporate other South American species located elsewhere in the zoo into the design.
-The first exhibit you go into for Tropic World is South America so this would tie in nicely already.
-Retheme The Swamp back into a South American exhibit. The species on display then were much more interesting than a lot of them now.
-Feathers and Scales should be turned into a walkthrough exhibit featuring some of the smaller animals of the Amazon that wouldn't translate well into the expanse that is Tropic World.
-Bring back American Flamingos to the Formal Pond.
-Birds and Reptiles should be changed into a Galapagos themed area. The Galapagos Tortoises can inhabit the main aviary with some redesign. The exhibits outside of that can feature the variety of fish that live in the area as well as the crustaceans and birds that travel to and from the Galapagos. Getting any of the actual Galapagos species I understand is a no-go, but there are species that are found elsewhere that also frequent their shores and would give the tortoises the highlight they deserve.
-Retheme the Living Coast back to the shores of South America. I don't understand why this was ever changed. It told a good story and then it was just kind of thrown away for a mishmash with no reason behind it. When your story gets cloudy your guests lose sight of what is important.
-All South American species exhibited elsewhere in the zoo should be incorporated into the South American section.

Asia:
-Retheme of Desert's Edge into the desert life in Asia.
-Clouded Leopard Rainforest can remain the same.
-Both exhibits can relocate other Asian species from around the zoo into their exhibit design.
-The exhibits for the South American species in the Big Cat Grottos can remain aside from the lions, giving us Amur Leopard, Amur Tiger, Sloth Bears and Snow Leopards.
-Across the path from the grottos is that barren stretch of land with a sole playground on it. Remove the playground and relocate the P Horses and Bactrian Camels to this area.
-Create an aviary out of the old bear grottos for cold tolerant bird species of Asia. Include Reeve's Muntjac...ya know. For a little more spice.

Madagascar:
A bunch of zoos have come out with some pretty spectacular Madagascar exhibits in the past few years. I don't see why we shouldn't either and Hamill Family Play Zoo seems redundant at this point when everything they do there could be done at Wild Encounters in probably a much more engaging way. Besides, if you are going to upcharge me to see Lemurs and a screaming hairy armadillo you can at least make it worth my while.
-Gut the building and change it into a Madagascar themed immersive exhibit. Outdoor exhibits can be expanded for various lemur species and fossa.

That's my two cents and if I were pushing a new master plan what I would push for the most. Nothing REALLY new, but a massive restructuring of what already exists.

Plus, I would do something more with the Discovery Center. Renovate it (probably last because no one goes in there anyway). Possibly have seasonal animal exhibits in there. Like...where the pets you see in pet stores come from so kids can see how the gecko they super want is like in the real world. Or just how big those cute little iguanas are going to become. Something like that. Or, hell. Bugs. Everyone likes an insectarium. You could even relocate the butterfly exhibit next to the building.

You can proceed to call my ideas stupid and unrealistic in the comments below. Thank you.

 

[Amphibiman]

This is probably one of my least pressing gripes, but I am going to make it anyway and hope it can addressed in the long run with the new master plan, but I think a lot of the restaurants, stands and gift shops can use an update. Especially BZ Redhots. That place has NO character. I actually hate sitting in there because I find the interior so boring. Also, a couple of the window service restaurants are looking a little worn down. Like I said, it's not as important as making sure all the exhibits are up-to-date and modernized, but it is something that should be addressed in the long-run. I would actually enjoy seeing more options. Bison Prairie Grill is my favorite. It has decent theming to go with the area it is in and the food is generally pretty good and unique for it's place in the zoo. How fun would it be if there was a restaurant in the Africa section that catered to a more exotic taste with some African fare. Same as in the South America area and Australia. Even if the Australia one is just an update to that window service restaurant there. Some variety would be nice. I know a lot of this will probably be addressed with some of these outside vendors coming in and taking over the food service areas, but it's just an idea that I just had that I would think would be interesting to people. Like I said, though. All of those facilities are still useful for what they were intended despite how out-of-date and/or banal they feel. Therefore, it is not a pressing issue.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Some food for thought, inspired by discussion on the Toronto Zoo master plan thread. Is there anything from the old master plan that you hope is brought back in the future? Additionally, is there anything you hope is changed from the previous plan? I'll put it down below for reference.

Personally, I really want to see those North Entrance plaza renovations return. The entrance feels really dated compared to other major zoos and I would love to see the history preserved while being brought up to modern standards. Additions like a large new restaurant, an expanded Discovery Center, a gondola ride and maybe even a new animal exhibit or two would add up to make a much better first impression.

The one thing I hope doesn't make the cut is the plan to turn the Reptiles and Birds building into a staff building. Luckily, that's already been done to the old reptile house which this plan had slated for demolition so I this building should be safe from being turned into. Plus, I don't think the I can take the zoo turning yet another animal exhibit into a non-animal attraction.

 

[Amphibiman]

I love the plans for the Discovery Center and adding animal exhibits to the front of the park. Also, moving the Butterflies over to the building as well. I like the planned additions to Great Bear Wilderness as it would fill it out and make it seem less disjointed. I feel like we didn't get what we were being sold and the area suffers for it. I also feel the same way about Wild Encounters and Hamill Family Play Zoo. Less so with the Play Zoo. Wild Encounters just feels like they took all the cool interactive stuff from the Children's Zoo and did away with it and wanted something so different that what we would up with was the corporate idea of fun and engaging than what is in real life fun and engaging. Especially for kids. My nephews are both very young and SHOULD love going to those two places, but they do not and instead choose other exhibits that are more engaging, like Africa where there are places to crawl around and hide like the animals. Those two areas I think missed the mark. Great Bear can be fixed with some new additions (small animal building...bird of prey aviaries...). Wild Encounters I think should be rethought entirely with an emphasis on asking the public what THEY would have wanted instead of being told, "Hey. You all will like this."

I also wish that Asian area would come to fruition. Badly. The plans for the revamps of Africa are nice. It's a series of good exhibits. They could just be updated to be more fresh and to round out the area. I like the idea of the Australia expansion, but I feel that it would miss the mark with what is being presented on the map here. I could be completely wrong there. Renovated Australia House could mean a lot of things. I also don't think we need that giant amphitheater area. They have the Nature Pavilion that they can utilize for events and that hall already serves as a celebration area. They also have the Pavilions and the entire main thoroughfare the use for that. I mean...I would honestly get rid of those restaurants that are on the mall going up to Brookfield Red Hots. They look like war bunkers and are not aesthetically pleasing. Those were a mistake.

Can you imagine the front entrance with a pond for native wading birds when the weather is appropriate? How cool would that be. Even a rotational exhibit out in the open there for ambassador animals to be displayed and interacted with throughout the day. I think that would be a fantastic first impression for a lot of people and would draw them right into the excitement.