Masterplan of my "absolute" Zoo - 2022 version

[Van Beal]

To answer to your question I draw the maps on paper, I scan them and I fill the colours and legends using the programs Inkscape and Paint.
I inspire myself on a mix of French as Vincennes and Beauval (and urban zoos like the Jardin des Plantes de Paris for the vivarium), plus many other zoos worldwide (San Diego, Singapore, Berlin, London, Antwerp, Pairi Daiza, Barcelona...) for single exhibits or the general layout.
The Aquarium is inspired on medium-sized French collections (La Rochelle, Le Croisic, Lyon, La Porte Dorée in Paris...) and international ones (Lisboa, Monterey...) for the largest or specific exhibits (e.g. for deepwater fauna).

Okay cool.

 

[18943]

Great job!

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

today I will only describe the last bunch of invertebrate exhibits, this time dedicated to exotics.

It's a small complex of terraria with various species of insects, arachnids and others.

At the beginning (12) we can see five individual terraria with ferns, logs and burrows : the perfect hides for Pinktoes Tarantulas Avicularia avicularia (1.4), new species for the Zoo.
Some of these spiders, quite tame, can be brought out of their terraria during the invertebrate animations, they are even used by practitioners to cure arachnophobia !
These terraria (@CrashMegaraptor the tarantulas are a very good idea) have replaced a former tank for Desert Locusts.

Pink-toed Tarantula :

(Credits : @DAVID Brown)

Tarantula terraria :

(Credits : @Chlidonias)

The following tank (13) is spacious and was formerly dedicated to Atlas Moths that had even a bit of space to fly (given that they have poor flying capacity).
Now, as they died, they have been replaced by Javanese Leaf Insects Pulchriphyllium bioculatum (0.0.66), new species for the Zoo, that can enjoy a lot of vegetalized space where they can move and hide.
Some of these insects are also brought out of their terrarium during the animations.

Leaf insect habitat :

(Credits : @TinoPup)

Another terrarium, once occupied by a colony of Domestic Silk Moths has been removed in late 2021.

We see now the two last terraria, that are small and filled with branches, humus and dead leaves.

Their dwellers are :

• 14) Velvet Worm Peripatus sp. (0.0.3)
• 15) Assassin Bug Phonoctonus sp. (0.0.6), new species for the Zoo.

The Zoo get rid of its true Centipedes (Scolopendra sp.), and 0.0.6 Velvet Worms died during 2021 (only a few individuals remain from the initial group).

Velvet Worm :

(Credits : @ronnienl)

Assassin Bug enclosure :

(Credits : @Fishapod)

Now we leave the main invertebrate section (even if a few species are displayed in other parts of the Zoo and even of the Vivarium !) to enter the next parts of the Vivarium, mostly dedicated to amphibians and reptiles.

I let now you comment this post and the invertebrate section of the Vivarium.
You can also give me some suggestions for further versions of the Zoo...

See you later !

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

we are now in another section of the Vivarium, primarily dedicated to European amphibians and reptiles, kept in two rows of terraria and aquaterraria (16-23).
Most are "wet" exhibits for amphibians, with high hygrometry, ponds and humus. Some stumps offer hides to the animals. A few exhibits (20 and 23) offer drier environments, with rock piles, sand and only small ponds. The exhibits n° 21 and 22 offer intermediate conditions of moisture.
Thanks to the environmental conditions of these exhibits, the animals can be seen during all the year.
Breeding (and eventual release in the wild) is searched for most species.

There's additional information (completed by special animations) about the conservation actions supported in France by the Zoo, in favour of native amphibians.

In early 2022 the displayed species are :

• 16) Corsican Brook Salamander Euproctus montanus (4.4), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe
  
• 17) Luschan's Salamander Lyciasalamandra luschani (3.3), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe
  
• 18) Spanish Spadefoot Toad Pelobates cultripes (4.2)
  
• 19) European Green Toad Bufotes viridis (2.3)
  
• 20) Common Midwife Toad Alytes obstetricans (2.2)
  
• 21) European Common Brown Frog Rana temporaria (1.8), new species for the Zoo
  
• 22) Fire Salamander Salamandra salamandra (2.0)
  
• 23) Leopard Snake Zamenis situla (1.3), new species for the Zoo

The species collection has changed since 2021, with the departure of Alpine Newts, Southern Spectacled Salamanders and Natterjack Toads, and the death of the sole Palmate Newt.

0.2 Leopard Snakes hatched in 2021 ; they have joined the main terrarium after a stage in the Nursery (see the North Asian Zone).

Spanish Spadefoot Toad :

(Credits : @Merintia )

European Green Toad exhibit :

(Credits : @SivatheriumGuy )

European Green Toad :

(Credits : @Ituri )

Common Midwife Toad :

(Credits : @Kakapo )

European Common Brown Frog :

(Credits : @Fishapod )

Fire Salamander terrarium :

(Credits : @zoo_enthusiast )

Fire Salamander :

(Credits : @TheoV )

Leopard Snake :

(Credits : @Swampy )

The European herp section concludes with a large terrarium (24) that displays a dry, rocky environment with a few grassy areas.
It's the home of Asp Vipers Vipera aspis (1.2).
With the conditions of this exhibit (regulated heat and light), the snakes can be seen year-round (that isn't the case of the reptiles displayed outdoor, as the Whip snakes presented in the European Zone).

Asp Viper exhibit :

(Credits @SivatheriumGuy )

Asp Viper :

(Credits : @TeaLovingDave )

The animations performed in this part of the Vivarium give information about the venomous species (not only snakes but also bees, wasps, black widows, jellyfishes, weevers...) that exist in France and Europe, and that the people could encounter in their picnics and vacations in the mountains, at the seaside....

Before the next part of the Vivarium, dedicated to exotic amphibians, I let you give me your impressions about the European herp section, and maybe give me suggestions for the 2023 edition.

Stay in touch !

 

[Batto]

You haven’t mentioned the exhibit complex for the most important species of this zoo: a breeding centre for Immortal Cash cows (Bos pecunia) and Hyperfertile Parthogenic Golden Egg Laying Geese (Anser aureus) that finance all those "Unique in Europe" species.
PS: Please feel to send me some of that offspring.

 

[Haliaeetus]

You haven’t mentioned the exhibit complex for the most important species of this zoo: a breeding centre for Immortal Cash cows (Bos pecunia) and Hyperfertile Parthogenic Golden Egg Laying Geese (Anser aureus) that finance all those "Unique in Europe" species.
PS: Please feel to send me some of that offspring.

I'm not sure that most "unique in Europe" species would be very expensive (not as many common and ABC-species).
Many of them are small to medium-sized species, with a threatened or near-threatened status, they remain maintained in captivity in non-European facilities, and in some cases probably among private owners and specialized centers in Europe.
I add that my point of view may be biased by my main source of inspiration, that is also my "home" zoo : the Zooparc de Beauval, that is the reference for zoos in France, at least since the 2010's. In this zoo, arrivals of rare species from overseas zoos and breeding centres have been nearly casual in recent years : the Douc Langurs from Dusit Zoo (Thailand), the Harpy Eagles from Itaipu (Brazil), then the Yellow-backed Duikers from US zoos, not to mention the famous Giant Pandas and probably many smaller species. Its collection remains only weak for small mammals, land invertebrates and European fauna, that aren't (intuitively) the most expensive animals that we can imagine.

Finally my zoo doesn't lack from crowd-puller species, very popular among visitors : Tigers, Snow Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Gorillas, Orang-utans, Bears, Sea Lions, Penguins, Kangaroos, Crocodiles, Nile Hippos... These species sustain often the "rentability" of most large zoos (allowing them to get and breed less attractive species).

 

[Batto]

I'm not sure that most "unique in Europe" species would be very expensive (not as many common and ABC-species).

Given the irrealistic number and requirements of newcomers, you would need at least one animal transport operation manager, if not a whole team, to get the job done. Obtaining the species (quite a few WC) as safely as possible without little to known animal suffering / losses would be one thing; getting all the international paperwork (especially when dealing with uncooperative foreign bureaucrats) done, paying the transport, all export permits and the hauliers, passing all the veterinary controls etc. would be an tremendous undertaking. Especially for only one or a few specimens of the same sex just for the sake of being the only zoo in Europe to display it as part of an ever-extending zoological "stamp collection". Modern zoo audience does not appreciate a gigantic species collection. And it's not a very efficient way to establish a long-term ex situ breeding population. Especially when it comes to nutrional specialists that will cost extra.
Ever wondered why Beauval (or any other zoo) is not getting hoatzins, picarthes, endemic Galapagos species, Mountain tapirs etc. etc. if it were that easy and inexpensive to get them?
To be honest: at least for me, your concept has become hardly manageable for a normal zoo crew. Normal zoo visitors would soon be overwhelmed by the sheer number of species. It's become something of a Supersized Zoo Plzeň, if the curator had been given the annual budget of the US military complex.

 

[Van Beal]

Given the irrealistic number and requirements of newcomers, you would need at least one animal transport operation manager, if not a whole team, to get the job done. Obtaining the species (quite a few WC) as safely as possible without little to known animal suffering / losses would be one thing; getting all the international paperwork (especially when dealing with uncooperative foreign bureaucrats) done, paying the transport, all export permits and the hauliers, passing all the veterinary controls etc. would be an tremendous undertaking. Especially for only one or a few specimens of the same sex just for the sake of being the only zoo in Europe to display it as part of an ever-extending zoological "stamp collection". Modern zoo audience does not appreciate a gigantic species collection. And it's not a very efficient way to establish a long-term ex situ breeding population. Especially when it comes to nutrional specialists that will cost extra.
Ever wondered why Beauval (or any other zoo) is not getting hoatzins, picarthes, endemic Galapagos species, Mountain tapirs etc. etc. if it were that easy and inexpensive to get them?
To be honest: at least for me, your concept has become hardly manageable for a normal zoo crew. Normal zoo visitors would soon be overwhelmed by the sheer number of species. It's become something of a Supersized Zoo Plzeň, if the curator had been given the annual budget of the US military complex.

May I ask what WC means?

 

[Aardwolf]

May I ask what WC means?

Wild caught

 

[Haliaeetus]

Modern zoo audience does not appreciate a gigantic collection. [...]
Normal zoo visitors would soon be overwhelmed by the sheer number of species. It's become something of a Supersized Zoo Plzeň, if the curator had been given the annual budget of the US military complex.

My animal collection (535 species) remains "small" in comparison to the Plzen zoo, that seems to attain the staggering total of 1.300 species, according to Wikipedia :
Plzeň Zoo - Wikipedia
Beauval claims to have 800 species, with probably a majority of fish and birds.
About the surface, 55-60 ha is large but not exceptional by French standards. Beauval is nearly as large and there are even much larger parks (in surface) that cover hundreds of hectares (Thoiry, Sigean, Haute Touche and probably a few more).

 

[Van Beal]

Wild caught

Alright thanks

 

[Batto]

My animal collection (535 species) remains "small" in comparison to the Plzen zoo, that seems to attain the staggering total of 1.300 species, according to Wikipedia :
Plzeň Zoo - Wikipedia
Beauval claims to have 800 species, with probably a majority of fish and birds.
About the surface, 55-60 ha is large but not exceptional by French standards. Beauval is nearly as large and there are even much larger parks (in surface) that cover hundreds of hectares (Thoiry, Sigean, Haute Touche and probably a few more).

It appears that Wikipedia (and allegedly the zoo's website) are "slightly" exaggerating here. And so is Beauval.
www.Zootierliste.de
Neither has imported such an implausible mass of "Unique in Europe/in the world" species, including equally implausible immediate breeding success. To that effect, you could also add thylacines and quaggas to your fictious scenario. Sorry if this might come across as nitpicking, arrogant and schoolmasterly (not my intention), but in this regard, your whole concept is more or less a list of "favourite cool species", with little connection to reality. Amassing huge species numbers, just for the sake of it and no matter how large your zoo is, isn't the goal of most modern zoos these days.

 

[Haliaeetus]

It appears that Wikipedia (and allegedly the zoo's website) are "slightly" exaggerating here. And so is Beauval.
www.Zootierliste.de

I don't know personnally Plzen, but 800 species are plausible in Beauval, as they have various fish species without signage, and some off-exhibit animals (including the last Matschie's Tree Kangaroo that is now geriatric). Many of these species don't figure on Zootierliste inventories.
They have also a collection of invertebrates, especially marine species (corals, sea urchins, crustaceans, sea anemones and now jellyfishes...) that never have been reported in Zootierliste (I would like to have invertebrate inventories on this site, because I've very gross knowledge about the invertebrate species that can be seen in European zoos, and that can simply be kept in captivity, but it's another story).

 

[Mickey]

It appears that Wikipedia (and allegedly the zoo's website) are "slightly" exaggerating here. And so is Beauval.
www.Zootierliste.de
Neither has imported such an implausible mass of "Unique in Europe/in the world" species, including equally implausible immediate breeding success. To that effect, you could also add thylacines and quaggas to your fictious scenario. Sorry if this might come across as nitpicking, arrogant and schoolmasterly (not my intention), but in this regard, your whole concept is more or less a list of "favourite cool species", with little connection to reality. Amassing huge species numbers, just for the sake of it and no matter how large your zoo is, isn't the goal of most modern zoos these days.

Well while this is no longer the Fantasy Zoo sub-forum and just the Speculative Zoo, we can speculate on what species could be kept if, as you called them, uncooperative bureaucrats were cooperative.
Also taking your point that modern zoo visitors do not like massive zoos, I don't think that's totally true: while most visitors are not keen on seeing every bit of macroscopic life present in the zoo, big zoos usually offer a variety of animals of a certain group for people to see.
Let's say I'm a student who wants to see apes and monkeys because of the memes on internet, on my way to that part of the zoo I may find a peculiar animal I've never seen before, I may read the sign and see it doing a quirky thing, that'll be a fun story to tell to my friends; then once arrived at the monkey house/part of the complex I may find primates of colors and forms I've never seen and that would surely amaze me.
My point is that as long as a visitor has something they like to see it won't be overwhelmed, especially because they won't care of the missed species, but that's ok because everything they're spending on at the zoo goes also to the shaded species.

 

[Batto]

Also taking your point that modern zoo visitors do not like massive zoos

You're misquoting me. Most visitors appreciate (and even demand) a certain amount of species for their money, especially representatives of the charismatic megafauna. But after seeing the tenth version of "little brown bird/ small grey fishie / boring little rodent" (their words, not mine), they tend to lose interest rapidly. @Haliaeetus is a zoo geek, like most ZooChatters. Hence, his master plan is made by a zoo geek for zoo geeks; Average Joe and Jane (or in his case, Jacques and Louise) might not appreciate it as much.

Let's say I'm a student who wants to see apes and monkeys because of the memes on internet,

Quite a specific and peculiar example, isn't it?

 

[Mickey]

You're misquoting me. Most visitors appreciate (and even demand) a certain amount of species for their money, especially representatives of the charismatic megafauna. But after seeing the tenth version of "little brown bird/ small grey fishie / boring little rodent" (their words, not mine), they tend to lose interest rapidly. @Haliaeetus is a zoo geek, like most ZooChatters. Hence, his master plan is made by a zoo geek for zoo geeks; Average Joe and Jane (or in his case, Jacques and Louise) might not appreciate it so much.
Quite a specific and peculiar example, isn't it?

I actually prefer the quiet, shy and elusive hoofstock to the loud, noisy and hyper-active primates.
I omitted the "non zoo-fan" part, by mistake, as you see more often videos on social media of people filming funny primates at the zoo, same thing happened, and still happens, with capybaras.
I think zoos could use this to their advantage if they know how to ride these waves of animal memes right

 

[Mickey]

But after seeing the tenth version of "little brown bird/ small grey fishie / boring little rodent" (their words, not mine), they tend to lose interest rapidly

It's not their decision though of what has to be or not to be at the zoo, they can just skip it as I said in the same reply

 

[Batto]

It's not their decision though of what has to be or not to be at the zoo, they can just skip it as I said in the same reply

But it is their decision whether they will spend money in the zoo and return in the future. Your individual preference is not automatically representative of the customers' preferences.

 

[Mickey]

But it is their decision whether they will spend money in the zoo and return in the future. Your individual preference is not automatically representative of the customers' preferences.

Indeed, but it's not like xyz species of rats, fishes, inverts and such will impact drastically their experience if the structure has nore appealing than boring animals

 

[Batto]

Indeed, but it's not like xyz species of rats, fishes, inverts and such will impact drastically their experience if the structure has nore appealing than boring animals

It does.