Masterplan of my "absolute" Zoo - 2022 version

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

today I describe the second part of the Amphibian section of the Vivarium, this time dedicated to the exotic species (25-34).
It is made of two rows of terraria and aquaterraria with lush vegetation of ferns, mosses, orchids and other rainforest plants, and with ponds, streams and even waterfalls for the largest exhibits.
The species are representative of many biomes and eco-regions of the Americas, Africa, Madagascar and Asia.

I take on the fact that the species list contains many species unique in Europe. Some zoochatters may dislike it, but I would stress that the project comes from my imagination, and that some of these species could be replaced by more common and readily available animals ("proxies") in other projects. I have prepared the species list many months ago, so another version with more common species may be released only in 2023.

I may also reorganize the terraria by continent and eco-region, focusing on the most typical and/or threatened biomes.

Some recreational panels explain the specificities of amphibian development, and the main conservation issues and research and conservation programs supported by the Zoo (see below).

The eggs and tadpoles are mostly maintained and displayed in special exhibits of the Animal Nursery (see at the North Asian Zone), until they have their adult shape.

The first row (25-30) contains smaller exhibits primarily for small species of frogs, toads and other amphibians.
We can see here the following species :

• 25) Golden Mantella Mantella aurantiaca (24.64)
  
• 26) Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans (7.8), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe ; Northern Leopard Frog Lithobates pipiens (45.49), new species for the Zoo
  
• 27) Sao Tomé Caecilian Schistometopum thomense (5.1), unique in Europe
  
• 28) Long-nosed Horned Frog Megophrys nasuta (5.1), new species for the Zoo
  
• 29) Common Rain Frog Breviceps adspersus (0.7), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe
  
• 30) Rose's Ghost Frog Heleophryne rosei (5.5), unique in Europe (the specimens of this CR species have been sent by a South African research station, including 2.3 specimens sent in 2021).

The prosperous colonies of Golden Mantellas and Northern Leopard Frogs have produced many offspring by 2021 (8.19 Golden Mantellas and 58.27 Northern Leopard Frogs).
Among them 23.0 Northern Leopard Frogs have already left the collection towards other facilities.

Golden Mantella exhibit :

(Credits : @gulogulogulo )

Golden Mantellas :

(Credits : @Haliaeetus )

Leopard Frog and Cricket Frog terrarium :

(Credits @Dhole dude )

Northern Leopard Frog :

(Credits : @Ding Lingwei )

Long-nosed Horned Frog terrarium :

(Credits : @KevinB )

Long-nosed Horned Frog :

(Credits : @Javan Rhino )

The second row (31-34) is mainly dedicated to salamanders and newts, except for one species (with a completely renewed species collection).
These terraria display the following animals :

• 31) Goliath Frog Conraua goliath (1.2), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe
  
• 32) California Newt Taricha torosa (9.1), new species for the Zoo
  
• 33) Northern Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus (0.8), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe
  
• 34) Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum (4.9), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe

Many amphibian species have left the collection in 2021 : Surinam Toads, Paradoxical Frogs, Gold-spotted Marsupial Frogs, Japanese Giant Salamanders, Banded Bull Frogs and White-lipped Frogs.

Goliath Frog :

(Credits : @RatioTile )

California Newt exhibit :

(Credits : @Great Argus )

California Newt :

(Credits : @Great Argus )

I add in fine that an off-show section of the Vivarium is used as a lab for Amphibian biology, working with various partners on topics as embryology, venoms and poisons, chemical pollutants and pathogens.
They work also on in-situ and ex-situ conservation of the most threatened species (as the Giant Frog described before) and ecoregions (Madagascar, the Karroo, Mesoamerica...).

In the next days I'll start to describe the main reptile sections of the Vivarium, beginning with the forest species.

I let now you send your comments about the exotic amphibian section, and give me some suggestions for the 2023 version of the Vivarium !

Stay in touch !

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

today I describe the part of the Vivarium dedicated to the forest reptiles : lizards and non-venomous snakes (35-43).

In this section the paths are surrounded by vegetation of exotic plants (It should be long, so I may describe in in the next edition of my Zoo in 2023...) to create a jungle-like environment.
Even above the visiting path there are orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytic plants.
Snake moults are frequently disposed at the sight of the visitors, on the plants or along the walls.

The first two exhibits (35-36) are twin terraria, designed for small lizard species.
There are scrubs and vines in the terraria, that are 3 m long, 2 m high and 1,5 meter deep to offer space to their dwellers.

In 2022 we can see two new species (as the Mediterranean Chameleons and Green Anoles have left the Zoo) :

• 35) Tokay Gecko Gekko gecko (2.4), a nice and common species in the zoos
  
• 36) Cameroon Stumptail Chameleon Rhampholeon spectrum (7.7), species unique in European zoos (but that may be raised and bred among private holders in Europe)

Tokay Gecko :

(Credits : @gentle lemur )

Tokay gecko enclosure :

(Credits : @gulogulogulo )

Cameroon Stumptail Chameleon :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

The next exhibit (37) is a large circular terrarium divided in two equal parts, filled with logs and rockpiles, and with a cave in each enclosure, that provide a hide to its inhabitants, the Reticulated Pythons Malayopython reticulatus (2.2).
Each enclosure hosts one pair of pythons, that are among the more spectacular reptiles of the Vivarium and of the entire Zoo.

HANOUNI the Reticulated Python :

(Credits : @Haliaeetus )

Reticulated Python enclosure :

(Credits : @Haliaeetus )

After the Reticulated Pythons' exhibits we can see a row of 3 large terraria (38-40) dedicated to various and interesting species, more or less present in European collections.
The exhibits include trees (type Ficus benjamina), branches, ferns, rocks, small ponds and mulch that fill the soil.

We can see now these species :

• 38) Malagasy Tree Boa Sanzinia madagascariensis (2.2)
  
• 39) Borneo Earless Monitor Lanthanotus borneensis (2.2)
  
• 40) Pacific Tree Boa Candoia carinata (0.2), new species for the Zoo.

1.0 Malagasy Tree Boa and 1.2 Borneo Earless Monitors arrived in the collection in late 2021, while the Red-tailed Ratsnakes have left the Zoo in the same time.

Malagasy Tree Boa :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

Malagasy Tree Boa exhibit :

(Credits : @gulogulogulo )

Borneo Earless Monitor :

(Credits : @RatioTile )

Pacific Tree Boa :

(Credits : @Varanidae )

We see now a large circular terrarium (41) on the model of the Reticulated Python enclosure, with a more rocky and sandy landscape with a few grasses and succulents. There's also a small circular pool. It's the home of Amethystine Pythons Simalia amethistina (2.1), a typical dweller of the Indonesian and Papuan bushes and jungles.

Amethystine Python :

(Credits : @KevinB )

Amethystine Python exhibit :

(Credits : @gulogulogulo )

The forest reptile sections concludes with two newly created and relatively small (2 m long, 1,5 m high and 2 m deep each) enclosures (42-43), with two new reptile species.
The layout is mainly made of rocks and logs, with mulch in the soil.

We can now see in these exhibits :

• 42) Golden Tegu Lizard Tupinambis teguixin (0.2), a quite frequent species in European zoos
  
• 43) Sunbeam Snake Xenopeltis unicolor (1.2), a rare (but not absent) species in European collections, also present among private holders

Golden Tegu Lizard :

(Credits : @Fishapod )

Sunbeam Snake :

(Credits : @Najade )

One of the females Golden Tegu Lizards laid eggs quickly after her arrival, producing finally 4.3 young that can still be seen in exhibits of the Animal Nursery (see back in the North Asian Zone).

Before introducing the next section (dedicated to wetland and coastal habitats species), I let you post your comments and suggestions about the exhibits and species I have just presented.

Stay in touch !

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

we are now at the edge of the next section of the Vivarium, dedicated to aquatic and coastal species, primarily of reptiles (44-52).

First there are five enclosures (44-48) with pools and concrete banks, filled with sand, soil and humus.
A few palms and coconut trees provide some shade, while heating lamps give extra light in winted days.
The fencing is made of glass panels that provide underwater view.

We can see the following species there :

• 44) Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin (3.1), a new species for the Zoo
  
• 45) Nile Softshelled Turtle Trionyx triunguis (3.3)
  
• 46) Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta (9.3)
  
• 47) Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina (3.0)
  
• 48) Cuban Crocodile Crocodilus rhombifer (0.5)

There have been arrivals : 2.1 Nile Softshelled Turtles, 1.0 Painted Turtle and 1.0 Common Snapping Turtle, while 0.1 Common Snapping Turtle has been transferred in another facility (in the purpose to have a non-breeding group of males in the Zoo).
The Indian Roofed Turtles have left their collection, maybe this species will be back in the future, in an Indian-themed exhibit (either in the Vivarium or in the South Asian Zone).

The Diamondback Terrapins have bred shortly after their arrival, their offspring live in the Aquarium (see post #82).
The Painted Turtles have also bred, producing 8.1 young in 2021. The males have been transferred in the main exhibit, while the sole female has been sent to another zoo.

The Cuban Crocodiles are young females that hatched in 2020 and are still maintained in the Zoo.
Other young have already been transferred in facilities of various countries, including Cuba for a repopulation project of this CR species.

Near the Turtle enclosure complex there's an exposition about animal trafficking (with real samples of naturalized animals and items seized by the customs), and about the freshwater Turtle conservation and local development project supported by the Zoo in Cambodia.

Nile Softshelled Turtle exhibit :

(Credits : @animalman0341 )

Nile Softshelled Turtle :

(Credits : @ThylacineAlive )

Painted Turtle :

(Credits : @Breckenridge )

Common Snapping Turtle exhibit :

(Credits : @Orycteropus )

Common Snapping Turtle :

(Credits : @KevinB )

Tank for young Cuban Crocodiles :

(Credits : @snowleopard )

The next exhibit (49) is very large. It used to house Galapagos Iguanas, but the pool has been dried up with the departure of the Marine Iguana group.
Now only the Galapagos Land Iguanas Conolophus subcristatus (3.3), species that remains unique in Europe, are presented (2.1 animals arrived to reinforce the current group and the breeding program of this Vulnerable species).

The rocky structures remain, as well as the sandy areas and the cacti bunches.
Large glass panels, completed with heating lamps, provide light and heat for the cold season, while the animals can go outdoors in summer (I'll describe their summer enclosure later).

Galapagos Land Iguana :

(Credits : @RatioTile - picture taken in a Japanese zoo, that seem to have bred this species)

There are now two 3x1m aquaterraria (50-51) dedicated to aquatic species of snakes, in swampy habitats with shallow pools, muddy areas, stumps and aquatic vegetation.
The glass panels offer an underwater view.

We can see the following species in these exhibits :

• 50) Bocourt's Mud Snake Subsessor bocourti (1.2)
• 51) Indian Water-snake Fowlea piscator (2.2), unique in Europe

Bocourt's Mud Snake :

(Credits : @TheoV )

The last exhibit (52) is a large island with various substrates (rocks, humus, gravel, large stumps and trees), recreating a tropical environment.
The fencing is made of a low stone wall and glass panels with underwater vision.
It offers an interesting cohabitation with two species from the Indo-Pacific region :

• Sailfin Lizard Hydrosaurus amboinensis (3.1)
• Coconut Crab Birgus latro (0.0.7)

The pair of Sumatran Short-tailed Pythons has left the collection.

Sailfin Lizard :

(Credits : @KevinB )

Coconut Crab :

(Credits : @Moebelle )

In the following days I'll describe the next section of the Zoo, dedicated to the savanna and desert species.

For now I let you post your comments and suggestions about this part of the Vivarium.

See you later !

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

we are now in the next section of the Vivarium, dedicated to savanna and desert species (53-63).

Here the layout of the corridors (out of the terraria themselves) is different, with sandy and rocky areas, and some succulent plant species (cacti, yuccas...).

Immediately after the Coconut Crab and Sailfin Lizard island, we can see a row of 3 middle-sized (2 m long, 2 m large and 1,5 m high each) terraria (53-55) that display the following species :

• 53) Beauty Snake Elaphe taeniura (2.3), new species for the Zoo
• 54) Giant Plated Lizard Matobosaurus validus (1.2), new species for the Zoo
• 55) North African Mastigure Uromastyx acanthinura (3.3).

0.2 North African Mastigures arrived in 2021, while the Javelin Sand Boas and Sudan Plated Lizards have left the collection.

The Beauty Snakes and Giant Plated Lizards bred this year with the hatching of 4.4 Beauty Snakes and 4.0 Giant Plated Lizards in 2021 ; all of them can be seen in the Animal Nursery (see back to the North Asian Zone).

Beauty Snake :

(Credits : @Haliaeetus )

Beauty Snake enclosure :

(Credits : @zoo_enthusiast )

Giant Plated Lizard :

(Credits : @Moebelle )

Giant Plated Lizard enclosure :

(Credits : @German Zoo World )

North African Mastigures :

(Credits : @Haliaeetus )

North African Mastigure enclosure :

(Credits : @KevinB )

We see now a large circular terrarium (56), with a primarily sandy layout plus big flat rocks that offer many places to hide or sunbathe (with natural light or heating lamps) for their dwellers, the Savanna Monitors Varanus exanthematicus (1.1).
This pair bred one more time in 2021, producing 9.11 young (that stay for now in the reptile section of the Animal Nursery).

Savanna Monitor :

(Credits : @Haliaeetus )

Savanna Monitor exhibit :

(Credits : @Dhole dude )

In front of this enclosure there are two 3 m long, 2 m large and 2 m high terraria (57-58) that were used once to keep Australian species (Frill-necked Lizards and Thorny Devil) that have both left the collection.
Now we can see here a few species of Mediterranean and North African lizards (all new species for the Zoo) :

• 57) Anderson's Short-fingered Gecko Stenodactylus petrii (5.4) ; Algerian Psammodromus Psammodromus algirus (3.1), unique in Europe (but native to the extreme South of France)
• 58) Common Wall Gecko Tarentola mauritanica (3.3) ; Ocellated Skink Chalcides ocellatus (4.3).

The layout of these enclosures is mainly sandy with rocks.
Information panels of the Mediterranean biodiversity of reptiles (and amphibians) are installed here.

Anderson's Short-fingered Geckos :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

Algerian Psammodromus :

(Credits @KEEPER )

Common Wall Gecko :

(Credits : @RatioTile )

Common Wall Gecko and Ocellated Skink Terrarium :

(Credits : @cockroach )

Ocellated Skink :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

In the next days I'll present the last enclosures and species of the Savanna and Desert section of the Vivarium.

You can, for now, post your comments about the species and exhibits I've just described.

Stay in touch !

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

today I describe the last exhibits of the Savanna and Desert section of the Vivarium.

We can see now a very large (63 m²), quite flat and naturalistic enclosure (59), formerly home of Aldabra Giant Tortoises.
The layout has been changed, with the introduction of rocky structures.
The ground is covered with clay, and filled with logs.
The former pool of the tortoises has been conserved.

It's the home of a new species, the Central African Rock Python Python sebae (0.1).
This female, called KARABA, is now one of the most popular reptilian inhabitants of the Zoo.

African Rock Python :

(Credits : @Ding Lingwei )

African Rock Python exhibit :

(Credits : @gulogulogulo )

The section concludes itself with a row of 4 quite small exhibits (2 m long, 2 m large and 1,5 m high) dedicated to American species (60-63), after the collection of Afro-Mediterranean and Asian species.

The layout is made of rocks and cacti.

We can see there the following species :

• 60) Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana (5.4), new species for the Zoo
  
• 61) Common Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucus (1.2)
  
• 62) Scarlet Kingsnake Lampropeltis triangulum (0.2), new species for the Zoo
  
• 63) Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana (1.1)

0.2 Common Pine Snakes arrived in 2021 in the facility, while the Long-nosed Snakes and Gila Monsters died in the same time.

The breeding of the Side-blotched Lizards has proven to be successful : in 2021, 9.5 juveniles hatched and remain on sight in the Animal Nursery.

I complete the description indicating that the three snake species, while common and not threatened in the wild, are frequently handled in the special reptile animations of the Zoo, in order to debunk the common beliefs on snakes and reptiles.

Side-blotched Lizard :

(Credits : @UngulateNerd92 )

Side-blotched Lizard exhibit :

(Credits : @Blackduiker )

Common Pine Snake :

(Credits : @nikola )

Pine Snake exhibit :

(Credits : @Moebelle )

Scarlet Kingsnake :

(Credits : @Varanidae )

Mountain Kingsnake :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

Kingsnake exhibit :

(Credits : @Gibbon05 )

It's now the end of the Savanna and Desert section of the Vivarium.

We will see in the coming days other terraria, this time mainly dedicated to venomous snakes.

I let you post your comments and suggestions about the terraria and species I've just described.

See you later !

 

[Komodo Dragon]

If this was real, I would spend weeks at this zoo!

Once you are done, could you make a post listing all the former species that where kept on display?

 

[Haliaeetus]

If this was real, I would spend weeks at this zoo!

Once you are done, could you make a post listing all the former species that where kept on display?

Hello @Komodo Dragon .
Thank you very much for your reply.
Indeed I project to write a post that will list all the formerly displayed species.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

today I present you the newly renamed Venomous Avenue, that consists on a double row of naturalistic terraria (64-75) displaying various landscapes (jungle, desert, prairie, mangrove...).
These terraria are dedicated to venomous reptiles from all the continents except Europe ; these animals are uncommon in European zoos but especially scarce in current French collections (only the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes and a couple of private vivaria have venomous snakes, and a handful more if we count the European indigenous species).
They are quite large but with special fitting out : double windows to isolate them from the public, and trapdoors used by the crew to feed or handle the animals.
There are panels about the venom science, the research on curative treatments (in partnership with the famous Institut Pasteur) but also the medical applications of venoms (and more generally poisons from animals and plants).
The reptiles displayed here have been partly sent from French and foreign research laboratories.

Some of the reptiles breed regularly here.

The first row is made of larger terraria (3 m long, 2,5 m deep and 1,5 m high), we can see here the following species :

• 64) Prairie Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis (1.2)
  
• 65) Gold-ringed Cat Snake Boiga dendrophila (2.0)
  
• 66) Prairie Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis (1.0)
  
• 67) Shield-nose Snake Aspidelaps scutatus (1.1)
  
• 68) Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata (1.2), new species for the Zoo and unique in European zoos (but seems to be present among private holders)
  
• 69) Spectacled Cobra Naja naja (1.2)

The terraria of the second row are smaller (3 m long, 1,5 m deep and only 1,2 m high), the following species are displayed here :

• 70) Gila Monster Heloderma suspectum (0.2)
  
• 71) Rock Rattlesnake Crotalus lepidus (2.1), new species for the Zoo
  
• 72) Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus (1.0), new species for the Zoo
  
• 73) King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah (0.1)
  
• 74) King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah (2.0) ; this tank is split in two, one for each individual snake
  
• 75) Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus (2.0)

Many species have left the collection in 2021 : Green Night Adders, Common Death Adders, Desert Horned Vipers, Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Black Mambas and Halys Pit Vipers.
The Zoo has received 0.1 Prairie Rattlesnake and 1.0 Shield-nose Snake, plus 0.2 Gila Monsters (in replacement of the recently died animals).

Additionnally 0.9 Prairie Rattlesnakes have hatched in 2021 but are kept off-show, while the numerous venomous snakes that have hatched in 2020 have been transferred to other zoos.

Photo gallery :

Prairie Rattlesnake :

(Credits : @Ituri )

Prairie Rattlesnake terrarium :

(Credits : @KevinB )

Gold-ringed Cat Snake :

(Credits : @Therabu )

Night Snake :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

Spectacled Cobra :

(Credits : @ronnienl )

Spectacled Cobra exhibit :

(Credits : @gulogulogulo )

Gila Monsters :

(Credits : @hmb_zoo )

Gila Monster terrarium :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

Rock Rattlesnake :

(Credits : @RatioTile )

Rock Rattlesnake exhibit :

(Credits : @Moebelle )

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake :

(Credits : @Mo Hassan )

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake :

(Credits : @Coelacanth18 )

King Cobra :

(Credits : @amur leopard )

King Cobra exhibit :

(Credits : @snowleopard )

Saw-scaled Viper :

(Credits : @Ituri )

Saw-scaled Viper exhibit :

(Credits : @birdsandbats )

Before the description of the last exhibits of the Vivarium (that will close the 2022 tour of my speculative Zoo...), I let you post your comments and suggestions about the "venomous" part of the Vivarium.

Stay in touch !

 

[Komodo Dragon]

What area is each region or zone of the zoo?

 

[Mickey]

What area is each region or zone of the zoo?

What do you mean? Are you asking in which exhibits is the zoo divided?

 

[Komodo Dragon]

What do you mean? Are you asking in which exhibits is the zoo divided?

I’m asking the size of each of the continental zones, like the North Asia zone for example.

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

today I describe the last indoor exhibits of the Vivarium, the Croc Lagoons (76-77).

This complex includes two large enclosures with pools and glass panels that offer an underwater view.
There are islands, sand and concrete banks, wooden bridges, caves and even areas with soil, mulch and trees that provide various habitats for the crocodilians.

The first enclosure (76) is smaller (120 m²) but it communicates with outdoor enclosures in summer months.
It has been the home of Chinese Alligators (young, non-breeding siblings) in the past.
Now we can see a very common (but popular) species, the Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus (1.3). The group of this species (considered as the "type-species" of crocodile by many Europeans) is also made of young animals (the male LIMBO, and the females LUANDA, LUSAKA and LYNA), and a mix with turtles and even fish may be considered in the near future.

Nile Crocodile indoor pool :

(Credits : @LegoOwl )

Nile Crocodile :

(Credits : @vogelcommando )

The second enclosure (77) is larger (280 m²) and made of two parts, separated by the visitor path (and linked together by a tunnel under the path).
It remains the habitat of Cuban Crocodiles Crocodylus rhombifer (2.6), including 2.2 breeding adults and 0.4 subadults (possible future breeders, changed for 5.0 formerly present animals) from another collection.

This species has bred in 2020 ; 0.0.26 of the young crocs that have hatched this year have been sent to Cuba for a rewilding program of this critically endangered species (a few other young still live in the n° 48 exhibit of the Vivarium).
There's information on panels near this exhibit, and also oral explanations about this program during public feeding sessions that can be attended every weekend.

Cuban Crocodile :

(Credits : @snowleopard )

Cuban Crocodile exhibit, footbridge and tunnel :

(Credits : @snowleopard )

In the next days (before the end of the 2022 year) I'll describe the exhibits of the outdoor part of the Vivarium.

See you later !

 

[Haliaeetus]

Hello,

it's the time to conclude the description of the Vivarium (and of the 2022 version of my speculative zoo) with a quick glance to the outdoor exhibits located around this complex.

Map of the outdoor enclosures of the Vivarium :

First, a new large outdoor terrarium of 95 m² (78) has been built in 2021 on the model of the reptile enclosures of the Tierpark Dahlhölzli in Switzerland. It has large glass windows and hosts a rocky landscape, perfect for European reptiles.

Its inhabitants are for now Asp Vipers Vipera aspis (2.1), visible on the rocks when the weather is warm and sunny. (The snakes cannot be seen in winter, when they remain hidden under the rocks)

This enclosure has been conceived to complete the indoor exhibit for this species described earlier (post #104) with other individuals, in order to run a breeding and educational program.

Asp Viper outdoor exhibit :

(Credits : @lintworm )

We see a double netted enclosure (aviary-type) with aquatic and terrestrial (rocky) parts, formerly used for the Marine Iguanas.

The first (79) remains themed on Galapagos and has a 445 m² surface, it hosts diverse bird species, plus the Galapagos Land Iguanas that can go outside in summer time.
The birds are displayed year-round, we can see there the following species :

• Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii (5.0), unique in Europe
• Lava Heron Butorides sundevalli (1.3), new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe

The animals can dive and wade in a pool, while a steep, rocky cliff with succulents and grasses is used by the birds and iguanas to rest.
The Boobies have been transferred from the South American Zone where they stayed for a time.

Blue-footed Boobies :

(Credits : @AWP )

Lava Heron :

(Credits : @Dom)

The second aviary (80) is larger (620 m²) and set on the principles of the previous aviary (but with barren rock instead of tropical-type vegetation).
Instead it hosts a single, European species, the Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle (0.4), also a new species for the Zoo and unique in Europe (even if it's a native of the Northern coasts of the continent).
Its location completes the European Zone and especially its seashore aviary described at the beginning of the thread.

Black Guillemot :

(Credits : @Newzooboy )

Black Guillemot aviary :

(Credits : @snowleopard )

The next exhibit (81), a grassy plain of 960 m², was formerly used as the summer paddock of the Aldabra Giant Tortoises, but is now empty since the departure of these reptiles.

We conclude our trip with an enclosure of 870 m² (82) with a large pool and a grassy zone, used as the summer enclosure for the Nile Crocodiles, that have replaced the Chinese Alligators.
They go to this enclosure when the temperature is above 15°C.

Nile Crocodile outdoor enclosure :

(Credits : @Mr.Weasel )

This is the end of the description of the 2022 version of my "Absolute" speculative Zoo.

I'll release the full list of species currently displayed (like last year), and the former holdings that have left the Zoo in 2021.

Before starting the 2023 version, I ask you if you have special wishes for this future version (please send me them by private message).
Among the changes that I plan, there will be more complete descriptions for some of the exhibits of the Zoo, with plant inventories and maps of all the installations (including the off-exhibit quarters).

Stay in touch !

 

[Haliaeetus]

For information, I've just released the list of the formerly displayed mammals (the birds, herps, fishes and invertebrates will follow) :
Google Sheets: Sign-in

 

[Ursus]

For information, I've just released the list of the formerly displayed mammals (the birds, herps, fishes and invertebrates will follow) :
Google Sheets: Sign-in

Do you also have a sheet with the current zoo's species list?

 

[Haliaeetus]

Do you also have a sheet with the current zoo's species list?

I'm preparing it.

 

[Haliaeetus]

For information, I've just released the list of the formerly displayed mammals (the birds, herps, fishes and invertebrates will follow) :
Google Sheets: Sign-in

I've just completed the list of former birds (that have left or aren't displayed in the Zoo in 2021) :
Former holdings of my Absolute Zoo

 

[Haliaeetus]

I've just completed the tables of the former holdings for the reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates :
Former holdings of my Absolute Zoo

I announce you that the preparation of the 2023 species list is imminent!

 

[premierfong]

Great design and plan, did you plan sanitations? Like your Seabird aviary looks very nice but it's going to be stinky.

 

[Van Beal]

I've just completed the tables of the former holdings for the reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates :
Former holdings of my Absolute Zoo

I announce you that the preparation of the 2023 species list is imminent!

Very excited to see any changes for 2023!!!!
Also out of curiosity will you be including terrarium and fish tank measurements (and volume for the latter) in your 2023 version?