Thought I'd start out my "New Zoo Year" with a trip to my home zoo (on one of the six free days offered).
*The little to no wind, light snowfall (right up until I left the Zoo), and upper 20's temperatures made for a beautiful day for a winter Zoo trip. Several animals were out enjoying the snow - the biggest highlights being the Amur tigers, cheetah, polar bear, elk, and the best part of the entire day (see my "Highlight of the Day" section for that).
*A new shade structure has been constructed in the elephant exhibit, and while it looks like it'll provide enough shade on a hot summer day, it is quite an eyesore.
*Today I visited the Aviary for the second time in about five years; honestly, I forgot just how great it was. In my opinion, it is the best that Milwaukee has to offer in terms of naturalistic exhibits, along with the Macaque Island.
*The de Brazza's monkey is still there, and I assume he is here to stay because there is a permanent information sign about the species.
*I found out more information about the outdoor lion exhibit construction. Apparently the entire yard has been demolished, and more natural features and enrichment will be added; there will also be an expansion of the yard as well. Long ago, before the big cat house was redone in 2005, visitors could also see the outdoor lion area from another window on the other side (by the outdoor jaguar viewing window), and enter the cat house from there too. From the 2005 opening of the cat house to now, that window and entrance have been blocked off. When I took a look at the progress, the wall on that side had been knocked down; I would assume that the expansion would be into that area, but don't know for sure. The project will be completed sometime later this year.
*According to the info board in Big Cat Country's kitchen, the tayras have been moved there. I don't know if this is permanent or their area back at the Small Mammals Building (which I didn't visit today) is getting redesigned and were temporarily housed here.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: The majestic snow leopards were by far the best part of the trip! I have always wanted to get a photo of a snow leopard in the winter. Last time, the snow leopards were off-display due to intros to one another. This time though, while male Genghis rested in a log, female Tomoris was walking along the top part of the habitat - allowing for some great photo opportunities! I hope to post them (along with some other winter photos) soon!
*The little to no wind, light snowfall (right up until I left the Zoo), and upper 20's temperatures made for a beautiful day for a winter Zoo trip. Several animals were out enjoying the snow - the biggest highlights being the Amur tigers, cheetah, polar bear, elk, and the best part of the entire day (see my "Highlight of the Day" section for that).
*A new shade structure has been constructed in the elephant exhibit, and while it looks like it'll provide enough shade on a hot summer day, it is quite an eyesore.
*Today I visited the Aviary for the second time in about five years; honestly, I forgot just how great it was. In my opinion, it is the best that Milwaukee has to offer in terms of naturalistic exhibits, along with the Macaque Island.
*The de Brazza's monkey is still there, and I assume he is here to stay because there is a permanent information sign about the species.
*I found out more information about the outdoor lion exhibit construction. Apparently the entire yard has been demolished, and more natural features and enrichment will be added; there will also be an expansion of the yard as well. Long ago, before the big cat house was redone in 2005, visitors could also see the outdoor lion area from another window on the other side (by the outdoor jaguar viewing window), and enter the cat house from there too. From the 2005 opening of the cat house to now, that window and entrance have been blocked off. When I took a look at the progress, the wall on that side had been knocked down; I would assume that the expansion would be into that area, but don't know for sure. The project will be completed sometime later this year.
*According to the info board in Big Cat Country's kitchen, the tayras have been moved there. I don't know if this is permanent or their area back at the Small Mammals Building (which I didn't visit today) is getting redesigned and were temporarily housed here.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: The majestic snow leopards were by far the best part of the trip! I have always wanted to get a photo of a snow leopard in the winter. Last time, the snow leopards were off-display due to intros to one another. This time though, while male Genghis rested in a log, female Tomoris was walking along the top part of the habitat - allowing for some great photo opportunities! I hope to post them (along with some other winter photos) soon!
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