After weeks of bad weather, I made it out to Milwaukee County. It's been a while since I've seen the facility in its full summer glory, so it was a treat to once again see animals enjoying the warm sunshine, and the seasonal attractions booming. Let's start out with the main reason for my tour, and the aspect you're probably looking forward to the most...
My Thoughts on Adventure Africa: Phase 1
There have been some reviews, photos, and other thoughts about the long-awaited addition, and now I'm throwing mine into the mix. The complex seems to have a bit of a varied reception on this site - I think I fall somewhere in the middle. There is some great stuff that was either well-thought out or a substantial improvement from previous, but at the same time it's easy to see where some corners were cut or not reaching their full potential. Let's see what this safari has to offer:
Elephant Habitat - At 1.6 acres, this is much bigger than the original habitat. It isn't enormous like most other recent elephant expansions, but for the space the Zoo had to work with, and the future plans it has in place, it's fine. The size, however, is not the only thing updated; there are several forms of enrichment to keep Brittany and Ruth busy like a pair of enrichment walls to stick their trunks through, a trio of willow trees to feed from (still standing from when the moose exhibit was in place), a good-sized pool, and even grass. It was a pleasant blend of naturalism and functionality, resulting in a decent but unspectacular pachyderm enclosure. Lastly, there is a demonstration yard where elephant talks take place behind the main habitat, and across from African Forest; the girls were hanging out in here as the main exhibit was undergoing repairs. Without a doubt a major upgrade from the elephants' previous accommodations.
Elephant Care Center - Another big upgrade for Milwaukee's largest residents is the interior. The entry area looks stunning with a concrete/glass/wood decor; walking through the sliding doors is a viewing area that looks into a good-sized common area for the elephants complete with a sandy floor. When looking to the left, there are numerous stalls that seem to be used to separate animals at times for health checks or shifting animals to different areas. Additionally, the signage focuses on elephant care including what keepers do for enrichment and husbandry everyday. Younger visitors can even get an understanding of this through some kiosks more geared towards that certain age group. The only things I would say are that the visitor area seems a bit small for large crowds, and the actual barn area is a bit sterile, like a couple more sections to interact with such as a secured rock or wood area on the wall (I think Dallas has something like that I saw in an image?) would enhance this. There's not a whole lot that can be done there though, and it doesn't take away from the fact that the interior elephant experience has been nicely enhanced for the most part. *On a side note, I feel the pathway in front of the barn could be enhanced with some more African-themed decor like statues, drums, etc.
Impala Plains - For me, this was the least successful section of the new complex. Only a pair of crowned cranes was out (my first time seeing these two by the way), while the impala, plains zebra, and ostrich (there is an I.D. sign for them nearest to the hoofstock barn) were nowhere to be seen. To be fair though, the weather hasn't been on our side for impala to get used to the area properly yet, and the latter two are still in quarantine. Also, the size of the exhibit seems to be on the small side for the number of animals it wants to hold. And the fact that the entire enclosure is surrounded by fencing does take away from the natural appearance, especially as visitors don't get any open views; a water moat and some slopes towards the viewing areas would fix this issue in my opinion. To finish off on a good note, the quality of the exhibit itself is pretty good, with hilly terrain, green grass, and a foliage area in the middle.
African Forest - The highlight of Adventure Africa in my opinion. The original Australian building has been repurposed for the Zoo's African hoofstock and birds, and the kangaroo/emu yard was hardly changed for the bongos (the only species out at the time), yellow-backed duiker, and Kenya crested guineafowl that inhabit it. There is tall grass, a variety of terrain, and shady trees - a perfect environment for these secretive creatures. The only thing I have to say is that metal cables have been added to the top section of the exhibit walls. I would imagine they're for the guineafowl, but part of me also hopes they are only temporary until the animals get used to their new home. Aside from that, it's a good repurpose of an old enclosure.
Educational Features - One of the things Milwaukee has usually done well with is its exhibit interpretation and education sections - Adventure Africa is no different in that regard. Starting with the "Conservation Outpost," this is a repurpose of the former Wolf Viewing Cabin. There is a television that shows two different videos on connecting with elephants, a compare/contrast poster with forest and savanna elephants, and bits of information on the 96 elephants campaign. Other than a more authentic African setting being needed inside, this is another good reuse of an original area. Also, sprinkled throughout the complex are several kiosks related to certain animal behaviors such as safety in numbers, jumping distances of animals compared to impalas, and communication. Most noteworthy is a corner near the demo yard entirely dedicated to elephant dung; this is an intriguing spot where visitors learn about dung beetles, what the poop consists of, and there's even a few wheelbarrow loads of fake feces!
OVERALL: I feel like a good comparison for Milwaukee's Adventure Africa would be Toledo's Tembo Trail. Both offer an environment that does not quite emphasize naturalism, but do a good job at catering to the animals' natural behaviors and providing new challenges for them. In the Wisconsin establishment's case, this complex was a long time coming. It is unfortunate that some of the original ideas like the bridge connecting the elephants and hoofstock were scrapped, along with some additional corners that needed to be cut even during the actual construction/planning (like size of some enclosures). The biggest issue of Adventure Africa, though, is that the level of naturalism and immersion needs a good amount of improvement, a problem that could've been easy to fix in some areas in my opinion. On the flip side, the animals' new areas are for the most part improvements from previous, there is a level of creativity in showing off some natural behaviors, and a solid, well-rounded educational experience is on offer. It isn't anything phenomenal, but a sign of forward progression nonetheless.
Moving on to the rest of the Zoo, what else is new (apologies if some of this has already been posted)?
*I believe both red river hogs were on display in the morning, but later in the afternoon there was only one.
*The signage for the American black bear has been taken down. Considering the age of the last bear, I wouldn't be surprised if Milwaukee no longer has the species.
*The red panda exhibit was blocked off; it was previously reported on here that we might have a panda cub. The only thing I saw was the tail of an adult hanging out of a hut. Using my zoom on the camera, I tried to see if I could spot anything within; it could've been just the animal's front leg or head, or indeed a cub, but it was really hard to tell from a distance.
*I saw the flamingos swimming and wadding in the middle of their large pond - interesting as I recall them mainly hanging out near the primary viewing area.
*The pathway to the pheasantry and whooping crane aviaries is completely fenced off in order to give the two cranes privacy to better their bond.
*Looks like there is a new baby Japanese macaque - it was swinging around a bit, before tumbling off a rock into some bushes. A little moment of cuteness.
*Alexandria the new female orangutan continues to adjust to her new surroundings. Two of the three indoor rooms have been covered up by drapes to help with privacy, while one was uncovered - resident male Tommy was in that particular room.
*2019's summer special exhibit, Brick Dinos, is a unique take on the usual dinosaur exhibits. All the displays are made of Legos, and are wonderful creations of fossil sites and different prehistoric beasts like Pterosaur, Plesiosaur, Stegosaurus, and even trilobites. At the end is a T.V. projection on the building process of the structures, and a play area with all sorts of Legos and a dig site. On the whole, this is an intriguing and well-done exhibit that is sure to be popular with visitors - especially kids who adore Legos and dinosaurs!
*There is the following in quarantine: two female ostrich, two male plains zebra, a female silver beaked tanager, a female pekin robin, six piranha, and six clownfish.
My Thoughts on Adventure Africa: Phase 1
There have been some reviews, photos, and other thoughts about the long-awaited addition, and now I'm throwing mine into the mix. The complex seems to have a bit of a varied reception on this site - I think I fall somewhere in the middle. There is some great stuff that was either well-thought out or a substantial improvement from previous, but at the same time it's easy to see where some corners were cut or not reaching their full potential. Let's see what this safari has to offer:
Elephant Habitat - At 1.6 acres, this is much bigger than the original habitat. It isn't enormous like most other recent elephant expansions, but for the space the Zoo had to work with, and the future plans it has in place, it's fine. The size, however, is not the only thing updated; there are several forms of enrichment to keep Brittany and Ruth busy like a pair of enrichment walls to stick their trunks through, a trio of willow trees to feed from (still standing from when the moose exhibit was in place), a good-sized pool, and even grass. It was a pleasant blend of naturalism and functionality, resulting in a decent but unspectacular pachyderm enclosure. Lastly, there is a demonstration yard where elephant talks take place behind the main habitat, and across from African Forest; the girls were hanging out in here as the main exhibit was undergoing repairs. Without a doubt a major upgrade from the elephants' previous accommodations.
Elephant Care Center - Another big upgrade for Milwaukee's largest residents is the interior. The entry area looks stunning with a concrete/glass/wood decor; walking through the sliding doors is a viewing area that looks into a good-sized common area for the elephants complete with a sandy floor. When looking to the left, there are numerous stalls that seem to be used to separate animals at times for health checks or shifting animals to different areas. Additionally, the signage focuses on elephant care including what keepers do for enrichment and husbandry everyday. Younger visitors can even get an understanding of this through some kiosks more geared towards that certain age group. The only things I would say are that the visitor area seems a bit small for large crowds, and the actual barn area is a bit sterile, like a couple more sections to interact with such as a secured rock or wood area on the wall (I think Dallas has something like that I saw in an image?) would enhance this. There's not a whole lot that can be done there though, and it doesn't take away from the fact that the interior elephant experience has been nicely enhanced for the most part. *On a side note, I feel the pathway in front of the barn could be enhanced with some more African-themed decor like statues, drums, etc.
Impala Plains - For me, this was the least successful section of the new complex. Only a pair of crowned cranes was out (my first time seeing these two by the way), while the impala, plains zebra, and ostrich (there is an I.D. sign for them nearest to the hoofstock barn) were nowhere to be seen. To be fair though, the weather hasn't been on our side for impala to get used to the area properly yet, and the latter two are still in quarantine. Also, the size of the exhibit seems to be on the small side for the number of animals it wants to hold. And the fact that the entire enclosure is surrounded by fencing does take away from the natural appearance, especially as visitors don't get any open views; a water moat and some slopes towards the viewing areas would fix this issue in my opinion. To finish off on a good note, the quality of the exhibit itself is pretty good, with hilly terrain, green grass, and a foliage area in the middle.
African Forest - The highlight of Adventure Africa in my opinion. The original Australian building has been repurposed for the Zoo's African hoofstock and birds, and the kangaroo/emu yard was hardly changed for the bongos (the only species out at the time), yellow-backed duiker, and Kenya crested guineafowl that inhabit it. There is tall grass, a variety of terrain, and shady trees - a perfect environment for these secretive creatures. The only thing I have to say is that metal cables have been added to the top section of the exhibit walls. I would imagine they're for the guineafowl, but part of me also hopes they are only temporary until the animals get used to their new home. Aside from that, it's a good repurpose of an old enclosure.
Educational Features - One of the things Milwaukee has usually done well with is its exhibit interpretation and education sections - Adventure Africa is no different in that regard. Starting with the "Conservation Outpost," this is a repurpose of the former Wolf Viewing Cabin. There is a television that shows two different videos on connecting with elephants, a compare/contrast poster with forest and savanna elephants, and bits of information on the 96 elephants campaign. Other than a more authentic African setting being needed inside, this is another good reuse of an original area. Also, sprinkled throughout the complex are several kiosks related to certain animal behaviors such as safety in numbers, jumping distances of animals compared to impalas, and communication. Most noteworthy is a corner near the demo yard entirely dedicated to elephant dung; this is an intriguing spot where visitors learn about dung beetles, what the poop consists of, and there's even a few wheelbarrow loads of fake feces!
OVERALL: I feel like a good comparison for Milwaukee's Adventure Africa would be Toledo's Tembo Trail. Both offer an environment that does not quite emphasize naturalism, but do a good job at catering to the animals' natural behaviors and providing new challenges for them. In the Wisconsin establishment's case, this complex was a long time coming. It is unfortunate that some of the original ideas like the bridge connecting the elephants and hoofstock were scrapped, along with some additional corners that needed to be cut even during the actual construction/planning (like size of some enclosures). The biggest issue of Adventure Africa, though, is that the level of naturalism and immersion needs a good amount of improvement, a problem that could've been easy to fix in some areas in my opinion. On the flip side, the animals' new areas are for the most part improvements from previous, there is a level of creativity in showing off some natural behaviors, and a solid, well-rounded educational experience is on offer. It isn't anything phenomenal, but a sign of forward progression nonetheless.
Moving on to the rest of the Zoo, what else is new (apologies if some of this has already been posted)?
*I believe both red river hogs were on display in the morning, but later in the afternoon there was only one.
*The signage for the American black bear has been taken down. Considering the age of the last bear, I wouldn't be surprised if Milwaukee no longer has the species.
*The red panda exhibit was blocked off; it was previously reported on here that we might have a panda cub. The only thing I saw was the tail of an adult hanging out of a hut. Using my zoom on the camera, I tried to see if I could spot anything within; it could've been just the animal's front leg or head, or indeed a cub, but it was really hard to tell from a distance.
*I saw the flamingos swimming and wadding in the middle of their large pond - interesting as I recall them mainly hanging out near the primary viewing area.
*The pathway to the pheasantry and whooping crane aviaries is completely fenced off in order to give the two cranes privacy to better their bond.
*Looks like there is a new baby Japanese macaque - it was swinging around a bit, before tumbling off a rock into some bushes. A little moment of cuteness.
*Alexandria the new female orangutan continues to adjust to her new surroundings. Two of the three indoor rooms have been covered up by drapes to help with privacy, while one was uncovered - resident male Tommy was in that particular room.
*2019's summer special exhibit, Brick Dinos, is a unique take on the usual dinosaur exhibits. All the displays are made of Legos, and are wonderful creations of fossil sites and different prehistoric beasts like Pterosaur, Plesiosaur, Stegosaurus, and even trilobites. At the end is a T.V. projection on the building process of the structures, and a play area with all sorts of Legos and a dig site. On the whole, this is an intriguing and well-done exhibit that is sure to be popular with visitors - especially kids who adore Legos and dinosaurs!
*There is the following in quarantine: two female ostrich, two male plains zebra, a female silver beaked tanager, a female pekin robin, six piranha, and six clownfish.
