Happy Groundhog Day/Super Bowl Sunday. It was an unseasonably warm day today, so what better way to spend it then a trip to the zoo. Not too much to report on, but a fun visit none the less.
Construction for the new hippo exhibit is ongoing. As mentioned, the entire area is covered in a white tarp so it was hard to see how far along it is, but is does look like the underwater viewing shelter is close to being done. I think its fair to point out how quickly the zoo has been getting this project done, especially considering how long it took for phase 1 of Adventure Africa and the West Entrance and Otter Passage.
I got to see Belle today. All three elephant were in the barn with Ruth and Brittney in the back stalls and Belle out in the Dayroom. Introductions between her and Ruth have gone smoothly, though she has yet to be introduced to Brittany. It is hoped to have all three together by the Spring.
Still don't know whats going on with the old dall sheep mountain. It could be quite awhile before they do something with it according to a docent, as rhinos will be the priority once the hippo exhibit is done.
Regarding the Small Mammal House, it's definitely feeling a bit empty but admittedly for the better. I'd say there are about five exhibits for lemurs now with the night monkey gone (an unfortunate loss).
I must say, I am very happy how much the zoo has been improving as of late. After decades of nothing, we get three major exhibits all within a year of each other. Otter Passage and the West Entrance Plaza are probably my favorite place in the zoo right now. Its new, its comfortable, its all around great and the otter exhibit is probably the best mammal exhibit in the zoo right now and turned out significantly better than I expected. Adventure Africa Phase 1 opened just under a year later and while it didn't have the same amount of detail as the zoo otter exhibit it was still a monumental addition to the place that essentially took care of the worst exhibit in the zoo (even if some of the better ones had to go to make way for it). After almost a decade to talks for a new elephant exhibit and it finally happened. Later this year the new hippo exhibit will open at last, another project that has been in the works for years. Combine all these developments with renovations to the small mammal house and primate house, plus the addition of the some new and improved restaurants and guest areas I think it's fair to say the zoo has improved more in the past three years than in the past two decades.
Recently they have been saying a lot of things about zoos planning to move elephants that the zoo then states is false.
