An insect room would be great but, as you mention, probably might not be the best idea because of competition with the museum. I think it would make a better expansion to the AARC then the aviary or primates, though.
Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee: Fantasy Ideas, Dreams, Hopes
- Thread starter MKE Zoo guy
- Start date
With the museum moving sometime in the near future, I’m not sure if the butterfly room is moving with it, hence the idea of it coming to the zoo.
The reason why I was thinking of the aviary, I was thinking birds eat they could showcase where part of the birds enrichment comes from. Kinda like at the Bronx Zoo having the beehives on the roof in order feed the specific bird that eats them.
Why would you say the AARC for the insects? Just curious on your thinking?
What!? The museum is moving! That's news to me! I'm kind of worried now, the current footprint of the museum is perfect, a move would probably make it worse. Why is it moving?
I have a few ideas in mind, as a sort of modification to your ideas.
In Mysterious Africa
- Essentially, the layout of the lions looking out onto the savanna would be the same, but the aesthetics would change drastically. For one, the lions would be in a wooded yard, acting as a sort of transition into a lightly wooded savanna. Said wooded savanna would contain animals from the Miombo ecosystem, such as eland, sable antelope and/or blue wildebeest. This is, of course maintaining the indoor lion habitat in Big Cat Country. Nearby could be habitats for hyenas and smaller exhibits for animals such as Ansell's and Upemba shrews, Lake Lufira weavers and black-lored waxbills.
- Adventure Africa (Phase 1) can be rethemed as an "open plains"/Ngorongoro Crater habitat, maintaining the elephants and combining the two yards (elephants/hoofstock). Ditching the fencing and going for the open-views/hahas that Milwaukee was originally famous for. Hidden views and a methodology of avoiding crossviews could be implemented, and the barn itself could be hidden with tall grasses and mounds of sod. Giraffes can have access as well, and their barn can be expanded significantly to have a glassed-in dayroom akin to Vienna's Giraffe Park and stalls akin to Copenhagen's Giraffe House.
- Adventure Africa (Phase 2) sees the hippo exhibit expanded even further, adding infrastructure such as a heated outdoor pool (powered by either biomass, geothermal or solar power) and a more wetland-themed environment instead of the typical riverbank/rock theming that the zoo decided to go with initially (for logical reasons, of course, mainly budget). Sitatunga and pelicans could be implemented, albeit with hidden creeps in case the hippos get too handsy.
- Adventure Africa (Phase 3) sees rhinos being implemented in the aforementioned Miombo ecosystem, taking over the Impala Country exhibit (and being mixed with cheetahs and potentially patas monkeys akin to Leipzig's Kiwara Kopje). Maybe a walkthrough exhibit for hyrax?
In Familiar America
- I would honestly maintain the Alaska's Cold Coast idea, renaming it as Wild Alaska! with habitats for polar bears (of course, since they are an iconic species for Milwaukee) and potentially a rotational habitat for grizzly bears. Nearby would be exhibits for puffins/murres, Steller's sea lions (LOVE that idea) and sea otters. Think Steller Cove at the Oregon Zoo mixed with Russia's Grizzly Coast at Minnesota with a splash (pardon the pun) of Detroit's Arctic Ring of Life. Taking over a portion of Lake Evinrude (with some nearby land) would be an exhibit for American bison, and nearby would be some raptor aviaries, containing bald eagles and peregrine falcons. (maybe some golden eagles as well with signage about "true eagles" and "sea eagles"?)
- I would also maintain the "Wild Woods" area as well (naming that Wild Milwaukee! *wait what*) and implement the Invasive Species idea from earlier in this thread.
- I would do something akin to the Temasek River section originally planned for the Singapore River Safari, and bring in Malayan tigers, reticulated python, mouse deer, milky storks and other denizens of that historic area. This would be an area that takes up the existing Asian zone (the hoofstock e.g. the camels would be phased out and tigers would take up the entire space in a fenced-in yard conducive to providing more space). I would also incorporate the orangutan habitat from Primates of the World, expanding it heavily so that there is a natural "O-Line" taking over some of the nearby woods. (the crowns of the trees would be reserved for the orangs, with hotwired platforms to keep them from escaping). Nearby would be a "Cold Asia" section for the species you mentioned (maintaining and possibly expanding the snow leopard habitat, making the red panda habitat more naturalistic, adding dholes, cranes, tragopans/pheasants, white-lipped deer, Przewalski's horses, etc.). In terms of hoofstock from the tropical side of things, (taking advantage of some of the woods) I would add gaur, axis deer, thamin, etc.
- Aside from giving the gorillas and bonobos more naturalistic spaces both indoors and out (outdoor habitats could take advantage of the woods *does anybody see a pattern* akin to Denver's Primate Panorama (but with moats for unobstructed viewing of gorilla and bonobo alike). Maybe some mixed-species opportunities with colobus monkeys and potentially Debrazza's monkeys?
- Aside from adding a herp area with cave racers and tailless whip scorpions along with inland taipans, and a Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the ARC building, and adding more species of kangaroo (maybe a partnership with the Australia Zoo to make a creative and unique facility for saltwater crocs as a headliner along with other unknown and underappreciated species like bilbies, bandicoots, potoroos, etc.) I don't see anything else that could be done. Basically, a more modernized version of Australian Adventure at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. (with some working animatronics...?)
- Pantanal exhibit for jaguars, tapir, anteater, scarlet ibis, anaconda, howler monkeys, etc. (taking over the existing South America section of Africa/Asia/South America, obvs with a much more modernized layout).
How would the zoo get any of the species highlighted in red?
Negotiations with other zoos/greater conservation outreach...? If Zoo Boise could get a number of rare species for their Gorongosa habitat, I'm sure Milwaukee could as well.
I also wish for you guys and girls that Milwaukee Zoo might get a little more adventurous with their new exhibits. It is very much in the updating exhibits, rather than creating a "woaww" effect.
Hopefully, with the rhino and hippo exhibits MWZ will re-invent the future of ...!
Hopefully, with the rhino and hippo exhibits MWZ will re-invent the future of ...!
I haven't visited Milwaukee in some years, so I kept plans vague.
Primates
- All three sub-buildings will be significantly renovated and unified as 'Primates of the World', with new outdoor exhibits on the southern end open for gorillas, bonobo, mandrill, orangutan/siamang mixed exhibit, lemur mixed exhibit, and a mixed South American monkey exhibit.
Undeveloped Area
- The space between the Special Exhibits building and Fish, Frogs & Snakes/ARC building will see the construction of a new Nocturnal House, which will house nocturnal mammals, reptiles and birds, including bats, bushbaby, sugar glider, armadillo, potto or loris, aardvark and more.
Small Mammal House / North America area
- Transform this entire section into a new North American complex, with badger and prairie dog on display closest to the otter and current Small Mammal building, with bison, caribou, elk, wolverine, cougar, and wolves, included as well as a coastal-themed area with brown bears, moose, harbor seal and sea otter.
Undeveloped Area
- North of the Family Farm, a new Australia House will be constructed, holding red kangaroo, emu, kookaburra, little penguins, reptiles and at least one additional mammal, and maybe cassowary?
- Directly across from Fish, Frogs and Snakes, east of Australia House and north of the African Waterhole would be a new Neotropics exhibit focused on small species, including sloth, agouti, anteater, kinkajou, bush dogs, some primates, and a new Amazon tank of same or better quality than previous.
Fish, Frogs and Snakes / Aquatic-Reptile House
- The old Amazon tank will be replaced with a display for a large crocodilian or lizard, or another marine exhibit.
- Bring back cuttlefish.
Big Cats/Asia/Africa/South America
- If possible, renovate African Waterhole/Lion section to be Jaguar/South America to face the new neotropics building upward, then alter left side of building to reflect Asia/Tiger and African Waterhole, integrating with below Adventure Africa changes.
- Bring back Malayan tapir for Asia.
Harbor Seal / Polar Bear
- The whole exhibit will be torn down and replaced by a new Africa-themed exhibit, depending on how Adventure Africa Ph3 goes. It's placement feels a little strange otherwise. Possibly integrate dwarf mongoose, fennec fox, or primates, possibly include a new lion exhibit depending on jaguar/tiger situation above.
Adventure Africa
- Renovate the former Dall Sheep island into an exhibit for Nubian ibex.
Primates
- All three sub-buildings will be significantly renovated and unified as 'Primates of the World', with new outdoor exhibits on the southern end open for gorillas, bonobo, mandrill, orangutan/siamang mixed exhibit, lemur mixed exhibit, and a mixed South American monkey exhibit.
Undeveloped Area
- The space between the Special Exhibits building and Fish, Frogs & Snakes/ARC building will see the construction of a new Nocturnal House, which will house nocturnal mammals, reptiles and birds, including bats, bushbaby, sugar glider, armadillo, potto or loris, aardvark and more.
Small Mammal House / North America area
- Transform this entire section into a new North American complex, with badger and prairie dog on display closest to the otter and current Small Mammal building, with bison, caribou, elk, wolverine, cougar, and wolves, included as well as a coastal-themed area with brown bears, moose, harbor seal and sea otter.
Undeveloped Area
- North of the Family Farm, a new Australia House will be constructed, holding red kangaroo, emu, kookaburra, little penguins, reptiles and at least one additional mammal, and maybe cassowary?
- Directly across from Fish, Frogs and Snakes, east of Australia House and north of the African Waterhole would be a new Neotropics exhibit focused on small species, including sloth, agouti, anteater, kinkajou, bush dogs, some primates, and a new Amazon tank of same or better quality than previous.
Fish, Frogs and Snakes / Aquatic-Reptile House
- The old Amazon tank will be replaced with a display for a large crocodilian or lizard, or another marine exhibit.
- Bring back cuttlefish.
Big Cats/Asia/Africa/South America
- If possible, renovate African Waterhole/Lion section to be Jaguar/South America to face the new neotropics building upward, then alter left side of building to reflect Asia/Tiger and African Waterhole, integrating with below Adventure Africa changes.
- Bring back Malayan tapir for Asia.
Harbor Seal / Polar Bear
- The whole exhibit will be torn down and replaced by a new Africa-themed exhibit, depending on how Adventure Africa Ph3 goes. It's placement feels a little strange otherwise. Possibly integrate dwarf mongoose, fennec fox, or primates, possibly include a new lion exhibit depending on jaguar/tiger situation above.
Adventure Africa
- Renovate the former Dall Sheep island into an exhibit for Nubian ibex.
I really like the notion of creating a new area for creatures of the dark similar to what’s at the Omaha Zoo. That exhibit space is one of my favorite and could easily be slid under an expansion of the aquatic building. If they could possible even combine the two expansions that would be amazing while creating the North American area expansions.
Thank you! It's a very unlikely choice for any zoo but I really think it would be a smart choice for Milwaukee -- one of my fondest memories of the zoo was a particular day when it felt like every animal in the nocturnal house was active and it was an almost overwhelmingly fun experience. Two of their most significant past rarities, potto and tayra, were nocturnal animals, and even if they don't plan to get those specific species back, I don't know, it feels like that past experience invites the investment a little. It is also a unique enough concept it would help give them a little more of a 'name' in the zoo world again, I think. On a much smaller level, the placement of the exhibit hooks nicely with the northernly roster of exhibit buildings.
It also frees up the Small Mammal House, which doesn't have as many exciting species in the day room, although I still accounted for each of those animals (save the squirrel, whoops) which allows for the former space to open up to the North American expansion. One of my other fondest memories is the Moose, and in general I think they did well for their North American collection. The wooded atmosphere really helps; they feel more natural there than in some city zoos.
I've been thinking about this Master Plan lately, particularly about what animals could be moving in, out, or shuffled around the Zoo. So, why not throw in some fantasy ideas since some of this isn't a sure-fire thing?
I'll try sticking to what the documents presented us to be more realistic, mainly the first three projects because that's what the Zoo is heavily focusing on right now.Latin American Tropics - Swap out the howler monkeys for the current spider monkeys to both give them a new home, and tie them in with the Belize theme. There's potential for some of the smaller species from the Small Mammals Building to be rehoused here, like the armadillo, prehensile-tailed porcupine, sloth, and more, so I'd find a way to incorporate them. Lastly I'd like to see a larger jaguar habitat (hopefully with the underwater viewing that's in the concept art) and the addition of bush dogs - yes they don't exactly fit the theme, but neither do the proposed capybaras!
Primates of the World - Keep the gorilla and bonobo plans as they are, except I'd find a way to mix in the colobus with the former to create a more dynamic setting. We don't know much about the other half of the building except for the "medium primate," so the rest will be more fantasy. To utilize those cables I'm hypothesizing, I don't see why the Zoo can't keep orangutans and even mix them with siamangs, so I'd use them for the intended "medium primate" exhibit. Next, a portion of the building could be dedicated to tamarins (I'm flexible with the species) in a mini-walkthrough jungle, along with some other small animals possibly. Then, new and improved exhibits for monkeys; the de Brazza's can stay, and I'd like to see a new species or two if space allows - perhaps douc langurs if that Nashville deal takes off? Finally, as an added bonus, the former sea lion show arena can be overhauled for a Madagascar section, with new and improved lemur habitats, and the addition of fossa, aye-ayes, and hopefully others.
Wild North - I like the idea of moving from temperate forests to the taiga, so I'd keep that concept, the habitats, and species line-up. The only real change I'd make is if polar bears return, it would be nice to have a larger pool and, to get creative, have a viewing area with pop-up bubbles to simulate seal breathing holes. To balance the roster out, it would be neat to have some additional small animals sprinkled throughout the path; arctic foxes and snowy owls would be neat, trying to fit in badger would keep some ties to Wisconsin native life, and moving some of the Wisconsin fish from the ARC could give them and guests a fascinating new environment. The set-up could be similar to what Columbus does (used to?) for their American fish, or have the tank situated adjacent to the bear pool much like LA's piranha and otter tanks.
Aquatic & Reptile Center - Once again, this will be mostly fantasy since we know nothing aside from being more reptile-centric. The only comments I'll make for now would be to create a more naturalistic-looking Amazon River habitat with maybe an aquatic reptile (think Fort Worth's large mixed-species terrariums); and add on Komodo dragons - the timing and space voids left behind would be perfect.
Sea Lion Cove - Not much I can say here other than ensuring that the harbor seals remain to create a mixed-species display, and perhaps adding in the American white pelicans for further diversity.
***
The other projects remain as is. Now for some other ideas not in the files...
Adventure Africa - The biggest comment I have for this complex is regarding the aesthetics. There are several extra barriers that I feel take away from the immersive experience and limit the animals; some examples include the cable fence below the elephant viewing, the newly installed metal wiring along the bongo viewing, and the metal railing in front of the hippo habitat (when there's already a small one on top of the mock-rock barrier). I would simply remove these altogether or in favor of something like hotwire, which does the same job but not as noticeable, and fencing with more authentic African-style. Furthermore, a more naturalistic and immersive setting would be more beneficial to simulate the complex's namesake - artificial mudbanks replacing the concrete walls, African artifacts and scenes sprinkled around, and some protected foliage to soften some areas, particularly the elephant habitat. Even giving the elephant enrichment walls another color to match the watering hole could add onto this. As for habitats, I'll go in order of the complex's opened phases:
Phase 1 (elephant area): I'd replace the picnic areas with a small section for meerkats, dwarf mongooses, red river hogs, and warthogs. Instead of cheetahs replacing the former Dall sheep mountain (see next section), the structure could be modified to one of two uses - either klipspringers and hyrax bounding along a kopje-like setting, or giving the vultures more space to stretch their wings would be cool. In addition, bring back yellow-backed duiker in "African Forest." Finally, the biggest change I'd make is to completely replace "Impala Plains" with a larger and more naturalistic savannah, using the current species, moving most of the current savanna and waterhole species, and reintroducing zebras. I'd also find a way to connect the giraffes to this habitat to give them more space (the current habitat can be dedicated to separating individuals and feeding as needed).
Phase 2 (hippo area): I'd rotate the whole outdoor hippo habitat 90 degrees counterclockwise, which was the same way the old hippo exhibit was, so that more space can be provided for the water horses. The educational displays could easily fit in the viewing area or next to the newly paved path. Across from the underwater hippo viewing, it would be neat to tie in some African wetland species such as a cichlid tank (moving from the ARC) and possibly some African herps like Nile monitor. This would allow extra space to take over the current red river hog exhibit, and allow the hippos access to the future rhino habitat for grazing. Speaking of which...
Phase 3 (rhino area): I would find a way to incorporate some African herps and/or small mammals like elephant shrew in the indoor viewing area. Other than desiring an open view instead of through cables in what was the old elephant habitat, I won't comment any further as this phase doesn't open till later this year. Finally, new habitats for spotted hyenas and serval/caracal can be built wherever possible.
Big Cat Country - I know I sound like a broken record with this one...
With most of the prey species being moved out (Bactrian camels and alpacas can go to Family Farm), modify the big cat enclosures by expanding them, with more room to roam and more naturalistic experiences. It'll take some work to make them escape proof, but if pulled off properly, it would make for a pretty special improvement to go with the building. Additionally, with jaguar being gone, replacing them with Amur leopard would give the Zoo another cold-hardy species.Nocturnal Kingdom - One thing that Milwaukee was known for back in the day was that it was amongst the first to create a display that swapped the day-and-night cycle for animals. What better way to honor this than an all-new nocturnal house? This would ring in the return of some species lost from the Small Mammals Building, bring back some residents from long ago such as black-footed cat and sugar glider, and even newcomers like aardvark and echidna. I don't recall how big the special exhibits building is, but I reckon that may be a solid location.