I know this exhibit has a lot of different components to it, including some that aren't necessarily traditionally done, however I think given the large size it may be a possibility. The proposed exhibit is a 25,000 square foot walk-through aviary, however the visitor path will be elevated approx. 4-5 feet so as to separate visitors from the ground-dwelling mammals. This elevated pathway would also separate one 5,000 square foot section so as to provide the flamingos an area inaccessible to the large mammals. This would be a South American-themed aviary, with an extensive focus on wetlands areas, with a lot of trees and other plants incorporated into it. In case it matters, this would be located in a US Zoo.
The species I am proposing are, with all birds being fully-flighted:
- A breeding colony of approx. 20 Chilean Flamingos, who would be fully flighted but have access to their own, 5,000 square foot area void of mammals.
- 1.1 Baird's Tapir
- 1.1 Giant Anteater
- 1.2 Capybaras
- 1.1 Southern Two-toed Sloths
- 1.1 King Vultures
- 0.0.3 Yellow-Footed Tortoises
- 1.1 Grey-Winged Trumpeters
- 1.1 Wattled Curassow
- single-sex group of Roseate Spoonbills
- single-sex group of Puna Ibises
- 1.1 Crested Screamer
- 2.2 Puna Teals
- 1.1 Orinoco Geese
- 1.1 South American Comb Ducks
- 1.1 Coscoroba Swan
- A breeding flock of Blue-Throated Macaws
- 1.1 Yellow-Crowned Night Herons
- 1.1 Plush-Crested Jays
Does anyone have any feedback for this exhibit? Components you think would be successful and/or species you predict as being problematic? Perhaps also any alternative species you think could be successful in this mix as well? I also considered adding primates to this list (such as spider monkeys), but I'm assuming they would be too problematic to the birds?