Myrtle Beach Zoological Park - A 'New' Project

[Van Beal]

So I've decided the best way to cope is to get this thread back up and running. So press on we shall.

The Southern Tip's vivarium doubles as an animal nursery for this area of the zoo, and will be presented in a different manner than previous habitats have been presented, to allow a step-by-step and more in-depth look at each exhibit space.

Exhibit Space 1-4 - Chilean Rose-haired Tarantula Avicularia avicularia (0.0.2) and Chaco Golden-knee Tarantula Grammostola pulchripes (0.0.2)
Each of these tanks houses one individual (two tanks for Avicularia, two for Grammostola) is 30x30x20 centimetres, or approximately 12x12x8 inches, and they are arranged in a square within the left-hand wall. Each tank utilizes a mixed substrate, with an approximate ratio of 65:25:10 of soil:sand:mulch, and small hides made from pieces of quebracho bark, supplied from trees grown on-site. Other plant species in the tank include Cleistocactus baumanni and Bromelia serra. The tanks' backdrop remain continuous between the four spaces, using a three-dimensional foam-carved rock face painted and decorated to replicate the rocks of the Chaco, which will soon be slightly concealed once a vine species native to the region can be found.

Possible Look
Image Credit -> @Dhole dude

Chilean Rose-haired Tarantula
Image Credit -> @NNM.

Chaco Golden-Knee Tarantula
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

Exhibit Space 5 - juvenile Hilaire's Toad-headed Turtle Phrynops hilarii (0.0.10)
Inspired/taken from the Toronto Zoo's juvenile holding spaces for Blanding's Turtle, this juvenile holding space is located on the right-hand wall. Simple plastic storage container repurposed, with larger gravel pieces providing the land area in an otherwise water-filled space. Currently with 4 functional tubs, two of which are in use, with a capacity of 6 turtles per tub.
Additionally, the window through which the turtles are viewed allows a peek into the backstage workings of the building.

Juvenile Turtle Housing
Image Credit -> @Azamat Shackleford

Exhibit Space 6 - adult Hilaire's Toad-headed Turtle (2.2)
Continuing along the right-hand wall after the staff-only door into the 'backstage' nursery, a 15 sq. meter habitat viewed through a curved 2x1 meter window. The space in the habitat is 10:5 ratio of land:water, with the land space being a 75:25 ratio of soil:sand on a false-rock floor which also makes up the walls of the half-meter-deep pool and the backdrop for the exhibit. Ferns and small bushes dot the land area, with branches spanning across the water and hollow logs on the shore allow for a private space for the turtles to rest.

Possible Look of Adult Habitat
Image Credit -> @Zoofan15

Hilaire's Toad-headed Turtle
Image Credit -> @Astrotom3000

Exhibit Space 7 - rotation of Argentine Black-and-White Tegu Salvator merianae (1.1, playfully dubbed 'Cookies (M)' and 'Creme (F)')
*second habitat in the vivarium with recent breeding success (0.0.2 juveniles kept in the Nursery)
Next door to our tarantula tanks in the left-hand wall, the largest of the vivarium's habitats, at 20 sq. meters is backdropped by foam-carved false rock and viewed through a 2x1 meter straight window. Multiple caves are dug into the back wall to allow privacy for the lizards, aided by the large limb of a quebracho tree to enrich the animal. The floor is a 60:40 ratio of soil:sand, occasionally containing bits of the plant species growing in the habitat (primarily Cleistocactus baumanni, with other succulent species also present). Heat lamps are embedded in the ceiling of the habitat, heated rocks scatter the floor, and a shallow water pool runs along the left-hand wall of the tank, all promoting healthy and natural behaviors.

Possible Look of Habitat
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Argentine Black-and-White Tegu
Image Credit -> @Zoological Point

And with that, I wrap up the return post, and the first half of the Southern Tip's vivarium. The second half of the vivarium, under ideal circumstances, should return tomorrow, but will return next week at the very latest.
Stay tuned, and enjoy!

 

[Van Beal]

Continuing right where we left off...
Exhibit Space 8 - Budgett's Frog Lepidobatrachus laevis (0.1)
The first of four such exhibits of 1 sq. meter and 0.5m high, remaining on the left-hand wall beside the tegu habitat. Centerpiece of the habitat is a shallow pool, deep enough for the inhabiting individual to submerge, while shallow enough for the frog to easily leave when it wants to. Terrestrial space in the habitat has a roughly 25:25:25:25 ratio of sand:standard soil:gravel:mulch/leaf litter in the substrate, while a larger flat rock allows for both shade and a basking area when needed. Small shrub branches and mosses further enhance the naturalism of the space, and misters keep the humidity at an appropriate level for the frog.

Possible Look of Budgett's Frog Tank
Image Credit -> @Astrotom3000

Budgett's Frog
Image Credit -> @Zoological Point

Exhibit Spaces 9 and 10 - Ornate Horned Frog Ceratophrys ornata (2.0)
Two exhibits, each the same size as the exhibit for the Budgett's frog. Both tanks again feature shallow pools for submersion and bathing, with misters present to keep the space at a suitable humidity range. Substrate is nearly entirely soil, with a small amount of mulch and leaf litter mixed in, so as to encourage the burrowing behaviors often seen in this species. Flat rocks from the previous display are substituted for hollow logs, used for the same purpose. Majority of the planting is done with Ilex paraguaensis limbs and tussocks of Festuca pallescens grass.

Possible Look of Horned Frog Exhibit
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Ornate Horned Frog
Image Credit -> @Hix

Exhibit Space 11 - Bumblebee Toad Melanophryniscus stelzneri (3.5.24)
*correction of info given on tegu habitat, three habitats have had breeding success, this being the third
Identical sizewise to previous amphibian habitats along this wall, while much more bare in overall planting and decoration. Terrain is rocky, uses locally-occurring grasses and mosses to make a rocky grassland environment. Shallow breeding pool located in back corner, opposite cave used by the toads as a means of cooling off or avoiding visitors' eyes. Small branches dot the landscape, but no large green plants are found in the habitat, with hiding spaces instead being provided by gaps in the rocky landscape.

Possible Look of Toad Exhibit
Image Credit -> @Zoofan15

Bumblebee Toad
Image Credit -> @Javan Rhino

Due to an incessant time crunch on me for today, this will wrap up the posting for the time being. I truly wish I could finish the Vivarium today, however I will have to delay the mammalian inhabitants of the vivarium for one more day.
For now, stay tuned and enjoy!

 

[Van Beal]

And the finale of the vivarium, made up of three habitat spaces. This will flow seamlessly (hopefully) into the remainder of the Southern Tip in this post.

Exhibit Space 12 - Giant Hairy Armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (1.1)
The larger of the mammalian habitats in the vivarium, our recently upstarted armadillo breeding program is based in this 10 sq. meter habitat located in the right-hand wall of the building. This space, paired with a slightly smaller staff-monitored space easily accessible by the animals, provides a comfortable environment where our armadillos can decide whether they want to interact with visitors. The visitor perspective comes from a 2.5m-long window which spans below the first levels of the sand/soil substrate and into the pre-formed burrows beneath the substrate. The back walls are concealed with a three-dimensional foam-carved false rock, used to transition with the floor material (also false rock in some portions). Plants found in this habitat include the previously seen Cleistocactus baumannii and Bromelia serra, as well as a singular Mimozyganthus carinatus plant acting as a 'centerpiece' to the habitat.

Possible Look of Armadillo Habitat
Image Credit -> @conservationistdude

Giant Hairy Armadillo
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Exhibit Space 13 - Common Degu Octodon degus (1.4)
Back on the left-hand wall (now nearest neighbor to the amphibians from last post), the smaller of our two mammal habitats is the penultimate habitat on this wall and in the vivarium. At 8 sq. meters, this habitat is the smallest of the habitats with multiple square meters of surface area, and is half the size of the habitat which rounds out the vivarium. For the most part, this habitat differs little from the armadillo habitat, keeping the same substrate, plants, and general design nearly identical. The only major difference comes in the form of various ledges and caves carved into the false-rock facade, allowing for exploration on multiple levels through the habitat.

Possible Look of Degu Habitat (not accurate sizewise)
Image Credit -> @Dhole dude

Common Degu
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Exhibit Space 14 - Chaco Tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis (2.2)
The second largest habitat in the vivarium at 16 sq. meters, outsized only by our tegu habitat, these tortoises are the final inhabitants of the vivarium on this walkthrough. While the false-rock facades continue, the coloration of the rocks becomes darker, and they begin to be overgrown with vines and mosses, creating a more colorful backdrop than was seen in the mammal habitats. The substrate is a 75:25 ratio of sand:soil, and provides the growing necessities for prickly pear cactus, acting both as a decorative piece to the habitat and as dietary enrichment for the tortoises. These cacti are paired with smaller bushes to create a less harsh desert environment.

Possible Look of Tortoise Habitat
Image Credit -> @Zooish

Chaco Tortoise
Image Credit -> @Jakub

Having been guided out of the vivarium, visitors may have noticed the transition from Patagonia to where they stand now, amid the wilds of the Chaco. Being South America's dry grasslands, this ecosystem is characterized by cacti and long grass, the latter of which our next animal has the perfect adaptation for handling. This animal calls a series of three habitats home, the largest of which (900 sq. meters) is the only on-display space, the other two (650 and 200 sq. meters, respectively) are off-display and used primarily for situations like the one the zoo is in currently.
For the moment, the rolling plain of the main yard is home to our breeding male Maned Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (1.0), but he isn't the only one in the collection. Currently off-display, behind the indoor quarters for the wolves, is our breeding female and her three pups (2.2), as the young ones adjust to life in the zoo. When the time is right, the female and her pups will move into the main yard until the pups mature and move off to other facilities, while the other yards are conjoined to ensure our male is given the space he needs.

Possible Look of Main Wolf Yard
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Adult Maned Wolf
Image Credit -> @WhistlingKite24

Juvenile Maned Wolf
Image Credit -> @hmb_zoo

The walkway past the maned wolf complex leads visitors to a mosaic-tile succulent garden and picnic area. Visitors are invited to walk amongst the plants, stop for lunch, or just observe the mosaics depicting numerous species from across this first section of the zoo. This picnic area would not be complete, however, without the backdrop of our 2,500 sq. meter mixed habitat for our all-female herd of the endangered Chacoan Peccary Catagonus wagneri (0.4), and their inquisitive White-nosed Coati Nasua narica (2.3) roommates. The habitat is surrounded by 3.5m-high walls, with an additional quarter-meter of fence angled into the habitat to prevent would-be escapists. Plant species from generally drier regions of the continent make up much of the plant cover in this habitat, partially concealing the coatis' climbing structures, which stand behind the large mud wallow for the peccaries.

Possible Look of Mixed Habitat
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Chacoan Peccary
Image Credit -> @Max Blundell

White-nosed Coati
Image Credit -> @Bubalus

From here, the wonderful world of mammals becomes the world of South American birds. This so-called "Avian Alleyway predominantly focuses on birds of prey and owls, though two species at the end of this stretch don't fit that category. Of the seven aviaries visible, the first four are the largest, both in floor space and vertical space. The first two, one on either side of the path, stand at 6m tall with a floor space of roughly 300 sq. meters. The floor of each aviary is mostly rocky, with small bushes and grasses growing between the cracks, while a large dead tree provides the centerpiece to both aviaries. A backdrop of false-rock cliffs create additional perching areas for the inhabitants of each aviary, respectively being our Black-chested Buzzard-eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus (0.2) on the left, and King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa (3.0) on the right, with plans to introduce new individuals to make breeding groups in the near future. Their neighbors, meanwhile, are already home to breeding pairs. On the right, an aviary of 250 sq. meters drops the mountainous backdrop for one showcasing the zoo's raptor mews. Denser forest allows for our pair of Chaco Owl Strix chacoensis (1.1) to conceal themselves. Breeding is intended for this species so as to reinforce the population on the continent. Meanwhile, off to the left, the largest of the aviaries by square meterage (600 sq. meters) and shortest height-wise (just 3.5m) provides the most unobstructed view from back to front. Being a flat and unobstructed space makes this habitat perfect for our breeding pair of Crested Seriema Cariama cristata (1.1) to showcase their terrestrial hunting prowess. Elevated roosts and nesting sites are available, so as to keep any eggs and hatchlings further from harm.

Possible Look of Buzzard-eagle Aviary
Image Credit -> @pachyderm pro

Possible Look of Right-hand Aviaries
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Possible Look of Seriema Aviary
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Black-chested Buzzard-eagle
Image Credit -> @Therabu

King Vulture
Image Credit -> @Zooish

Chaco Owl
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

Crested/Red-legged Seriema
Image Credit -> @Kalaw

And with that, we are just five habitats away from wrapping up The Southern Tip! Under ideal circumstances, I will complete the write-up for you all tomorrow so as to finish the area before we ring in the new year. If not, then the finale will have to wait until 2025.
Either way, stay tuned, enjoy, and if I do not post tomorrow, may you all have a happy beginning to 2025!

 

[MOG2012]

And the finale of the vivarium, made up of three habitat spaces. This will flow seamlessly (hopefully) into the remainder of the Southern Tip in this post.

Exhibit Space 12 - Giant Hairy Armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (1.1)
The larger of the mammalian habitats in the vivarium, our recently upstarted armadillo breeding program is based in this 10 sq. meter habitat located in the right-hand wall of the building. This space, paired with a slightly smaller staff-monitored space easily accessible by the animals, provides a comfortable environment where our armadillos can decide whether they want to interact with visitors. The visitor perspective comes from a 2.5m-long window which spans below the first levels of the sand/soil substrate and into the pre-formed burrows beneath the substrate. The back walls are concealed with a three-dimensional foam-carved false rock, used to transition with the floor material (also false rock in some portions). Plants found in this habitat include the previously seen Cleistocactus baumannii and Bromelia serra, as well as a singular Mimozyganthus carinatus plant acting as a 'centerpiece' to the habitat.

Possible Look of Armadillo Habitat
Image Credit -> @conservationistdude

Giant Hairy Armadillo
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Exhibit Space 13 - Common Degu Octodon degus (1.4)
Back on the left-hand wall (now nearest neighbor to the amphibians from last post), the smaller of our two mammal habitats is the penultimate habitat on this wall and in the vivarium. At 8 sq. meters, this habitat is the smallest of the habitats with multiple square meters of surface area, and is half the size of the habitat which rounds out the vivarium. For the most part, this habitat differs little from the armadillo habitat, keeping the same substrate, plants, and general design nearly identical. The only major difference comes in the form of various ledges and caves carved into the false-rock facade, allowing for exploration on multiple levels through the habitat.

Possible Look of Degu Habitat (not accurate sizewise)
Image Credit -> @Dhole dude

Common Degu
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Exhibit Space 14 - Chaco Tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis (2.2)
The second largest habitat in the vivarium at 16 sq. meters, outsized only by our tegu habitat, these tortoises are the final inhabitants of the vivarium on this walkthrough. While the false-rock facades continue, the coloration of the rocks becomes darker, and they begin to be overgrown with vines and mosses, creating a more colorful backdrop than was seen in the mammal habitats. The substrate is a 75:25 ratio of sand:soil, and provides the growing necessities for prickly pear cactus, acting both as a decorative piece to the habitat and as dietary enrichment for the tortoises. These cacti are paired with smaller bushes to create a less harsh desert environment.

Possible Look of Tortoise Habitat
Image Credit -> @Zooish

Chaco Tortoise
Image Credit -> @Jakub

Having been guided out of the vivarium, visitors may have noticed the transition from Patagonia to where they stand now, amid the wilds of the Chaco. Being South America's dry grasslands, this ecosystem is characterized by cacti and long grass, the latter of which our next animal has the perfect adaptation for handling. This animal calls a series of three habitats home, the largest of which (900 sq. meters) is the only on-display space, the other two (650 and 200 sq. meters, respectively) are off-display and used primarily for situations like the one the zoo is in currently.
For the moment, the rolling plain of the main yard is home to our breeding male Maned Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (1.0), but he isn't the only one in the collection. Currently off-display, behind the indoor quarters for the wolves, is our breeding female and her three pups (2.2), as the young ones adjust to life in the zoo. When the time is right, the female and her pups will move into the main yard until the pups mature and move off to other facilities, while the other yards are conjoined to ensure our male is given the space he needs.

Possible Look of Main Wolf Yard
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Adult Maned Wolf
Image Credit -> @WhistlingKite24

Juvenile Maned Wolf
Image Credit -> @hmb_zoo

The walkway past the maned wolf complex leads visitors to a mosaic-tile succulent garden and picnic area. Visitors are invited to walk amongst the plants, stop for lunch, or just observe the mosaics depicting numerous species from across this first section of the zoo. This picnic area would not be complete, however, without the backdrop of our 2,500 sq. meter mixed habitat for our all-female herd of the endangered Chacoan Peccary Catagonus wagneri (0.4), and their inquisitive White-nosed Coati Nasua narica (2.3) roommates. The habitat is surrounded by 3.5m-high walls, with an additional quarter-meter of fence angled into the habitat to prevent would-be escapists. Plant species from generally drier regions of the continent make up much of the plant cover in this habitat, partially concealing the coatis' climbing structures, which stand behind the large mud wallow for the peccaries.

Possible Look of Mixed Habitat
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Chacoan Peccary
Image Credit -> @Max Blundell

White-nosed Coati
Image Credit -> @Bubalus

From here, the wonderful world of mammals becomes the world of South American birds. This so-called "Avian Alleyway predominantly focuses on birds of prey and owls, though two species at the end of this stretch don't fit that category. Of the seven aviaries visible, the first four are the largest, both in floor space and vertical space. The first two, one on either side of the path, stand at 6m tall with a floor space of roughly 300 sq. meters. The floor of each aviary is mostly rocky, with small bushes and grasses growing between the cracks, while a large dead tree provides the centerpiece to both aviaries. A backdrop of false-rock cliffs create additional perching areas for the inhabitants of each aviary, respectively being our Black-chested Buzzard-eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus (0.2) on the left, and King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa (3.0) on the right, with plans to introduce new individuals to make breeding groups in the near future. Their neighbors, meanwhile, are already home to breeding pairs. On the right, an aviary of 250 sq. meters drops the mountainous backdrop for one showcasing the zoo's raptor mews. Denser forest allows for our pair of Chaco Owl Strix chacoensis (1.1) to conceal themselves. Breeding is intended for this species so as to reinforce the population on the continent. Meanwhile, off to the left, the largest of the aviaries by square meterage (600 sq. meters) and shortest height-wise (just 3.5m) provides the most unobstructed view from back to front. Being a flat and unobstructed space makes this habitat perfect for our breeding pair of Crested Seriema Cariama cristata (1.1) to showcase their terrestrial hunting prowess. Elevated roosts and nesting sites are available, so as to keep any eggs and hatchlings further from harm.

Possible Look of Buzzard-eagle Aviary
Image Credit -> @pachyderm pro

Possible Look of Right-hand Aviaries
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Possible Look of Seriema Aviary
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Black-chested Buzzard-eagle
Image Credit -> @Therabu

King Vulture
Image Credit -> @Zooish

Chaco Owl
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

Crested/Red-legged Seriema
Image Credit -> @Kalaw

And with that, we are just five habitats away from wrapping up The Southern Tip! Under ideal circumstances, I will complete the write-up for you all tomorrow so as to finish the area before we ring in the new year. If not, then the finale will have to wait until 2025.
Either way, stay tuned, enjoy, and if I do not post tomorrow, may you all have a happy beginning to 2025!

Wow, your species list is almost the same as mine for my Las Vegas spec zoo (without the rarities), I’m excited to see the rest of the southern tip animals

 

[Van Beal]

This is the end... of the Southern Tip. Don't worry, there's plenty more zoo to follow.
Quick note before we do begin. Our King Vulture trio is not alone in the zoo. A female counterpart (0.1) is kept off-display until she is of breeding maturity.
The 'Avian Alleyway' wraps up with three aviaries, two to the right and one to the left. The two aviaries on the right, each at 100 sq. meters and about 2.5m in height, are rather densely planted, with tall grasses growing around the base of a single wide-spanning tree, where nest boxes are visible in one aviary, but not the other. This is because, despite the two aviaries being near-identical in design, the respective inhabitants show two different lifestyles. The aviary with the nest boxes in the tree provides a home to our breeding pair of Chaco Chachalaca Ortalis canicollis (1.1), while the other aviary is home to a half-dozen Elegant Crested Tinamou Eudromia elegans (2.4), a much more elusive and shy species than their neighbours. Across the path from these two aviaries, visitors can view a 250 sq. meter aviary of 3m height. The dry grasslands replicated by this aviary feature numerous small burrows and rock caves, hinting at the inhabitants of this space. One of the few species kept in multiple areas throughout the zoo, this is the first opportunity for visitors to view the first flock of our Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia (3.5), made up of two adult breeding pairs and their offspring (1.3).

Possible Look of Smaller Aviaries
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Chaco Chachalaca
Image Credit -> @UngulateNerd92

Elegant Crested Tinamou
Image Credit -> @AdrianW1963

Possible Look of Burrowing Owl Aviary
Image Credit -> @pachyderm pro

Burrowing Owl
Image Credit -> @KevinB

The final set of habitats is made up of four spaces, used to house two species. The first two spaces are each 200 sq. meters, with a multi-level landscape, giving a tiered look to the dense foliage covering a large portion of the habitats. This low-lying foliage aids in giving our animals privacy from the visitors, even if they aren't totally concealed. The two habitats each house members of our group of Chilean Pudu Pudu puda (4.3), with the first hosting our breeding pair and their 0.2 offspring, and the second being home to a bachelor trio of younger males.
And that brings us to the final two habitats. Sizewise, these habitats are 350 sq. meters, but constructed on the same design as those for the pudu. These two habitats are able to be joined together, allowing occasional interactions between our four on-display Giant Anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla (2.2), with two near-maturity males and two just-mature females. Off-display, a fifth anteater resides (1.0), with old age making him one of the zoo's few animals retired from on-display life.

Possible Look of Mammal Habitats
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Chilean Pudu (named Bert, according to the image title)
Image Credit -> @zoogiraffe

Giant Anteater
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

*sigh* And with that, the Southern Tip officially comes to an end, and before midnight in my timezone, meaning that when the new year begins, so too will a brand new part of the zoo. This portion will be a not-so-high journey through South America's highest elevation: the Andes Mountain Trail. Icons and rarities alike await visitors on the mountain pass, so stay tuned for the next part of our adventure, and please enjoy and look back upon the first of four legs on our South American journey...

 

[Van Beal]

Happy New Year to all, and let's get started on our journey across the Andes Mountain Trail.
A wide stone-cut staircase begins the ascent up to the Andes Mountain Trail, built on an elevated shelf of land to further the idea you are higher up than the surrounding area. At the top of this staircase, visitors can look upon a scaled-down model of the mountain range which they are about to explore, as well as facts about what is the world's longest mountain range, stretching over 7,000km and seven countries.
The first animals encountered on this trek are two species which, to the inexperienced and less knowledgeable visitor, might seem 'out of place' anywhere but in a petting zoo setting. However, this description is much more accurate for their domestic relatives, being llamas and alpacas, rather than the Vicuna Vicugna vicugna (1.4) and Guanaco Lama guanicoe (2.6), each living in neighbouring 750 sq. meter habitats. The former of the two species is a uniquity to North American facilities, with this introduction hopefully sparking a greater holding in North American zoos. These habitats slope drastically upwards toward the back fence, creating the illusion that you are walking along a jagged cliff face, where these camelids are wandering from the tops of the artificial plateaus all the way down into a small meadow, just below the level of the guest path.

Possible Look of Camelid Habitats
Image Credit -> @David Matos Mendes

Vicuna
Image Credit -> @Max Blundell

Guanaco
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

The path winds slightly downward as it reaches the entrance of the Andean Wetlands Aviary, a 2,950 sq. meter, 5m tall aviary with options for walkthrough and for viewing from outside. With the aviary structure on a false-rock base, the doorway into the aviary is seamlessly blended into this base, and is monitored by staff members to ensure physical contact between the visitors and the birds is limited, and that visitors remain on the pathways. There are two separate pathways through the aviary, the first runs directly through the middle, while the other runs along the top of the 2m high plateau along the left-hand edge of the aviary. While providing differing perspectives, both pathways allow an up-close-and-personal experience with three species on the rarer side in North American captivity. The largest group, and most noticeable of the three species, is our Andean Flamingo Phoenicoparrus andinus (20.20) flock, one of the two species that are unique in this aviary, with the other being the much smaller and much shier Andean Coot Fulica ardesiaca (3.3), and their more common aviarymate is the Andean Goose Chloephaga melanoptera (2.11). These three species have numerous pools of varying depths to swim in and feed from, while small sheltered spaces can be found in the wall of the plateau, perfect for the coots to hide in. Bulrushes and reeds dot the edges of the pools, providing the waterfowl with additional privacy.

Possible Look of Andean Wetlands Aviary
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Andean Flamingo
Image Credit -> @Mo Hassan

Andean Coot
Image Credit -> @cockroach

Andean Goose
Image Credit -> @red river hog

And with that, visitors exit the aviary (or made the walk around) and stand before the mouth of a small cavern. This cavern is where the next part of our trek will begin, as we continue the Andes Mountain Trail, where still two more exceptional rarities will await, just a little ways down the trail. But for now, I leave you to speculate just what is waiting on the rest of the trail. So stay tuned, enjoy, and speculate away!

 

[Van Beal]

The way out of the aviary is guided by another stone-cut staircase, leading visitors into a dome-shape cavern. To the right-hand side, holes in the cavern walls provide glimpses into the upcoming habitats for a species not kept in American captivity until now. Off to the left, visitors get a look at three smaller species which call these higher elevation zones home.

Exhibit Space 1 - Andean Marsupial Frog Gastrotheca riobambae (2.2)
The first of the habitats on the left-hand wall, this is the smallest tank, at just 1 sq. meter and roughly 1.5m in height. Designed to replicate the montane forests of the region, the plant life in the tank combines tropical species and more temperate and cold-hardy species. The soil which makes up the tank's floor substrate is monitored to ensure no unwanted buildup of water occurs beyond the small pool located in the back left corner of the tank. Due to their unique egg-rearing behavior, this pool is utilized for bathing rather than egg-rearing.

Possible Look of Marsupial Frog Tank
Image Credit -> @felis silvestris

Andean Marsupial Frog
Image Credit -> @Pedro

Exhibit Space 2 - Long-tailed Chinchilla Chinchilla lanigera (0.2)
The largest of the three habitats, this 8 sq. meter and 2.5m high habitat is situated between the other two habitats along the left-hand wall of the cavern. Our two females, being two of many individuals rescued from an illegal fur-farming operation and brought to the zoo, have no genetic relation, but seem less stressed in the company of one another. The habitat replicates the rocky cliffs of the Andes in the backdrop, and the rocky outcroppings between cliffs in the rest of the space. Multiple dust bathing areas can be found across the habitat, with some being natural sand or soil, and others being the chinchilla dust seen in pet shops. Piles of branches and grasses have been compiled to allow our individuals to build a nest to sleep in, out of the eyes of visitors.

Possible Look of Chinchilla Habitat
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Long-tailed Chinchilla
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

Exhibit Space 3 - Lake Titicaca Water Frog Telmatobius culeus (15.15)
A species with popularity that seems to grow at a rate which is faster than everything but the rate at which these frogs reproduce. With the population stemming from the Denver zoo just 7 or 8 years ago, it's amazing just how much their numbers have grown since then.
The last exhibit on the left-hand wall, these frogs are kept in a 1,585 gallon tank (the math brings that to a roughly 4m surface area floor and 1.5m height to the tank), but the overall design is nothing too extraordinary. Large flat rocks make up the center of the space, with a combined sand and gravel substrate providing an anchor to numerous transplanted aquatic plants, blocking the view the tank provides into the area behind these three exhibits, which are simple staff access points for exhibit maintenance, medical checks, and so on. Both this tank and the tank for their neighbors two doors down provide information on the dangers of the disease chytrid to frog species across South America, and what our facility is doing to aid the cause.

Possible Look of Water Frog Tank
Image Credit -> @Kalaw

Lake Titicaca Water Frog
Image Credit -> @Daubentoniidae

Now, exiting the obviously man-made cavern, the path begins a gradual turn to the right, and signage on the left-hand side of the path recommends visitors keep their eyes to the right side, for a chance to glimpse a species many on the continent may never have heard of. The species is viewed through viewing windows of varying sizes in a large false rock wall. Two 300 sq. meter habitats stand side-by-side, separated only by a well-concealed false rock retaining wall (built atop a hill which is well-planted upon). The conifers encroaching on the main windows immerse visitors in the slice of the Altiplano they are looking into, and they may not realize when they come face-to-snout with South America's second-largest canine, the Culpeo Lycalopex culpaeus (2.2), also dubbed the Andean fox, despite being closer related to wolves. Each habitat rotates between a male and a female on display until the breeding season, when all four animals will be on exhibit at the same time. The intent of keeping this species? To breed a species that, while not being endangered itself, represents an ecosystem humanity is beginning to collide with, and to expand their foothold in North American captivity.

Possible Look of Culpeo Habitat
Image Credit -> @Nick@Amsterdam

Culpeo
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

From the Altiplano comes a stark contrast, as visitors are transported to the Paramo, a biome defined as being a Neotropical high mountain biome with a vegetation composed mostly of giant rosette plants, alongside the typical shrubs and grasses. Given this region falls between the treeline and permanent snow-line in the Andes, remains decently warm year-round. This environment is replicated by our groundskeeping team in two separate yards. The larger of the two stands to the left of the path, at just over 1,000 sq. meters in area, while the smaller of the two stands to the right of the path at 850 sq. meters, and is just beyond the boundaries of the first habitat. Some regions of this biome are drier than others, but this particular area has multiple large bathing pools in each habitat, both of which visitors have an elevated view of. It is from this elevated perspective that South America's lone surviving bear species, the Andean or Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus (2.1) can be viewed, with a pair of near-maturity brothers in the larger habitat, and a recently-mature female in the smaller habitat. This is another species the zoo intends to breed upon one or both brothers reaching maturity, given the species' status as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Possible Look of Andean Bear Habitat
Image Credit -> @Green_mamba

Andean Bear
Image Credit -> @Austin the Sengi

As much as I would love to finish this section off all in one go, the laptop which I am writing this on has decided now that it wants to warn me I have but ten minutes until it dies completely. So I will leave off until tomorrow (at the earliest), and from then posting will likely slow down as my semester ramps up into exam prep in the coming week. That does mean, unfortunately, that the Pantanal Preservation Project, being the next zone, will be delayed in its introduction until likely the beginning of February.
So for now, I leave you to enjoy, give any feedback you might have, and to speculate which species are coming up to round out the Andes Mountain Trail. Stay tuned, and enjoy!

 

[Tigeanderson]

The way out of the aviary is guided by another stone-cut staircase, leading visitors into a dome-shape cavern. To the right-hand side, holes in the cavern walls provide glimpses into the upcoming habitats for a species not kept in American captivity until now. Off to the left, visitors get a look at three smaller species which call these higher elevation zones home.

Exhibit Space 1 - Andean Marsupial Frog Gastrotheca riobambae (2.2)
The first of the habitats on the left-hand wall, this is the smallest tank, at just 1 sq. meter and roughly 1.5m in height. Designed to replicate the montane forests of the region, the plant life in the tank combines tropical species and more temperate and cold-hardy species. The soil which makes up the tank's floor substrate is monitored to ensure no unwanted buildup of water occurs beyond the small pool located in the back left corner of the tank. Due to their unique egg-rearing behavior, this pool is utilized for bathing rather than egg-rearing.

Possible Look of Marsupial Frog Tank
Image Credit -> @felis silvestris

Andean Marsupial Frog
Image Credit -> @Pedro

Exhibit Space 2 - Long-tailed Chinchilla Chinchilla lanigera (0.2)
The largest of the three habitats, this 8 sq. meter and 2.5m high habitat is situated between the other two habitats along the left-hand wall of the cavern. Our two females, being two of many individuals rescued from an illegal fur-farming operation and brought to the zoo, have no genetic relation, but seem less stressed in the company of one another. The habitat replicates the rocky cliffs of the Andes in the backdrop, and the rocky outcroppings between cliffs in the rest of the space. Multiple dust bathing areas can be found across the habitat, with some being natural sand or soil, and others being the chinchilla dust seen in pet shops. Piles of branches and grasses have been compiled to allow our individuals to build a nest to sleep in, out of the eyes of visitors.

Possible Look of Chinchilla Habitat
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Long-tailed Chinchilla
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

Exhibit Space 3 - Lake Titicaca Water Frog Telmatobius culeus (15.15)
A species with popularity that seems to grow at a rate which is faster than everything but the rate at which these frogs reproduce. With the population stemming from the Denver zoo just 7 or 8 years ago, it's amazing just how much their numbers have grown since then.
The last exhibit on the left-hand wall, these frogs are kept in a 1,585 gallon tank (the math brings that to a roughly 4m surface area floor and 1.5m height to the tank), but the overall design is nothing too extraordinary. Large flat rocks make up the center of the space, with a combined sand and gravel substrate providing an anchor to numerous transplanted aquatic plants, blocking the view the tank provides into the area behind these three exhibits, which are simple staff access points for exhibit maintenance, medical checks, and so on. Both this tank and the tank for their neighbors two doors down provide information on the dangers of the disease chytrid to frog species across South America, and what our facility is doing to aid the cause.

Possible Look of Water Frog Tank
Image Credit -> @Kalaw

Lake Titicaca Water Frog
Image Credit -> @Daubentoniidae

Now, exiting the obviously man-made cavern, the path begins a gradual turn to the right, and signage on the left-hand side of the path recommends visitors keep their eyes to the right side, for a chance to glimpse a species many on the continent may never have heard of. The species is viewed through viewing windows of varying sizes in a large false rock wall. Two 300 sq. meter habitats stand side-by-side, separated only by a well-concealed false rock retaining wall (built atop a hill which is well-planted upon). The conifers encroaching on the main windows immerse visitors in the slice of the Altiplano they are looking into, and they may not realize when they come face-to-snout with South America's second-largest canine, the Culpeo Lycalopex culpaeus (2.2), also dubbed the Andean fox, despite being closer related to wolves. Each habitat rotates between a male and a female on display until the breeding season, when all four animals will be on exhibit at the same time. The intent of keeping this species? To breed a species that, while not being endangered itself, represents an ecosystem humanity is beginning to collide with, and to expand their foothold in North American captivity.

Possible Look of Culpeo Habitat
Image Credit -> @Nick@Amsterdam

Culpeo
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

From the Altiplano comes a stark contrast, as visitors are transported to the Paramo, a biome defined as being a Neotropical high mountain biome with a vegetation composed mostly of giant rosette plants, alongside the typical shrubs and grasses. Given this region falls between the treeline and permanent snow-line in the Andes, remains decently warm year-round. This environment is replicated by our groundskeeping team in two separate yards. The larger of the two stands to the left of the path, at just over 1,000 sq. meters in area, while the smaller of the two stands to the right of the path at 850 sq. meters, and is just beyond the boundaries of the first habitat. Some regions of this biome are drier than others, but this particular area has multiple large bathing pools in each habitat, both of which visitors have an elevated view of. It is from this elevated perspective that South America's lone surviving bear species, the Andean or Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus (2.1) can be viewed, with a pair of near-maturity brothers in the larger habitat, and a recently-mature female in the smaller habitat. This is another species the zoo intends to breed upon one or both brothers reaching maturity, given the species' status as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Possible Look of Andean Bear Habitat
Image Credit -> @Green_mamba

Andean Bear
Image Credit -> @Austin the Sengi

As much as I would love to finish this section off all in one go, the laptop which I am writing this on has decided now that it wants to warn me I have but ten minutes until it dies completely. So I will leave off until tomorrow (at the earliest), and from then posting will likely slow down as my semester ramps up into exam prep in the coming week. That does mean, unfortunately, that the Pantanal Preservation Project, being the next zone, will be delayed in its introduction until likely the beginning of February.
So for now, I leave you to enjoy, give any feedback you might have, and to speculate which species are coming up to round out the Andes Mountain Trail. Stay tuned, and enjoy!

My guess is that the species that are coming up might be the Andean condor, the South American Puma, Guinea pig, coati and maybe the Mountain tapir.

 

[Van Beal]

My guess is that the species that are coming up might be the Andean condor, the South American Puma, Guinea pig, coati and maybe the Mountain tapir.

You’ve got two of them right, I’ll give you that four of the five species coming next are birds. We’ve already seen coatis as well.

 

[Austin the Sengi]

So for now, I leave you to enjoy, give any feedback you might have, and to speculate which species are coming up to round out the Andes Mountain Trail. Stay tuned, and enjoy!

Let’s see, what if we can expect an aviary for Andean Condors, a replicated Peruvian village for Guinea Pigs, two enclosures that rotate a pair of Pumas; a mixed aviary for Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks and other similar birds, and a semi-indoor space for Andean Porcupines as a possible rarity?!

The possibilities are endless after all!

 

[Van Beal]

Let’s see, what if we can expect an aviary for Andean Condors, a replicated Peruvian village for Guinea Pigs, two enclosures that rotate a pair of Pumas; a mixed aviary for Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks and other similar birds, and a semi-indoor space for Andean Porcupines as a possible rarity?!

The possibilities are endless after all!

Well you all will just have to wait and see my day today has been busier than expected so the post might have to wait until tomorrow.

 

[Van Beal]

And so we arrive at the final five habitats of the Andes Mountain Trail, housing four avian species and one mammal. The environment around the later of these five habitats hints at the transition between this zone and the Pantanal zone which follows.
Replacing the much more lush and tropical environment replicated for our spectacled bears, visitors are returned to the jagged cliffs of the mountains themselves, for a pair of aviaries visitors actually view from halfway up the 10m height of each aviary. This height, and the more cylindrical design of the aviaries which measure 950 and 650 sq. meters respectively, allow these birds to occasionally showcase their impressive wingspans and gliding ability. This is aided by a feature not seen often (if at all) in zoos - artificial thermal air currents. Created using heated fans blowing at a steady but not flight-altering intensity, these currents allow the birds to showcase a natural behavior, even if not in a totally natural way. Large carrion tables on the aviary floor made from false rock, as well as nest sites further up the large backdropping cliffs draw the birds up and down in the aviary, providing guests with a unique perspective on our respective flocks of Andean Condor Vultur gryphus (1.5) in the larger aviary and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus (2.4) in the smaller aviary.

Possible Look of Vulture Aviaries
Image Credit -> @David Matos Mendes

Andean Condor
Image Credit -> @StellarChaser

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
Image Credit -> @SaritaWolf

The penultimate pair of aviaries is, as previously foreshadowed, much denser in tropical foliage, given that the end of the Andes trail is near. The first of these aviaries does remain rocky, though much more overgrown than the larger vulture aviaries. At just over 250 sq. meters in total surface area and roughly 2m high, the space is well-suited to a larger group of birds. This, as predicted by @Austin the Sengi, is an under-canopy view into the lifestyle of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus (6.6). Their next-door neighbor is found in a smaller home, at just over 150 sq. meters and the same height. While visibility beneath the canopy is still found, visitors' eyes should be drawn to the trees, and the breeding pair of Plate-billed Mountain Toucan Andigena laminirostris (1.1) which calls the space home. Both of these avian species are on the zoo's list of "to-breed" species, as a means of diversifying the North American gene pool in both species.

Possible Look of Cock-of-the-Rock Aviary
Image Credit -> @David Matos Mendes

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
Image Credit -> @Leo K.

Possible Look of Toucan Aviary (minus water feature)
Image Credit -> @geomorph

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
Image Credit -> @ThylacineAlive

And so we arrive at the finale, which @Tigeanderson quite well predicted, so well done to you. After descending a staircase much like the one you ascended upon entering this zone, we arrive in the Andean foothills, with a rolling plain providing the entirety of this final 1,500 sq. meter habitat. Bushes and trees are strategically placed to ensure that this elusive species does have a place to avoid the public eye. A large, overgrown false rock wall runs the length of the habitat's back, concealing behind it a 800 sq. meter off-display yard. It is between these two spaces that zoo staff can rotate our male and female Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque (1.1), a species with a pair of U.S. holdings* besides this collection, to my surprise. And, while this might not be the most exciting way to close out an area to the average zoo-goer, those with a checklist of species will likely find this inclusion most exciting.

*for those interested, the two other U.S. holdings of Tapirus pinchaque are Los Angeles and Cheyenne Mountain, though that information is available on ZooTierListe and so I likely didn't need to inform you

Possible Look of Tapir Habitat
Image Credit -> @Mr Gharial

Mountain Tapir
Image Credit -> @DesertTortoise

And with that, we conclude the Andes Mountain Trail, and are therefore halfway through the South American portion of our journey. That halfway is strictly based on the fact that there are four subzones within this South American region... if we were going by species count than we'd still be under halfway even with the inclusion of the next area
With all the rarities I've included in this portion of the trip (yes, I know, about half this area was species with less than five holdings in the U.S, sue me), you must be thinking that I've eased up in this next portion, right?
Well you'll just have to wait until after my first semester's exams (so around the 27th of this month) to find out... (I'm kidding, I'd never leave you all hanging like that... I sorta eased up, in that less than half the species have less than five holdings in the U.S, but most of those aren't kept in American captivity at all, so...)
Enjoy, and please feel free to give your speculations on just what my Pantanal zone might have in store for you all. Heck, you all have been so incredible at speculating species that you just might get a few of them right

 

[Tigeanderson]

And so we arrive at the final five habitats of the Andes Mountain Trail, housing four avian species and one mammal. The environment around the later of these five habitats hints at the transition between this zone and the Pantanal zone which follows.
Replacing the much more lush and tropical environment replicated for our spectacled bears, visitors are returned to the jagged cliffs of the mountains themselves, for a pair of aviaries visitors actually view from halfway up the 10m height of each aviary. This height, and the more cylindrical design of the aviaries which measure 950 and 650 sq. meters respectively, allow these birds to occasionally showcase their impressive wingspans and gliding ability. This is aided by a feature not seen often (if at all) in zoos - artificial thermal air currents. Created using heated fans blowing at a steady but not flight-altering intensity, these currents allow the birds to showcase a natural behavior, even if not in a totally natural way. Large carrion tables on the aviary floor made from false rock, as well as nest sites further up the large backdropping cliffs draw the birds up and down in the aviary, providing guests with a unique perspective on our respective flocks of Andean Condor Vultur gryphus (1.5) in the larger aviary and Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus (2.4) in the smaller aviary.

Possible Look of Vulture Aviaries
Image Credit -> @David Matos Mendes

Andean Condor
Image Credit -> @StellarChaser

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
Image Credit -> @SaritaWolf

The penultimate pair of aviaries is, as previously foreshadowed, much denser in tropical foliage, given that the end of the Andes trail is near. The first of these aviaries does remain rocky, though much more overgrown than the larger vulture aviaries. At just over 250 sq. meters in total surface area and roughly 2m high, the space is well-suited to a larger group of birds. This, as predicted by @Austin the Sengi, is an under-canopy view into the lifestyle of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus (6.6). Their next-door neighbor is found in a smaller home, at just over 150 sq. meters and the same height. While visibility beneath the canopy is still found, visitors' eyes should be drawn to the trees, and the breeding pair of Plate-billed Mountain Toucan Andigena laminirostris (1.1) which calls the space home. Both of these avian species are on the zoo's list of "to-breed" species, as a means of diversifying the North American gene pool in both species.

Possible Look of Cock-of-the-Rock Aviary
Image Credit -> @David Matos Mendes

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
Image Credit -> @Leo K.

Possible Look of Toucan Aviary (minus water feature)
Image Credit -> @geomorph

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
Image Credit -> @ThylacineAlive

And so we arrive at the finale, which @Tigeanderson quite well predicted, so well done to you. After descending a staircase much like the one you ascended upon entering this zone, we arrive in the Andean foothills, with a rolling plain providing the entirety of this final 1,500 sq. meter habitat. Bushes and trees are strategically placed to ensure that this elusive species does have a place to avoid the public eye. A large, overgrown false rock wall runs the length of the habitat's back, concealing behind it a 800 sq. meter off-display yard. It is between these two spaces that zoo staff can rotate our male and female Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque (1.1), a species with a pair of U.S. holdings* besides this collection, to my surprise. And, while this might not be the most exciting way to close out an area to the average zoo-goer, those with a checklist of species will likely find this inclusion most exciting.

*for those interested, the two other U.S. holdings of Tapirus pinchaque are Los Angeles and Cheyenne Mountain, though that information is available on ZooTierListe and so I likely didn't need to inform you

Possible Look of Tapir Habitat
Image Credit -> @Mr Gharial

Mountain Tapir
Image Credit -> @DesertTortoise

And with that, we conclude the Andes Mountain Trail, and are therefore halfway through the South American portion of our journey. That halfway is strictly based on the fact that there are four subzones within this South American region... if we were going by species count than we'd still be under halfway even with the inclusion of the next area
With all the rarities I've included in this portion of the trip (yes, I know, about half this area was species with less than five holdings in the U.S, sue me), you must be thinking that I've eased up in this next portion, right?
Well you'll just have to wait until after my first semester's exams (so around the 27th of this month) to find out... (I'm kidding, I'd never leave you all hanging like that... I sorta eased up, in that less than half the species have less than five holdings in the U.S, but most of those aren't kept in American captivity at all, so...)
Enjoy, and please feel free to give your speculations on just what my Pantanal zone might have in store for you all. Heck, you all have been so incredible at speculating species that you just might get a few of them right

Thanks for the mention.

 

[Van Beal]

Just decided that, while not starting the trip through the Pantanal today, I will give you all a map of the first area we covered, as I have just finished the map design.
So here is the map of the Galapagos Ecotarium!


Orange - outlines areas which would be occupied by paths
Light Green - land area in habitats
Light Blue - water in habitats
Grey - other details (in this case the building itself and the decorative fountain in front)

The above legend of color meanings will be consistent for every other map I create for the zoo, and eventually will be used when the whole thing is brought together.
Enjoy!

 

[Austin the Sengi]

@Van Beal for the remaining areas like the Andes Mountain Trail and eventually, your take on the Pantanal, can we expect to see additional maps that will cover these sectors?

Also, just to be clear, my question isn’t meant to be a demand for more maps; as it is more so a general curiosity.

 

[Van Beal]

@Van Beal for the remaining areas like the Andes Mountain Trail and eventually, your take on the Pantanal, can we expect to see additional maps that will cover these sectors?

Also, just to be clear, my question isn’t meant to be a demand for more maps; as it is more so a general curiosity.

There will be maps for every area soon enough. The maps are just quite time-consuming to make, so they likely won't be out in correspondence to the area write-ups.

 

[Van Beal]

Oh what the heck. Let's keep the ball rolling.

Pantanal Preservation Project
Having just exited the Andes Mountain Trail, the transition into the world's largest tropical wetland is complete, with visitors having transitioned from the asphalt thoroughfare they've walked for the past two areas onto an elevated boardwalk. This boardwalk, continuing for most of the length of this area, sometimes allows inhabitants of the habitats below to cross under to the other side, while other times does not allow for crossing over. For example, the first habitat in this area allows the inhabitants to cross to either side, hence the signage on either side of the boardwalk. At 400 sq. meters, this habitat provides a home for the Neotropical Otter Lontra longicaudis (2.4), yet another species which is unique in North American captivity. The body of water in the habitat is roughly a quarter of the total floor space, providing the otters with plenty of space to swim. The water transitions to a sandy shoreline, and then dense foliage planted toward the back to obscure the back fence and the indoor quarters.

Possible Look of Otter Habitat

Neotropical Otter
Image Credits -> @David Matos Mendes

The body of water becomes shallower, and is now divided under the boardwalk to ensure the groups stay separated in their respective 350 sq. meter enclosures. The shoreline in these habitats is varied, with some areas being sandy and others muddy, while the water reaches just chest-deep for another species unique in North American captivity, being the inhabiting Crab-eating Fox Cerdocyon thous (2.2), with a male-female pair in each enclosure. For the most part, these canids prefer to stay in the shade of the dense foliage toward the back of the habitats, but do often venture to the water to feed on the crabs and fish which can be found in the water as a form of dietary and behavioral enrichment for both the foxes and otters.

Possible Look of Fox Habitat
Image Credit -> @Zooish
(this image is a fishing cat habitat by the way, it just works for what I want)

Crab-eating Fox
Image Credit -> @Therabu

Visitors briefly leave the boardwalk behind, returning to solid ground just a short walk from the entrance of the Pantanal Pavilion, a building constructed originally with Spanish Colonialist roots, before being slightly renovated to give a slightly modernized look to a piece of 'classical' architecture for the zoo. Now, we won't be stepping inside just yet, though the first habitat is visible from where we now stand (more on that later). Instead, an aviary stands just to the left of the building's doors. At 450 sq. meters and 4m high, this aviary matches the height of a much larger aviary which will be seen on the other side of the pavilion. With a large elevated perch, much of the floor space of the habitat is shallow water, well-stocked with small fish and aquatic snails, the latter of which is the prey for which our Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis (2.0) is named. With our males present in this aviary, and their female counterparts present in another area of the zoo, the species is used in multiple areas as a way of showcasing the range some species have in the wild.

Possible Look of Kite Aviary
Image Credit -> @Zoofan15

Male Snail Kite
Image Credit -> @Therabu

Okay, since I know there will be a push to get into the pavilion, we might as well get started.
Entering the pavilion, the wave of humidity hits you, though due to the climate outside it likely isn't as overwhelming as the transition is in other locations (*cough* Canadian winter into African Rainforest *cough*). The lush planting throughout the pavilion is continuous, with some of the vines growing so densely overhead that you feel as though there is a canopy of branches protecting you from the sun. To the left, the hard work of our horticultural team remains evident in what looks like one continuous space. Rather, it is two 350 sq. meter spaces, so well-planted that the steel-mesh and glass dividing wall seems nearly invisible. These habitats make up the entire right-hand wall of this portion of the pavilion, with the perpetually semi-obstructed viewing perfect for the private lifestyle of our Brazilian Ocelot Leopardus pardalis mitis (2.0), with the older of our two males living in the first visible space, and the younger in the second. The older male, nearing the end of his days of breeding success, will likely be retired from display in favor of a female in the near future.

Possible Look of Ocelot Habitats
Image Credit -> @Pleistohorse

Ocelot
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

And with that, we've broken in the Pantanal region of the zoo in a stretch of time that I probably should have used for studying. Oh well, this was more fun .
For now, we leave, waiting until next time to complete our tour of the Pantanal Pavilion, and trek through what is to follow, so until next time, stay tuned, and enjoy!

 

[MOG2012]

I predict there will be yellow anacondas, clown tree frogs, false water cobras, caiman lizards, Yacare caiman, and crocodile tegu which is a mix of rarities and somewhat common animals

 

[Van Beal]

We return, just moments after I watched an American Kestrel fly away from my backyard with another bird in its talons, leaving behind nothing but a pile of feathers and blood.
Every exhibit I will describe from here forward is located to the left-hand side of the visitor path through the pavilion, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Exhibit Space 1 - Crocodile Tegu Crocodilurus amazonicus (3.2)
This habitat is slightly elevated, but its near 2.5m height allows for the lizard on display (either the adult male or adult female, juveniles are off-display) to showcase their climbing ability along a criss-cross of branches and vines. On the floor of this 20 sq. meter space, numerous log hides, heated rocks, and live plants provide opportunity for general behaviors, while the 1m deep and 5m surface area water feature allows the lizard to live up to its name. This water feature is stocked consistently with smaller fish, providing dietary and behavioral enrichment.

Possible Look of Tegu Habitat
Image Credit -> @Nadchew_

Crocodile Tegu
Image Credit -> @biggiesmalls

Exhibit Space 2 - Clown Tree Frog Dendropsophus leucophyllatus (6.6.60)*
The habitat neighboring that of our tegu is one for a smaller and more colorful species. At just 1 sq. meter but 2m high, this exhibit replicates (on a smaller scale) the arboreal lifestyles of this tree frog. Dense foliage, vines, and bromeliads provide hiding spaces, with a series of misters activating periodically throughout the day, and more or less frequently during particular seasons in their native range. Down below the plants, on the soil and leaf-litter floor, are a series of small pools which provide a site for the frogs to lay eggs. Three pairs of our frogs have successfully bred, producing 60 offspring between them, all of which are kept off-display for the time being.

Possible Look of Tree Frog Habitat
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Clown Tree Frog
Image Credit -> @gentle lemur
*ZTL says this common name refers to D. leucophyllatus, while Google says it refers to both D. ebraccatus and D. sarayacuensis

Exhibit Space 3 - Yellow Anaconda Eunectes notaeus (1.1.3)
Continuing a trend of larger reptilian species, visitors are treated to a 25 sq. meter habitat, which acts as a rotational home between our adult male, adult female, and their three unsexed juveniles. These titanic serpents are given access to 2m of total vertical space (this excludes the 5 sq. meter and half-metre deep pool) to showcase their climbing skills, while the aforementioned pool, with a sandy bottom and a few rocks, provides a decent amount of space for the snake to swim. Leaf litter and large logs dot the mulch-and-soil floor, allowing for hideaways for the snake on exhibit, while large rocks provide basking space. The diet of these snakes is almost entirely made up of smaller animals like rabbits, fish and small birds, but on occasion, they are given young pigs as dietary enrichment.

Possible Look of Anaconda Exhibit
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Yellow Anaconda
Image Credit -> @WhistlingKite24

Exhibit Space 4 - False Water Cobra Hydrodynastes gigas (1.0)
The next door neighbor to our anaconda, this habitat is slightly smaller than that of the anaconda, being equal in size, however, to our tegu habitat in terms of surface area. Vertically, it is identical to the anaconda habitat. With an aquatic space much shallower than the other large reptiles have, the intent is for the snake to be able to submerge rather than give an entire aquatic swimming space as was the case for both the tegu and the anaconda. The plant life, and presence of criss-crossing branches and vines carries over from the prior habitats, again allowing an arboreal display for this impressive serpent, who is currently awaiting the arrival of a female counterpart.

Possible Look of False Water Cobra Exhibit
Image Credit -> @red river hog

False Water Cobra
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

The hall opens up from this point, creating a popular stopping point as this is where the first of the two ocelot habitats comes to an end, as well as being where the entrance to the pavilion's walkthrough aviary is located, just ahead and a little bit to the right. But while the others look to enter the walkthrough, our eyes first go the opposite direction, to the left. The glass barrier we look through (and over) provides an open-topped look into a 450 sq. meter habitat, with roughly 20% of that floor space being water, ranging from mere inches to nearly 2m deep. The land area transitions from the sandy shore to an area dominated by grasses and smaller shrubs, with the larger trees having fallen to create a secondary basking area. The primary basking area is a large flat rock perched atop a pile of other rocks, just off to the left of the main viewing area. While more often floating with eyes and nostrils above the surface, the shores of the pool can be a prime location to find our Yacare Caiman Caiman yacare (4.0) lazing about.

Possible Look of Caiman Habitat
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Yacare Caiman
Image Credit -> @Therabu

Now for the finale of the Pantanal Pavilion. Entering through the steel-mesh doorway, visitors are immersed into a 2,000 sq. meter, naturally-lit walkthrough aviary. The glass panels which make up the roof are lined with steel mesh to prevent the more airborne species from colliding with the glass and suffering serious injuries. The guest walkway is slightly elevated, enough so that birds paddling along the small creek running underfoot can safely cross under to the opposite side of the habitat. In order to encourage movement throughout the space, the trees and bushes which bear fruits are kept to one side of the space, which is also where keepers leave the other part of the birds' diets, while the nesting areas, perches, and other bushes and trees are located to the other side, as is the majority of the water in the habitat. Around the water, visitors are more likely to spot our flocks of Ringed Teal Callonetta leucophyrs (3.7) and Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana (3.3), while our flocks of Red Pileated Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus (10.10) live in the trees alongside a slightly smaller group of Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis (3.9) and a hopeful breeding pair of Purple-throated Fruit Crow Querula purpurata (1.1), whose throat is more red than purple from most images I've seen.

Possible Look of Walkthrough Aviary
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Ringed Teal
Image Credit -> @FoxBat

Wattled Jacana
Image Credit -> @Valentinoamor

Red Pileated Finch
Image Credit -> @Julio C Castro

Red-capped Cardinal
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Purple-throated Fruit Crow
Image Credit -> @Al

And, as we exit through two sets of doors, we re-emerge into the wonderful outdoors, just a short walk from the final four habitats of the Pantanal, and thus are very near the conclusion of the third part of four in our overarching South American sector. That said, the majority of our South American species collection is still yet to come, seeing as we have yet to cover a certain rainforest... but that is for later on. For now, I leave you with the finale of the Pantanal soon to come along.
Enjoy!

 

[Van Beal]

The Pantanal continues beyond the exit of the pavilion, as the path winds through lush (but well-manicured) stretches of land, leading right up to the main viewing area into a 2,400 sq. meter aviary, dedicated to groupings of species which, given their aggressive nature, will see individuals or pairings move off-display should breeding be successful. Large branches span out over the water, which ranges in depth from around 10 centimeters up to about 2.5 meters. These waters, well-stocked with small fish, allow the inhabiting pairs of Neotropic Cormorant Nannopterum brasilianum (1.1) and Anhinga Anhinga anhinga (0.2) with space to swim and hunt for fish. The latter of these two species, like the snail kite seen earlier in this section, has other individuals kept in another section of the zoo. While these two species spend their time in the deeper waters, the reeds and cattails of the shallows are where two other species, being the Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi (2.2) and Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum (3.3) can be found. The final of the five species kept in this aviary, in a much larger group than the previous four species, is the Buff-necked Ibis Theristicus caudatus (8.8), one of the three species in this aviary without another holding in North America.

Possible Look of Shorebird Aviary
Image Credit -> @okapikpr

Anhinga
Image Credit -> @ralph

Neotropic Cormorant
Image Credit -> @Ituri

Cocoi Heron
Image Credit -> @Therabu

Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Image Credit -> @Tomek

Buff-necked Ibis
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Visitors are returned to the elevated boardwalk which we left behind for a time at the entrance to the Pantanal Pavilion, however this boardwalk lasts just long enough to walk us across the middle of a 2-acre slice of the Pantanal. The boardwalk crosses over the middle of a massive body of water that, while being over three meters deep, is quite shallow for the most part, only rising to the belly of the larger members of our Capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (5.15) herd. These lovable giant rodents are most often joined by native ducks, geese, and other waterfowl in the water or along the shores, which transition from sandy to muddy and back again quite frequently. However, it is in the dense foliage toward the back half of this massive space (on both sides, of course) that visitors should be peering, as the shy nature of our breeding pair of Brazilian Tapir Tapirus terrestris (1.1) leads them to spend most of their time lingering in the dense undergrowth which conceals the back barriers, as well as the indoor holding spaces for both species.

Ideal and Combined Look of Tapir and Capybara Habitat
Top Image Credit -> @Philipine eagle
Bottom Image Credit -> @Zoofan15

Capybara
Image Credit -> @FoxBat

Brazilian Tapir
Image Credit -> @WhistlingKite24

After crossing over the tapir and capybara habitat, visitors once again find their feet on solid ground, and once again, it is directly in front of an aviary. This aviary, unlike the other, is home to a more charismatic and friendly species. A lushly-planted 350 sq. meter and 3m-high aviary is centered around a large, barkless tree with numerous enrichment feeders, toys, and other items hanging from the branches. If the cuttlefish bone or presence of a mirror didn't give it away, this is an aviary for parrots. Specifically, the Nanday Parakeet Aratinga nenday (2.2), with half of the group being sourced from owners who simply were not able or did not want to take care of them, and are now given a safe and caring home alongside others of their kind.

Possible Look of Parakeet Aviary
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Nanday Parakeet
Image Credit -> @WhistlingKite24

And now, the finale. It begins in a sheltered area, where visitors are presented a near-360-degree underwater view (okay, so 180 degrees isn't exactly near 360 degrees, but bear with me) which is nearly 2.5m deep. The view is crystal clear, which is odd for a freshwater aquatic space (and realistically won't actually be clear), but this clear-ish water is stocked with fish large and small, not kept on the official species stocklist, for the inhabitants to munch on.

Possible Underwater View
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

This underwater view is not the last look you'll get the the first of four yards given to our group of Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis (2.5), with the main view onto the land portion of this first yard given just a short walk from this sheltered viewing area. This first yard, as well as the second yard, combine to cover 1.5 acres of land, with the two smaller (and not guest viewable) yards each being 0.5 acres and bringing this complex to a grand total of 2.5 acres. The transition from viewing the first yard to viewing the second yard happens almost seamlessly due to the high plant density between the barriers. The style of decoration and layout is very similar to that seen in the previous large habitat, with a mixture of sandy, muddy, and rocky shorelines, as well as a diverse floral presence, with reeds present in the second yard but not the first, fallen trees in the first yard's water body, and so on. Each habitat, combined with the fact the otters have access to all four yards at all times of the day, makes each viewing experience totally unique. And of course, rounding it off is another underwater view, this one into the second yard's water body, and not in a sheltered setting.

Possible Look of First Otter Yard
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Possible Look of Second Yard
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Possible Look of Second Yard Underwater View
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Giant Otter
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

And with that, the Pantanal Preservation Project has come to its conclusion, but worry not, for this is not the finale of our South American journey. One final installment in the South American Trail of the zoo awaits, and given the heavyweight species it holds within, one could wager a guess, but of course, the Amazon awaits!
Stay tuned for Part One of our Amazonian excursion, and until then, enjoy.