Myrtle Beach Zoological Park - A 'New' Project

[Van Beal]

Welcome to... the Amazonia Complex. What the building lacks in creative naming it surely makes up for in terms of species diversity. Before we begin our walkthrough of this near-entirely indoor section, I'd first like to give you all some impressive statistics about this building.

1. The building covers over 22,000 sq. meters, or roughly 5.5 acres of land. This area is taken up over five separate atriums, three of these being dedicated exclusively to herps, inverts, and fish.
2. This single building has the second highest species count of all the zoo's sub-sections at 72 total species (8 amphibians, 14 birds, 13 fish, 16 invertebrates, 10 mammals, and 11 reptiles)

Okay, now with all the fun statistics out of the way, let us begin the trek with the first atrium. Whether we fully complete the atrium in one post or two is still up in the air.
Atrium 1 Species Count: 23 (9 fish, 2 mammals, 12 birds)
Entering the building up a cobbled stone walkway, visitors are immediately met with the humidity of the South American rainforest. Large fronds of giant rhubarb and various Amazonian palms and ferns obscure the view ahead, which opens first slightly off to the left, then to the right. Our first look is to the left, viewing a trio of 10,000 gallon tanks. The substrate of each tank combines sand, mulch, and small bits of gravel and leaf litter, with large logs and rocks creating a centerpiece of sorts in each tank, while numerous aquatic grasses grow up from the bottom of each tank. The closest of these tanks at hand, or furthest left when faced head-on, hosts a decent school of Tucanare Peacock Bass Cichla monoculus (0.0.10), with the middle tank hosting a lone Electric Eel Electrophorus electricus (1.0), and the right-most tank boasting a small group of Sabertooth Characin Hydrolycus armatus (1.2). Off to the right, visitors catch their first glimpses of a much larger tank, which follows along the right-hand side of the path for a lengthy 12m, broken up here and there by large rocks or false trees, before the entrance to the walkthrough aviary which concludes this atrium. The large fish tank, however, is to be our focus for the moment. As mentioned, the tank dimensions are 12m long, just under 4m from the surface to the bottom of the tank, and 3m from the front window to the back of the tank. These dimensions give this tank an approximate 38,000 gallon volume, with the murky water not allowing visitors to see the entire tank. However, the numerous inhabitants of the tank mean that visitors will likely see something on every trip through. The species list for this tank is as follows:

• 0.0.5 Arapaima Arapaima gigas
• 0.0.12 Black Pacu Colossoma macropomum
• 1.1 Silver Arowana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
• 0.0.8 Ripsaw Catfish Oxydoras niger
• 0.0.12 Pirapitinga Piaractus brachypomus
• 1.0 Golden Dorado Salminus brasiliensis

Possible Look of Single Species Tanks
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Tucanare Peacock Bass
Image Credit -> @Philipine eagle

Electric Eel
Image Credit -> @LeMandaiEnthusiast‧

Sabertooth Cichlid
Image Credit -> @biggiesmalls

Possible Look of 'Amazonian Giants' Tank (not the actual name of the tank)
Image Credit -> @pachyderm pro

Arapaima
Image Credit -> @Veno

Black Pacu (top) and Silver Arowana (bottom)
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Ripsaw Catfish
Image Credit -> @Astrotom3000

Pirapitinga
Image Credit -> @Dormitator

Golden Dorado
Image Credit -> @KevinB

And so we arrive at the entry door into our one-acre walkthrough aviary. Meshed in and constantly supervised in order to ensure the birds (and mammals) remain within the aviary and the atrium, visitors are welcome to enter and take either of two paths through the space. Lush rainforest surrounds you on all sides, and signage prompts you to always look directly above your head, not for birds, but for the Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni (3.2) whose primary means of crossing over the path is by the many vines strung overhead. While our sluggish sloths stay out of reach, our family group of Lowland Paca Cuniculus paca (2.2) is right on the ground with you. While they might be enticing to touch (to an average zoo-goer, Zoochatters know better ), signs are of course present to encourage visitors not to touch any animals (or plants) that come across their path. And of course, what is an aviary without the birds? Whilst eyes typically drift up when searching for birds, three of the species in this space actually prefer to live on the ground. Small pools dotted throughout the aviary are a popular spot for our Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis (2.4) and Sunbittern Eurypyga helias (4.4), while our family group of Bare-faced Curassow Crax fasciolata (2.2) tends to lurk near the aviary's borders. Of course, the trees are plenty stocked with colorful birds, with the largest being our Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus (1.3), and the louder Guira Cuckoo Guira guira (2.2) and Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops (3.3) providing most of the (not always peaceful) ambient noise. The remaining six (yes, six) species that can be found up in the trees are as follows:

• 5.5 Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
• 3.3 Capuchinbird Perissocephalus tricolor
• 5.5 Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo
• 5.5 Burnished-buff Tanager Tangara cayana
• 5.5 Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus
• 5.5 Pompadour Cotinga Xipholena punicea

Possible Look of Walkthrough Aviary before entering
Image Credit -> @Callado

Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Lowland Paca
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

Brazilian Teal
Image Credit -> @FoxBat

Sunbittern
Image Credit -> @TheGerenuk

Bare-faced Curassow
Image Credit -> @mhale

Crimson-rumped Toucanet
Image Credit -> @Daniel Sörensen

Guira Cuckoo (top) and Capuchinbird (bottom)
Image Credit -> @Jakub

And thus concludes the first of five atriums in the Amazonian Complex. The following post I make today will not be detailing atrium 2, but instead a simple media inclusion for the species from the free-flight aviary which are not pictured above, as I have run out of media space as it currently sits.
So, enjoy this first atrium of the Amazonian Complex, and stay tuned for part two in the coming days.

 

[Van Beal]

Media Wrap-up for Atrium 1 of Amazonian Complex:

Plush-crested Jay
Image Credit -> @Julio C Castro

Red-legged Honeycreeper (top) and Burnished-buff Tanager (bottom)
Image Credit -> @Therabu

Silver-beaked Tanager
Image Credit -> @splendens

Blue-Gray Tanager
Image Credit -> @geomorph

Pompadour Cotinga
Image Credit -> @Leo K.

And now a little teaser toward the second atrium...

Image Credit -> myself, @Van Beal

 

[Van Beal]

Eh... with great boredom comes great desire to post more... someone besides me has probably said something like that, right?
Our trip through the Amazonian Complex continues, trading the bright natural light of the first atrium for the darker world of the second atrium.
Atrium 2 Species Count: 15 (4 fish, 2 amphibians, 9 reptiles)
As dark as this rotunda is, many a herp or fish enthusiast will likely find this to be their favorite atrium in the building. Okay, maybe moreso the herp enthusiast than the fish enthusiast, seeing as we've already seen quite the number of fish species. From the entrance door, the first six tanks on your left are all entirely aquatic, sizes varying from 2 sq. meters and 1m high (528 gallons roughly) to 4 sq. meters and 1m high (roughly 1,056 gallons). From there, the tanks become either semi-aquatic displays or entirely terrestrial displays, with the smallest of these being 6 sq. meters and 2m tall, and the largest being 10 sq. meters and the same height. Around the room from left to right, the layout is as follows:

• 2 sq. meter aquarium home to 1.1 Surinam Toad Pipa pipa
• 2 sq. meter aquarium home to 0.0.5 Rio Cauca Caecilian Typhlonectes natans
• 4 sq. meter aquarium home to 0.0.20 Red-bellied Piranha Pygocentrus nattereri
• 4 sq. meter aquarium home to 0.0.2 Tiger Shovelnose Catfish Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
• 4 sq. meter aquarium home to 0.0.4 Largespot River Stingray Potamotrygon falkneri
• 4 sq. meter aquarium home to 0.0.20 Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus, a unique species in North America
• 6 sq. meter paludarium home to 0.1 Matamata Chelus fimbriata
• 6 sq. meter paludarium home to 1.1 Plumed Basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons
• 6 sq. meter paludarium home to a mix of 2.2 Harlequin Racerunner Plica plica and 3.3 Twist-necked Turtle Platemys platycephala

Possible Look of Caecilian and Frog Tanks
Image Credit -> @German Zoo World

Possible Look of Piranha and Leaffish Tanks
Image Credit -> @Mr.Weasel

Rio Cauca Caecilian
Image Credit -> @gentle lemur

Surinam Toad
Image Credit -> @red river hog

Red-bellied Piranha
Image Credit -> @evilmonkey239

Amazon Leaffish
Image Credit -> @aardvark250

Possible Look of Matamata Paludarium
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Matamata
Image Credit -> @jayjds2

Possible Look of Basilisk and Mixed Paludarium

Plumed Basilisk
Image Credit -> @red river hog

Harlequin Racerunner
Image Credit -> @Coelacanth18

Twist-necked Turtle
Image Credit -> @LaughingDove

At this point, the door between this atrium and the third atrium splits the above set of tanks from the smaller set of larger tanks. This door leads to another, slightly smaller rotunda, home to a sizeable collection of invertebrates, as well as the six remaining amphibian species housed in the building. Now, rather than speeding through each exhibit with few details, each of these five exhibits, two being paludariums and three full-blown terrariums, will be given the attention given to all other exhibits prior to the first half of this atrium. So, let us begin.
A quick note is that all five tanks are the maximum size, at 10 sq. meters and 2m high. The first three to the right of this atrium's entry door are all terrariums, with the only water being in the small drinking bowls supplied to the inhabiting serpents. The leaf litter covering the floor of all three spaces acts as camouflage for two of the three species, while the third spends so little time on the ground, the camouflage wouldn't be well-used. The large branches spanning up the full height of each terrarium are used by all three species, moreso by the third than the first two. The first two tanks are home, respectively, to Brazilian Lancehead Bothrops moojeni (0.3) and South American Bushmaster Lachesis muta (1.1), while the third tank is home to Brazilian Rainbow Boa Epicrates cenchria (0.3).
Now to the two exhibits which are to the right of the door between these atriums, staying constant in size but both changing slightly, as the total tank height extends to 2.5m, with roughly 2/3 of a meter being aquatic depth, and the remainder being terrestrial climbing space. The floor space is 7.5 sq. meters land and 2.5 sq. meters water, allowing for adequate climbing and swimming space for each of the species housed. Again, the leaf-litter covering the substrate provides camouflage for both inhabitants, though only one uses ambush tactics to hunt in the wild. The closest tank to the atrium's exit is home to the true titan of serpents, the Green Anaconda Eunectes murinus (0.1), while her neighbor is the Caiman Lizard Dracaena guianensis (1.1).
The images for these final few exhibits will be supplied in another media round-up, as I do not have the space on this post to get all the images I'd like in. This is the conclusion of the second atrium, which leaves three more to be explored, before the area wraps up back in the fresh air of the outdoors. So here we pause, so stay tuned for the next post, and enjoy in the meantime.

 

[Van Beal]

Media Roundup for Atrium 2 of Amazonian Complex:

Possible Look of Venomous Snake Exhibits
Image Credit -> @biggiesmalls

Brazilian Lancehead
Image Credit -> @Zoological Point

South American Bushmaster
Image Credit -> @Batto

Possible Look of Boa Exhibit
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Brazilian Rainbow Boa
Image Credit -> @StellarChaser

Possible Look of Anaconda and Caiman Lizard Exhibits
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Green Anaconda
Image Credit -> @pendraig_milnerae

Caiman Lizard
Image Credit -> yours truly, @Van Beal

And once again, while I'm at it, a little teaser of what is to come in Atrium 3 of the Amazonian Complex, with my only warning being: Arachnophobes Beware...

Image Credit -> @StoppableSan

 

[Van Beal]

Passing through the doorway between the anaconda and the racerunner-turtle paludariums, visitors enter the third atrium, slightly smaller but just as dark as the atrium you just left behind. This atrium is dedicated to the Amazon's creepy crawlies, as well as the more colorful amphibian species.
Atrium 3 Species Count: 18 (12 invertebrates, 6 amphibians)
The first four tanks to the left when you enter are each 1 sq. meter, and roughly 0.8 meters tall. The first of these four tanks has a large and flat rock in the bottom, allowing the Amazonian Giant Centipede Scolopendra gigantea (0.0.1) to hide away. Large branches span up the height of the enclosure, allowing the centipede to climb as well. Her neighbors, lacking the rocky hideaway but having plenty of leafy vegetation, blend better with the branches. These three tanks are the homes of respective groupings of Giant Jumping Stick Stiphra sp. (0.0.5), Peruvian Firestick Oreophoetes peruana (0.0.8) and Black Beauty Stick Insect Peruphasma schultei (0.0.8). Beside the last of the stick insects, the tanks are briefly broken up by the doorway into the fourth atrium.

(Upper Tanks) Possible Look of Centipede and Stick Insect Tanks
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

Amazonian Giant Centipede
Image Source -> iNaturalist Amazonian Giant Centipede from Butucu, Aruba on July 28, 2022 at 04:51 PM by jmrobertia. Second of two found over the course of a week. · iNaturalist

Giant Jumping Stick
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

Peruvian Firestick
Image Credit -> @splendens

Black Beauty Stick Insect
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Skipping over the door to the fourth atrium for now, visitors are presented with 14 tanks on the right-hand portion of the atrium. The six closest at hand to the entry door are all for amphibians, with the first and last being more vertically oriented, while the four in between have been stacked two high. The two taller tanks are each 1 sq. meter and a meter high, while the smaller tanks are 1 sq. meter and just under 0.5 meters high. The first tank mentioned, being an arboreal landscape, is home to a species so commonly associated with the Amazon, it would be odd to not include it, being the Red-eyed Tree Frog Agalychnis callidryas (10.10), not to be confused with Ranoidea chloris, an Australian native often referred to by the same common name. The two tanks next door to our Amazonian icons, being more grounded with mosses, logs and small bromeliads, are home to Harlequin Oophaga histrionica (10.10) and Dyeing Poison Dart Frog Dendrobates tinctorinus (8.8). The two smaller tanks beside these ones, keeping the same layout, are home to two other poison frog species, being the Pichincha Oophaga sylvaticus and Zimmerman's Poison Frog Ranitomeya variabilis (8.8 each). The final amphibian tank of the atrium (and the area) is another vertically oriented tank, this time home to a larger species, in the Amazon Milk Frog Trachycephalus resinifictrix (4.4).

Possible Look of Arboreal Frog Tanks
Image Credit -> @Hipporex

Possible Look of Poison Frog Tanks
Image Credit -> @Philipine eagle

Red-eyed Tree Frog
Image Credit -> @Zoological Point

Harlequin Poison Dart Frog
Image Source -> iNaturalist Harlequin Poison Frog in October 2021 by Cristian Gonzalez Acosta · iNaturalist

Dyeing Poison Dart Frog
Image Credit -> @WhistlingKite24

Pichincha Poison Frog
Image Source -> WCS Wild View: Frog Blog

Zimmerman's Poison Frog
Image Credit -> @Azamat Shackleford

Amazon Milk Frog
Image Credit -> @GiraffeJack10

And with that, the final eight tanks in the atrium are before us. On each end, being the tank nearest the exit and the tank nearest our milk frogs, are the largest of the eight, at 2 sq. meters and 1.5m of vertical space. Sandwiched between these two are the remaining six tanks, the outer four at 1 sq. meter and 0.7m high, while the middle two are 0.7 sq. meters and 0.7 meters high, with all six 'stacked' in twos like the dart frog tanks. The first of the larger tanks, continuing from the milk frogs, is often viewed through what looks like a fingerprint-marked window. However, this is the webbing produced by our Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula Theraphosa blondi (0.0.1), often hidden away in the numerous hollow branches which litter the exhibit floor. Large tangles of vines and branches allow an elevated resting spot for the spider as well. Her closest neighbors, at least the lower one, will be equally web-obscured, and in a very similar environment. On the bottom of the first 'stack,' visitors might be able to spot a Tiger Curtain-web Tarantula Linothele fallax (0.0.1), while the top is less obscured, and home to a Venezuelan Suntiger Psalmopoeus irminia (0.0.1). Both these spiders are rather sizeable, but also very good at concealing themselves. However, the center stack, being smaller tanks, is home to two more arachnid species who are much smaller, but also much more vibrant in coloration. The lower of the two species on the wall is slightly larger, being the Brazilian Dwarf Beauty Tarantula Dolichothele diamantinensis (0.0.1), while the higher is the trapdoor specialist that is the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula Typhochlaena seladonia (0.0.3). The final three species, the first two being in near-identical tanks to the curtain-web and suntiger tanks, and the last in an exact copy of the birdeater tank already seen. The two species in the last stack of tanks, while maybe similar at a glance, are quite different from one another. These two, the Brazilian Whiteknee Acanthoscurria geniculata and Brazilian Black Tarantula Grammostola pulchra (0.0.1 each) combine for the perfect penultimate display, before we return to the world of bird-eating spiders with the Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula Lasiodora parahybana (0.0.1), another spider with a titanic maximum size.

Possible Look of Birdeater Tanks
Image Credit -> @Philipine eagle

Possible Look of Mid-sized Tarantula Tanks
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

Possible Look of Smaller Tarantula Tanks
Image Credit -> @Hvedekorn

And with that, visitors will exit the third atrium and return to the natural lighting of our fourth and penultimate atrium. This atrium will conclude the bird and invertebrate populations of the section, while slowly bringing the mammals and reptiles back into the spotlight. But for now, I have yet another media roundup post to make, and then I may or may not decide to wrap up the building and begin the outdoor section, the latter only happening because the fifth atrium in the building is simply the indoor quarters for a certain crowd favorite...
For now, enjoy, and stay tuned for the penultimate post for the Amazonian area of the South American Trail!

 

[Van Beal]

Media Roundup for Atrium 3 of Amazonian Complex:

Goliath Birdeater
Image Credit -> @Hammerheadshark409

Tiger Curtain-web Spider (top) and Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (bottom)
Image Credit -> @Sicarius

Venezuelan Suntiger
Image Credit -> @Bonobo

Brazilian Dwarf Beauty Tarantula
Image Source -> Dolichothele diamantinensis (Brazilian Dwarf Blue Beauty) (~1-2cm) - The Praying Mantis

Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula
Image Credit -> @DesertRhino150

Brazilian Black Tarantula
Image Credit -> @zoogiraffe

Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula
Image Credit -> @Therabu

 

[Van Beal]

Visitors return to the natural lighting in the fourth atrium. A much more open space, the rainforest reemerges to surround you once again as you wind through this final multi-species atrium, which leads to the fifth atrium, which is simply the indoor viewing for one of our more popular felines.
Atrium 4 and 5 Species Count: 14 (6 mammals, 4 invertebrates, 2 birds, 2 reptiles)
The atrium begins with a large sign, displaying information that this entire space is a walkthrough. Not one that is immediately noticeable, however. Not birds, not mammals, but butterflies, are sharing the space with you. In fact, four species, being Peleides Blue Morpho Morpho peleides (0.0.55), Blue Wave Myscelia cyaniris (0.0.35), Glasswing Greta oto (0.0.30), and Banded Orange or Orange Banded Heliconian Dryadula phaetusa (0.0.40). The first habitat which visitors are not inside is a 450 sq. meter habitat to the immediate right upon entering the room. The first look, caused likely by a decent amount of movement, should be to the water. At 3m deep, this 100 sq. meter surface pond is where you will often find our dozen Arrau Turtle Podocnemis expansa (6.6), while they do occasionally opt to bask on the sandy shore in the beams of light which shine through the ceiling. These testudines, however, are not alone, sharing the space with a group of Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus (2.2), who are an equally common sight floating in the pool, or lazing about on the shore.

Possible Look of Fourth Atrium
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Possible Look of Caiman Habitat
Image Credit -> @felis silvestris

Peleides Blue Morpho
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Blue Wave Butterfly
Image Credit -> @Kakapo

Glasswing Butterfly
Image Credit -> @Sicarius

Banded Orange Heliconian
Image Credit -> @Hipporex

Arrau Turtle
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
Image Credit -> @ro6ca66

The winding walk continues, butterflies fluttering by along the way, until about halfway through the atrium a series of meshed-in primate islands becomes visible on the right-hand side, while three aviaries are just beginning to be visible through the trees on the left. The primate islands, covering roughly 300 sq. meters across four main islands and a couple smaller areas, are heavy with trees, connected by vines and keeper-placed ropes, allowing our groups of Golden and Golden-headed Lion Tamarin Leontopithecus rosalia and chrysomelas (1.1 each), White-faced Saki Pithecia pithecia (2.2) and White-tufted Marmoset Callithrix jacchus (4.4) to clamber from tree to tree without ever touching the ground.
The three aviaries off to the left, now totally visible, are the final habitats prior to the doorway marked 'The Den of the Jaguar.' Before rushing through those doors though, the three aviaries, covering about 300 sq. meters each, are home to two bird species and a mammal species between them. The first of the aviaries is less lushly planted, due to the destructive nature of the inhabiting Blue-headed Macaw Primolius couloni (2.2) flock within. Their neighbors are both more lushly-planted aviaries, perfect for the nature of the breeding pair of Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus (1.1) and the brotherly trio of Kinkajou Potos flavus (3.0). The latter group have been playfully nicknamed "The Three Stooges," given their playful and sometimes mischievous nature.

Possible Look of Indoor Primate Islands
Image Credit -> @Mr Gharial

Possible Look of Assorted Aviaries
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Golden Lion Tamarin
Image Credit -> @Zoofan15

Golden-headed Lion Tamarin
Image Credit -> @Ding Lingwei

White-faced Saki
Image Credit -> @pendraig_milnerae

White-tufted Marmoset
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Blue-headed Macaw
Image Credit -> @Zooish

Channel-billed Toucan
Image Credit -> @Toki

Kinkajou
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

And now, the final atrium... 'The Den of the Jaguar' will come to you... in the next post. Alongside the outdoor habitats which round out the Amazon and South America as a whole, I think it is a better way to write and end if it includes multiple habitats, rather than just one.
So stay tuned, for the final post of the South American Trail of the zoo will be out rather soon!
Enjoy!

 

[Van Beal]

Now, we officially round out the Amazonian Complex, and with it, the entirety of the South American Trail of the Myrtle Beach Zoological Park. So congratulations, we've reached the end of one of our major continental-themed trails!
The Den of the Jaguar, in all simplicity, is just the indoor holding areas for our Amazon Jaguar Panthera onca onca (2.4). These spaces, combining to cover a half acre, are accessible at all times to the individuals living in the main outdoor yards (of which there are four, combining to cover 2.5 acres). Both indoor spaces span upward about 5 meters, and have a decent pool, allowing the cats to climb and swim even when they're indoors.

Possible Views of Indoor Jaguar Habitats
Top Image Credit -> @felis silvestris
Bottom Image Credit -> @geomorph

Opening the doors and returning outside, visitors are presented with this area's crown jewel. As mentioned, our six jaguars have access to 2.5 acres of total land area. At the current moment, the two visitor viewable yards, at 3/4 acres each, are home to our four females, two to a yard, while our two males are in the 0.5 acre off-display yards. Each on-display yard has a sizeable, roaring waterfall feeding into a 500 sq. meter and 2m deep freshwater pool, perfect for the jaguars on a hot day. Meanwhile, large trees and man-made climbing structures are located toward the back of the habitat, allowing the cats to both climb to an elevated viewpoint, or to sleep in the shade away from the hot sun. The visitors are given two different perspectives on the left-hand yard, one elevated above the pool, and one right at the water level, while the right-hand yard is only viewable from above the pool.

Possible Looks of Outdoor Jaguar Yards
Top Image Credit -> @felis silvestris
Bottom Image Credit -> @Kestrel

Jaguar
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

As visitors pass by the right-hand jaguar habitat for the final time, a final farewell from the Amazon appears in the form of a 400 sq. meter outdoor primate island complex. Not enclosed by mesh, but rather by the large body of water surrounding the two main islands, visitors are kept from the water's edge by a chest-height barrier of steel mesh and logs. While these islands feature rather tall and complex climbing structures alongside the natural trees, visitors may actually hear the inhabitants of the island before they see the islands themselves. Heck, they might hear the inhabiting Black Howler Monkey Alouatta cayana (2.2) from across the zoo, given they can be heard for miles in the Amazon rainforest. These loud primates aren't the only star of the show, however. They share these islands with a decent troop of the smaller Common Squirrel Monkey Saimiri sciureus (4.4).

Possible Look of Final Primate Islands
Image Credit -> @Leaf Productions

Black Howler Monkey
Image Credit -> @FoxBat

Common Squirrel Monkey
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

And with that, we have reached the conclusion of our first continental trail. From here, the path splits off, with one way leading back to the very pathway you entered the trail from, and the other leading to the North American Trail, with a quick pit stop on the way. This pit stop is our next stop, and it is the Caribbean Coasts, a smaller but still exciting area.
And this is where this portion of our tour officially wraps up, so enjoy, and stay tuned for the beginning of the Caribbean Coasts.

 

[Van Beal]

Our trip between the first and second major sectors of the zoo begins in the outdoor portion of the Caribbean Coasts/Central America area of the zoo. While the majority of the species seen here are kept inside, the outdoor portion, small as it may be, is not to be ignored. Four total habitats make up the outdoor portion, being three aviaries and a reptilian habitat.
The mosaic-tiled pathway brings the largest of the four spaces off to your left, being an aviary of 5,250 sq. meters and nearly 5m in height. The shape of the aviary precisely follows the curvature of the walkway, creating a less rigid shape. A large, shallow body of water makes up roughly half of the total exhibit space, mostly toward the interior of the aviary, while muddy shorelines mark the nesting site for our breeding colony of American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (35.35). While this noisy and brightly colored flock makes up most of the aviary's population, visitors are also treated to a breeding flock of White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi (15.15) who tend to stick to the less muddy areas of shoreline, while a smaller flock of White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis (3.7) spend most of their time toward the middle of the water body.

Possible Look of Flamingo Aviary
Image Credit -> @TheImmigrant1

American Flamingo
Image Credit -> @KevinB

White-faced Ibis
Image Credit -> @amur leopard

White-cheeked Pintail
Image Credit -> @David Matos Mendes

Now, turning to the right-hand side, just before the flamingo aviary finally ends off to your left, you come to see two significantly smaller aviaries. Both aviaries, at 30 sq. meters and 3m high, are well-planted with flowering plants and tall grasses, while the central tree in each space is where our respective flocks of Bananaquit Coereba flaveola (4.4) and Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana (5.5).
Now for that reptile habitat I mentioned earlier. Well, it's not the only habitat they have, as it has direct access to an indoor space (which will be detailed in a future post, not today) via the body of water in the front of the space, though this access can be opened and closed by keepers depending on breeding or on weather outside. The 2,750 sq. meter outdoor habitat is open-topped, and mostly aquatic space. To be exact, 1,750 sq. meters of the space is water, ranging from 0.4m to 3m in total depth. While only four (0.4) individuals currently call this outdoor space home, these American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus females are not quite done growing, so in due time, this space will be much more appropriate for their size.

Possible Look of Passerine Aviaries
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

Bananaquit
Image Credit -> @Julio C Castro

Blue Dacnis
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Possible Look of Outdoor Croc Habitat
Image Credit -> @SwampDonkey

American Crocodile
Image Credit -> @Austin the Sengi

And with that, the outdoor portion of the Caribbean Coasts, or Central America, section is complete. Next time, we head inside the (aptly-named, I think) Caribbean Pavilion, where an incredible variety of smaller species await, as well as one rather large species...
Stay tuned, and enjoy!

Little hint of what is to come...
Image Credit -> @SusScrofa

 

[Van Beal]

The interior of the Caribbean Pavilion begins with the previously mentioned indoor area for our American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus, this space currently home to 1.0 full-grown crocodiles, awaiting a potential breeding partner in one of the four females given access to the outdoor space. His area is just 900 sq. meters, with roughly a quarter of the space (approximately 225 sq. meters) being aquatic space. This aquatic space features a small collection of rocks and floating tree limbs, allowing the crocodile to conceal himself in the water. Numerous larger logs are scattered along the sandy shoreline, while dense foliage conceals the man-made den for the crocodile. The glass roof over his habitat allows him to bask in nearly every part of the habitat.

Possible Look of Indoor Crocodile Habitat
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

American Crocodile
Image Credit -> @Andrew_NZP

The next displays are terrariums for some of the terrestrial invertebrates of the Caribbean Islands. The first two are 'stacked', and each are 2ft x 1ft x 1ft in dimensions (roughly 0.6m x 0.3m x 0.3m). These two tanks have a standard soil substrate combined with mulch and dead leaves. The centerpiece of each habitat is a hollow log harvested from Bursera simaruba trees grown in the zoo's greenhouse, while other Central American plants are also planted in the tank. Each tank hosts 0.1 Antilles Pink-toed Tarantula Caribena versicolor. The third display in this row is larger, doubling in height and width, while also increasing in length (totalling 3ft x 2ft x 2ft, or roughly 0.9m x 0.6m x 0.6m). Besides changes in height, the interior environment remains near-identical, besides a burrow created in the soil, as well as additional log hides made from the same tree as in the prior tarantula tanks. This tank is home to a much larger arachnid, being the Red Island Birdeater Tarantula Phormictopus atrichomatus (0.0.1). The final two tanks are identical in size and general layout to the pinktoe tanks, besides a few rocky hideaways replacing the logs. The inhabitants of each of these tanks are 0.0.3 Velvet Worm Epiperipatus barbadensis.

Possible Look of Smaller Invert Tanks
Image Credit -> @Causticjay

Possible Look of Large Invert Tank (ideally less densely planted)
Image Credit -> @Philipine eagle

Antilles Pink-toed Tarantula
Image Credit -> @Sicarius

Red Island Birdeater Tarantula
Image Source -> some website dealing in exotic animal sales Phormictopus atrichomatus (Red Island Birdeater Tarantula) for sale - HappyForestStore

Velvet Worm Epiperipatus barbadensis
Image Source -> iNaturalist: Barbados Velvet Worm from Applewhaites, Barbados on November 7, 2020 at 11:18 AM by Jason Moore · iNaturalist

Beyond the invertebrate tanks, visitors come to four larger terrarium displays, each being 1m long, 1m wide, and roughly 1.5m high. Large corkwood branches, sourced from the same trees as our invertebrates' log hides, allow for climbing from these four arboreal squamate species. These branches, draped with vines, allow the reptiles to get closer to the medium-intensity basking lamps built into the tank ceilings. Philodendron scandens and Guzmania lingulata are planted at the bottom of the tank atop the soil substrate, mixed with mosses and dead leaves. Across the four tanks, visitors are introduced first to Arboreal Alligator Lizard Abronia graminea (0.3), then respective pairs (1.1) of Blue Beauty Anolis equestris potior and Haitian Giant Anole Anolis ricordii, and finally a lone male Northern Bird Snake Phrynonax poecilonotus.
Beyond this display of arboreal reptiles, visitors are immersed into an incredible quarter-acre greenhouse. With multiple paths through the space, visitors can experience our groups of Malachite Siproeta stelenes (0.0.50) and Zebra Longwing Heliconius charithonia (0.0.50) butterflies in a more sun-lit portion of the room, or the portion lit more artificially. This greenhouse acts as a (rough) halfway point for the building.

Possible Look of Arboreal Reptile Exhibits
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Arboreal Alligator Lizard
Image Credit -> @Varanidae

Blue Beauty Anole
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Haitian Giant Anole
Image Credit -> @SusScrofa

Northern Bird Snake
Image Credit -> @DannySG

Possible Look of Butterfly Greenhouse
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Malachite
Image Credit -> @ro6ca66

Zebra Longwing
Image Credit -> @red river hog

And with that, we conclude the first portion of our tour through the Caribbean Pavilion. While we didn't reach the point where my little spoiler is located (sorry ), it may be known that you will be presented with many other exciting species before arriving at this building's end, alongside the spoiler given at the end of the last post. So, stay tuned, and enjoy!

 

[MOG2012]

I hope to see West Indian Manatees, Caribbean Reef aquariums (spiny lobsters, angelfish, groupers, parrotfish, etc.), Cuban tree frogs, Caribbean turtles, Aruba Island rattlesnakes, parrots, knob-scaled lizard, lesser Antillean Iguana, grand cayman blue iguana, Caribbean land hermit crab, galliwasps, anoles, coqui frogs, Puerto Rican crested toad, Serrated casquehead iguana, etc. The Caribbean is unfairly, underrepresented in zoos with lots of diversity, especially in birds, and herps

 

[Van Beal]

Continuing along past the butterfly greenhouse, visitors come across four terrarium habitats which are much rockier than prior terrariums, while also being less arboreally-centered. The first and third tanks in the row share similar dimensions, being roughly 1m x 0.5m and 1m vertically, while the other two tanks are 2.5m x 1.5m x 2m roughly. All four habitats have the same scrubby plants throughout, on a substrate mix of sand and pea gravel. The two smaller habitats respectively host Aruba Island Rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor (2.6 total, 0.3 on exhibit) and Honduran Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis (1.1, rotational), while the larger habitats respectively host Lesser Antillean Iguana delicatissima (0.3) and Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Cyclura lewisi (0.3), with both iguana varieties have 2.2 individuals kept off-display.
Next door to these rocky terrariums, visitors are re-immersed into the tropical jungle ecosystem typically associated with South America. A total of six habitats are in this row, with the three largest being identical sizewise in floor surface to the iguana tanks, while being half the height due to the lack of arboreal species. The fourth tank keeps the floor measurements of the rattlesnake tanks, while increasing the height to 1.5m, and the last two tanks with rough dimensions of 0.6m x 0.6m x 1m. All six habitats are well planted, with a false-rock backdrop allowing growth of vines and other climbing plants. Corkwood branches are used to support other vines in the three arboreal habitats, and small pools are found in the floor of all six tanks. The larger three tanks are respectively home to Knob-scaled Lizard Xenosaurus grandis (1.3), Haitian Giant Galliwasp Caribicus warreni (1.1), and Puerto Rican Crested Toad Bufo lemur (3.5). The fourth tank provides a home to a group of Cuban Tree Frog Osteopilus septentrionalis (3.9), and the final two habitats respectively house Yellow-headed Gecko Gonatodes albogularis fuscus (0.5) and Puerto Rican Coqui Eleutherodactylus coqui (2.18).

Possible Look of Snake Habitats
Image Credit -> @Zoofan15

Possible Look of Iguana Habitats
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Aruba Island Rattlesnake
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Honduran Milksnake
Image Source -> Alexandria Zoo website Honduran Milk Snake | Alexandria Zoo

Lesser Antillean Iguana
Image Credit -> @gulogulogulo

Grand Cayman Blue Iguana
Image Credit -> @OkapiFan

Possible Look of Terrestrial Herp Tanks
Image Credit -> @SivatheriumGuy

Possible Look of Arboreal Herp Tanks
Image Credit -> @TinoPup

Knob-scaled Lizard
Image Credit -> @DesertTortoise

Haitian Giant Galliwasp
Image Credit -> @Sicarius

Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Image Credit -> @evilmonkey239

Cuban Tree Frog
Image Credit -> @Ituri

Yellow-headed Gecko
Image Credit -> @ronnienl

Puerto Rican Coqui
Image Credit -> @Maguari

Between the last series of ten exhibits and the two that will conclude this post, I have done some rearranging of the order in which certain exhibits occur in order to make at least a little bit of sense. That said, the previous habitats were the last which are solely land-based, and we now come to the two which give a transition between the terrestrial and aquatic portions of our journey. The first of the two habitats is a 2 sq. meter and 1m high mangrove replica, designed with a shallow saltwater area atop the sandy substrate. While this water is not all that deep, it is deep enough for the inhabiting Caribbean Hermit Crab Coenobita clypeatus (0.0.4) to submerge themselves, while the mangrove roots allow them to gain an elevated refuge. Numerous shells of varying sizes are scattered along the sand to accommodate the growth of both our crabs and the population in the tank.
Their next-door neighbors are found in a much larger habitat. Viewable first above the surface and then again below the surface of the water, this 15. sq. meter habitat is split roughly 50/50 in terms of terrestrial and aquatic space. There is roughly 1m from the land area to the roof of the tank, and 1m of depth to the aquatic portion of the habitat. Floating branches and small rock islands allow basking near the water, while large flat rocks and an open sandy area allow land basking space for our groups of Cuban Slider Trachemys decussata (6.6) and Hickatee Dermatemys mawaii (2.2).

Possible Look of Hermit Crab Exhibit
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

Caribbean Hermit Crab
Image Credit -> @hmb_zoo

Possible Look of Turtle Display
Image Credit -> @Hvedekorn

Cuban Slider
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Hickatee
Image Credit -> @d1am0ndback

And with that, we conclude the portion of the pavilion regarding life on land from the countries in and around the Caribbean Sea. In the next post, we dive into the sea itself, with a quick stop in a particular collection of Mexican lakes. But for now, I leave you, so stay tuned and enjoy!

 

[Van Beal]

I hope to see West Indian Manatees, Caribbean Reef aquariums (spiny lobsters, angelfish, groupers, parrotfish, etc.), Cuban tree frogs, Caribbean turtles, Aruba Island rattlesnakes, parrots, knob-scaled lizard, lesser Antillean Iguana, grand cayman blue iguana, Caribbean land hermit crab, galliwasps, anoles, coqui frogs, Puerto Rican crested toad, Serrated casquehead iguana, etc. The Caribbean is unfairly, underrepresented in zoos with lots of diversity, especially in birds, and herps

While I do see a lot of species on your list which do occur on mine, I did unfortunately brush right over the inclusion of parrots in this area.

 

[Van Beal]

The current post is not one with content (that will come later), but a question for those in the spec zoo community or those who are just more adept with the general features of the site than I am.
I've seen in some spec zoos, specifically the absolute zoo thread by @Haliaeetus, with superscript. How exactly do I get superscript?

 

[Van Beal]

Passing by the turtle and hermit crab habitats, visitors take the dive, first visiting the lakes and canals of Mexico City. Living in a tank of just over 1,050 gallons is our breeding colony of the critically endangered Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum (5.5). The tank itself is quite well decorated, with sunken logs and small caves atop the sand-gravel substrate, while smaller patches of aquatic plants grow throughout as well. A backdrop mimicking underwater rocks entangled with tree roots provides additional secretive refuges for these unique amphibians.

Top: Possible Look of Axolotl Tank
Bottom: Axolotl
Image Credits -> @SivatheriumGuy

The lighting transitions from the more typical white LED lights to a blue light, transitioning visitors to the depths of the Caribbean Sea itself. The first two tanks are for solitary fish species, both of which deliver toxins through spines on their bodies. Both the tanks are 250 gallons, and decorated with nothing but a coral-encrusted rock formation on a sandy tank bottom. The first of these tanks hosts a species not native to the Caribbean, but the invasive Red Lionfish Pterois volitans (1.0), while the neighboring tank is home to a Spotted Scorpionfish Scorpaena plumieri (1.0).
The next tank increases quite drastically in size, being 6,500 gallons. The sandy substrate remains, and various coral-encrusted rock formations dotted across the tank floor. The walls of the tank, unlike the previous smaller tanks, continue the coral-encrusted rock look. Lacking in any further decoration due to the size of the inhabitants, the tank suits the nature of our Black Grouper Mycteroperca bonaci (0.4) group, who are without a male for the time being.
Continuing the walk along the Caribbean reefs, we arrive at the largest tank of the four we've seen so far. At 27,000 gallons, the reef's vibrant colors seem to shimmer in the artificial lighting within the tank. The floor of the tank is sandy, quite suitable for the group of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus (4.4) to explore, oftentimes hiding beneath the reef itself. Meanwhile, swimming around amid the reef, visitors can spot four species of tropical fish, being the Powder Blue Tang Acanthurus leucosternon (15.15), Queen Angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris (2.2), Spanish Hog Fish Bodianus rufus (1.1), and Redband Parrotfish Sparisoma aurofrenatum (1.5).

Possible Look of Smaller Tanks
Image Credit -> @ralph

Possible Look of Grouper Tank
Image Credit -> @lintworm

Possible Look of Community Reef Tank
Image Credit -> @CarnotaurusSastrei

Red Lionfish
Image Credit -> @Grizzly Hound

Spotted Scorpionfish (top) and Black Grouper (bottom)
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Image Credit -> @BerdNerd

Powder Blue Tang
Image Credit -> @Daniel Sörensen

Queen Angelfish
Image Credit -> @evilmonkey239

Spanish Hog Fish
Image Credit -> @ralph

Redband Parrotfish
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

Coming up ahead, a massive, 5m long curving window emits a dim glow as you enter into the most anticipated portion of this building... I think. The previously mentioned window is the only view into a 130,000 gallon tank dedicated to the building's most lovable sirenians, being the Florida Manatee Trichesus manatus latirostris (0.3), often seen grazing the seagrass which grows on the sandy floor of the tank. While these individuals are the Floridian subspecies, much of the signage in this particular portion of the zoo refers to these animals as West Indian manatees, strictly because the manatees found in the Caribbean are a different subspecies from the ones held at the zoo. These animals are three of the zoo's eight rehabbing manatees currently on-display, with the other five kept in the zoo's Everglades section (to be viewed later). While all the attention lies on the manatees, visitors might also spot our school of Lookdown Selene vomer (0.0.40) gliding along.

Possible Look of Manatee Habitat
Image Credit -> @snowleopard

Florida Manatee
Image Credit -> @Moebelle

Lookdown
Image Credit -> @Coelacanth18

As we leave behind the manatees, we are plunged momentarily into darkness. This is for the habitat off to the visitor's left-hand side, being a long and narrow 350 sq. meter habitat that curves along with the guest path as it slowly leads to the exit of the Caribbean Pavilion. Mulch, leaf litter, and soil provide the substrate to a dense forest of fruit-bearing trees, meant to replicate the ideal feeding grounds of the Jamaican Fruit Bat Artibeus jamaicensis (2.10). Openings in the rocky back wall lead to backstage and sleeping areas for the bats, which they have access to at all times.

Possible Look of Fruit Bat Enclosure
Image Credit -> @Mr.Weasel

Jamaican Fruit Bat
Image Credit -> @Giant Eland

And with that, opening the door back into the outside world, we conclude the Central American/Caribbean Islands region of the zoo. Heading down the path to your right will bring you back toward the South American zone, while heading off to your left will lead to our next stop... North America! The second of our five continental zone, this one has five defined subsections, and we will be starting with the North American deserts subsection.
But that will have to wait for the next post, so stay tuned, and enjoy!

 

[Van Beal]

Today we will be getting the first portion of the North American desert toured, however I do have a map update first, as I am pleased to say that the outdoor portion of the Caribbean Islands has been mapped out and is in the Fantasy Zoos section of the media page.

Continuing along from the end of the Caribbean Pavilion, visitors continue (assumedly to the left) toward the beginning of the North American region, and into the hot and sandy deserts of the continent's southwestern region. Numerous native desert plants are planted throughout the area, both in contained gardens and as general landscaping.
This journey through the desert makes its first stop beneath a large arching sandstone butte which shelters visitors from the sun and provides the first viewing area into the 2,750 sq. meter habitat dominated by a large cliff which combines the use of sandstone and false rock, much like the butte you currently stand under. The habitat, roughly 1m below the level of the viewing area, is rather open besides the cliff, with a few dead trees and bushes scattered across. This environment, though seeming inhospitable, is perfect for our small herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni (1.4).

Possible Look of Bighorn Habitat
Image Credit -> @Milwaukee Man

Desert Bighorn Sheep
Image Credit -> @RatioTile

A short walk from the first bighorn viewing area, visitors get another, not shaded viewing area, just a little ways from the area's indoor portion (yes, yet another indoor portion). The inclusion of the indoor area, aside from the housing of our smaller species, is to maintain our species in a humidity range which is more suitable for the animals than can be kept outside in the zoo's location. Additionally, the building's climate control system is designed to mimic the day-night temperature swings of the desert, something that will eventually be well-known to visitors when our nighttime tours open up sometime in the near future.
However, before we enter our climate-controlled desert, visitors look into two habitats, one to each side of the door. These habitats, at 350 sq. meters, are both home to smaller mammalian predators, namely the Bobcat Lynx rufus (2.1) to the right and Swift Fox Vulpes velox (0.1) to the left. In the case of the bobcat, it's a mother with her two cubs while the male lives inside, meanwhile the swift fox is a rotation of the male and female between the indoor and outdoor habitats. Both outdoor habitats are mesh-enclosed to ensure both species remain contained, while visitors are kept from contact with the mesh by a fence made from dead branches and harp wire. The habitats are rather simply designed, with a sandy substrate while dead trees and rocky outcroppings create numerous options for elevation, and shelters which are heated by solar-powered heaters activating only at night. Additionally, the animals have access to off-display buildings, just visible behind the main habitats if you look hard enough.

Possible Look of Desert Predator Habitats
Image Credit -> @Coelacanth18

Bobcat
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Swift Fox
Image Credit -> @Evirapo

And with that, we enter the American Desert Complex, to a separate room for viewing of the indoor quarters for the fox and bobcat, with their inhabiting individuals likely hidden away, making it a suitable way to end off our tour for now. For next we will delve deeper into the desert, and discover the many interesting species which call these barren regions home. But for now I leave, so stay tuned and enjoy!

Possible View into Indoor Fox and Bobcat Quarters
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

 

[Van Beal]

We return, a little later than intended, to the American Desert Complex, where we pass through a set of doors. Not the super heavy metal doors but rather a lighter door still too heavy for any birds to escape, in this case specifically a similar type to those formerly seen in the Toronto Zoo's walkthrough aviaries.
Regardless of the type of doors, visitors push through and into our 2,500 sq. meter walkthrough desert aviary. In the few dead trees that do provide elevated roosting space, visitors can often spot the zoo's flock of Inca Dove Columbina inca (6.6). While not perching for long, there is another species often seen in flight around the aviary. However, they are more often hovering around nectar feeders or our flowering cacti, as such a species as the Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae (4.4) often does. These airborne jewels are among the smallest avian species the zoo provides a home to, and are always a sight to see for many visitors. Meanwhile, numerous species can be seen roaming the sandy floor of the aviary, amid rocks and fallen trees. The most easily spotted of the three species are the Common Ground-dove Columbina passerina passerina (5.5), while Gambel's Callipepla gambeli and Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata, each kept in bachelorette flocks of 0.4 individuals, tend to stay toward the sheltered areas of the aviary.

Possible Look of Walkthrough Aviary
Image Credit -> @Mr Gharial

Inca Dove
Image Credit -> @MagicYoung

Costa's Hummingbird
Image Credit -> @Julio C Castro

Top: Common Ground-dove
Bottom: Scaled Quail
Image Credit -> @vogelcommando

Gambel's Quail
Image Credit -> @Arizona Docent

After exiting the walkthrough, visitors are shown a 200 sq. meter habitat designed to look as though it is built on two different shelves of rock, the lower of which is pockmarked with abandoned gopher holes. The two shelves are connected by a gradual incline, allowing our group of Sonoran Desert Tortoise Gopherus morafkai (2.2) to make the climb from the lower portion to the higher portion. This slope also makes it easier for the first of their habitat-mates, being our lone Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus (0.1), to make it up to the second level, though her ability to fly makes this more of a convenience than a necessity in her case. While it might be assumed this is all the habitat has to offer, signage gives visitors that extra prod to look toward the back of the habitat, toward a large sheltered area carved into the canyon wall backdrop of the habitat. This is because you can often spot our adult Colorado River or Sonoran Desert Toad Incilius alvarius (3.3) group lazing about around the mouth of the shaded area. This group of toads, specifically the dominant breeding pair, has produced 0.0.14 offspring, all of which are intended to be shipped away to other facilities.

Possible Look of Mixed Roadrunner Habitat
Image Credit -> @KevinB

Sonoran Desert Tortoise
Image Credit -> @Ituri

Greater Roadrunner
Image Credit -> @biggiesmalls

Colorado River Toad
Image Credit -> @Breckenridge

And with that, visitors arrive at the mouth of what is meant to be an old abandoned mineshaft (yes, just like the ones in the old Western movies) full of the desert's creepiest, crawliest, and... fishiest?
Well, to find out just what I mean, you'll have to wait for the next time, so for now I hope you enjoy and stay tuned!

 

[Paul.Haerle]

Regardless of the type of doors, visitors push through and into our 2,500 sq. meter walkthrough desert aviary. In the few dead trees that do provide elevated roosting space, visitors can often spot the zoo's flock of Inca Dove Columbina inca (6.6). While not perching for long, there is another species often seen in flight around the aviary. However, they are more often hovering around nectar feeders or our flowering cacti, as such a species as the Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae (4.4) often does. These airborne jewels are among the smallest avian species the zoo provides a home to, and are always a sight to see for many visitors. Meanwhile, numerous species can be seen roaming the sandy floor of the aviary, amid rocks and fallen trees. The most easily spotted of the three species are the Common Ground-dove Columbina passerina passerina (5.5), while Gambel's Callipepla gambeli and Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata, each kept in bachelorette flocks of 0.4 individuals, tend to stay toward the sheltered areas of the aviary.

Hummingbirds are very territorial and they would also kill each other.
Inca Dove and Common Ground Dove could cross.

 

[Van Beal]

Is the hummingbird thing males specifically or would it be in general? And how many could I keep in the space?
As for the Inca and Common Ground Dove, both populations remain the same by numbers, but both are female-only flocks (so 0.12 for the Inca and 0.10 for the Ground-dove), with 6.0 Inca and 4.0 Common Ground individuals off-display.

 

[Paul.Haerle]

Is the hummingbird thing males specifically or would it be in general? And how many could I keep in the space?

It's a general hummingbird problem.
I think, you could ceep one; they also don't work in big greenhouse as a group