Otocolobus
Member
Renowned for its success with breeding giant anteaters and now clouded leopards, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is one of the youngest zoos in the country. Natural habitats and immersion-style exhibits predominate making this a must-see zoo for the enthusiast. Nashville has successfully applied the latest techniques in zoo design to develop a zoo that will appeal to all ages. Lush vegetation is evident as one enters the zoo and two bird exhibits (Hyacinth macaws and red-crowned cranes) are the first animals that one comes across. As you continue, you arrive at the Entry Plaza, which is somewhat reminiscent of the latest developments at the San Diego Wild Animal Park - and therefore reflects a very pleasant environment. On the left, two large islands are the homes for pairs of white-cheeked gibbons and siamangs, respectively - both pairs 'sing' daily at around 11.30am. Continuing to the left, an extensive sloping enclosure is home to a large group of meerkats (described by several authorities as being the best meerkat enclosure in the US). Next door reside a pair of saddle-billed storks in another large exhibit with ample opportunities for these birds to wade. 'Unseen New World' includes much of Nashville's reptile and amphibian collection, its aquarium, and a small bat exhibit. This is not my area of interest or expertise but the collection is presented well. Exiting this exhibit, you face a small lake with an extensive multi-acre paddock behind - this is home to a group of 8 female Damara zebra (some of which may be pregnant), common eland, and ostrich. As you ascend a gentle gradient, you have multiple opportunities to overlook this expansive area. The first exhibit on this path is that for the giant anteater - a single female is currently on display (her partner was removed a month or so ago) as she is expected to give birth some time later this week. Mother and baby are anticipated to remain on exhibit until later in the year when temperatures fall. This enclosure has also recently housed African hunting dogs and I also believe cheetahs and is a very good size so be prepared to return to make sure you see the occupant. Once at the top of the hill, there is a very pleasant overlook of the zebra paddock. Now heading downhill, two tiger sisters (one orange, one white) are exhbited in a large valley and are the first animals that you come across. These are followed by a breeding pair of lynx and subsequently by a large group of alligators. Following the path, you arrive at Bamboo Trail with multiple enclosures surrounded by a dense bamboo forest. Rhinoceros hornbills and Koi carp are followed by an Asian pavillion holding clouded leopards and a red panda. This pair of cloudies are the most photogenic animals of their species that I have ever encountered (visit first thing on a morning or just prior to closing and you will see what I mean). In my personal opinion, this is the best clouded leopard enclosure in the nation (better than the one on Asia Trail in Washington DC and the exhibit in San Diego on Monkey Trails and Forest Tales that unfortunately no longer holds these animals). I literally have travelled thousands of miles and have spent days at a time with these cats and have yet to be disappointed! The cloudie enclosure is glass-fronted (with a 12 foot x 6 foot viewing window ) and invisinet fencing has been used for the three remaining sides and roof - the same also applies to the red panda exhibit. Other exhbitis on the trail include ring-tailed lemur, cassowary, and Schmidt's guenon. As you leave the trail, another large valley is home to a pair of unrelated male cougars. As you complete the loop, homes can be found for African crested porcupines and a multi-species exhbit for mountain bongo and an East African crowned crane. Heading back towards to 'Unseen New World', you pass 'Critter Encounters' - in essence the petting zoo - but home for the next few months to a trio of clouded leopard cubs (born to an off-exhbit breeding pair that arrived from Thailand in 2008). Don't miss out on visiting these cubs - certainly if you're anywhere in the vicinity, I would strongly recommend that you consider stopping by. Other residents include alpaca, young Bactrian camels, donkeys, goats, and aviaries for yellow-billed hornbills and spectacled owls. As discussed in another 'stream', the elephant and giraffe enclosures are both first-class (covering 3 acres and 1.5 acres, respectively) - immersion exhbits again at their very best! Also in this area of the zoo is the home of the red river hogs and a free-flight aviary with large numbers of lorikeets. For the kids, an animal carousel and an extensive Jungle Gym are available and for the adults tours of the historic Croft House and Farm (with further breeds of domesticated animals). In addition to the animals on display, mention must also be made of the off-exhibit giant anteater breeding facility which is outstanding (and currently holds approximately 10 of these beautiful animals) as well as the parents of the clouded leopard cubs.
In summary, Nashville appears to be a Zoo that is going places - their expertise is evident and the keeping staff extremely knowledgable and hard-working. I wish you continued success!
In summary, Nashville appears to be a Zoo that is going places - their expertise is evident and the keeping staff extremely knowledgable and hard-working. I wish you continued success!
