North Carolina Zoo North Carolina Zoo - New Exhibits

Actually its finances and future potential is looking a lot better than 8 years ago...they have finally received some support from the state and annual attendance is up.
 
Nigel said:
I have my doubts that for the majority of the time the elephants are kept indoors over Winter .
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Elephants can handle very cold temperatures. At Cleveland Zoo they let the elephants go out when it is below freezing temperature and allow the elephants to play in the snow. Elephants are pretty adaptable creatures and in their homeland in Africa it does get cold at night. I don't think just because an elephant is in a colder climate it will be locked inside more, it just means it will have enrichment that a zoo in the South cannot offer snow!! In Cleveland the elephants still go out daily. I don't think in any zoo (except Alaska), that the elephants would be locked up 24/7 in the winter. Most if not all zoos allow their elephants to go out 1 time per day even if it is just for 30 minutes.
 
okapikpr said:
Just to note that North Carolina Zoo is funded by the state of North Carolina. Its original plans included areas to represent the rest of the world. However, state funding only continued through the African and North American areas. This new construction is an act of reinvigoration for the zoo in terms of attendance (which was in great decline when planning for the renovation began) and fundraising (this zoo had poor marketing and little fundraising). The reason to update the elephant and rhino areas was to restart previously unsuccessful breeding programs in hope to attract visitors (baby elephants and rhinos have rock star status in the US) and thus possibly fund and excite a new master plan. If the state sees that the zoo is very popular, they are more likely to throw more money towards the zoo. I too am very excited to see those rhinos i worked with in that valley with the other hoofstock.
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Just a few comments (and an update) on a few months-old chain about the North Carolina Zoo -- one of my favorites. In my 1994 book (The Zoo Book: A Guide to America's Best), I called this zoo, "The 21st Century's Best Zoo", and the zoo then used my quote in its advertising. My claim was based on what Okapikpr said (above) -- that they planned on continuing the excellent continental themes that they already have with their African and North American areas. They intended to add (about every 10 years) equally excellent and expansive sections dedicated to the animals of Asia, South America, Australia, and even Europe! Had then been able to do this, my above claim would have been true. But, as Okapikpr pointed out, the state funding dried up and they've struggled lately. Thankfully, things now seem to be turning around, with the new Watani Grasslands exhibit. It is sad, however, to know the African Pavilion is closing down. Back in 1994, I ranked this exhibit among the Top 25 zoo exhibits in America.

By the way, I will likely be visiting the North Carolina Zoo next week, probably on December 30th. If I remember, I'll post my thoughts on the new Watani Grasslands exhibit.
 
ANyhuis said:
By the way, I will likely be visiting the North Carolina Zoo next week, probably on December 30th. If I remember, I'll post my thoughts on the new Watani Grasslands exhibit.
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That is the same day I am going to Miami Metrozoo!
 
snowleopard said:
Charlotte Local News | Charlotte Observer

After reading about the brand-new, massive new exhibits for white rhinos and african elephants, plus all of the upcoming plans for future developments, this article shatters some of those illusions and paints a bleaker portrait of the zoo. There is only the one elderly polar bear left in an exhibit that is outdated and contains a leaky pool. The African Pavilion is only 24 years old but is being torn down, and can the zoo really raise another $30 million to build a new one? There are many exciting projects on the horizon, but I worry about the finances and infrastructure of this institution.
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At last the Zoo is preparing to start work on expanding the polar bear exhibit.
https://www.ips.state.nc.us/ips/AGENCY/PDF/06598500.pdf
 
It's great to see that the new exhibit will be 2.5 times larger than the current one.
 
ANyhuis said:
By the way, I will likely be visiting the North Carolina Zoo next week, probably on December 30th. If I remember, I'll post my thoughts on the new Watani Grasslands exhibit.
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By the way -- I'm back from my big 5-day Southern trip, in which I toured 9 aquariums and zoos. But unfortunately, I didn't make it to the North Carolina Zoo.
 
Allen: how about a new thead with a brief recap of each of the 9 that you visited? I'm not asking for mammoth reviews and photos (although that would be nice), but I'm amazed that you saw so many places in only 5 days.
 
snowleopard said:
Allen: how about a new thead with a brief recap of each of the 9 that you visited? I'm not asking for mammoth reviews and photos (although that would be nice), but I'm amazed that you saw so many places in only 5 days.
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OK, as I have time (I'm way behind on "life" right now). Quickee summary: I think the Georgia Aquarium is the best aquarium I've EVER seen! Those whale sharks are amazing! Those who dislike zoos or aquariums that are not super-serious with "childish fun" will not like this place. For the rest of us, the place is AMAZING! Here's an indication: It's super expensive ($27 for adults), yet it's absolutely packed with people!
 
The largest aquarium in the world, and definitely one of the best. I was astonished when I saw the 6 million gallon whale shark tank last summer, and agree with your assessment of the establishment. I still prefer the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago but those two and Monterey Bay are all absolutely outstanding!
 
snowleopard said:
The largest aquarium in the world, and definitely one of the best. I was astonished when I saw the 6 million gallon whale shark tank last summer, and agree with your assessment of the establishment. I still prefer the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago but those two and Monterey Bay are all absolutely outstanding!
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Despite living only 3 hours away, I haven't been to Shedd in over a decade. As it was back then, it was NO comparison to Georgia. But maybe it's changed a lot since then. I've got to get to see it again.
 
I dont think they have a date set yet...I do know they are trying to receive state funding for part of the construction costs and it may be part of a state government stimulus package this year.
 
I sure hope the zoo should have more African animals including hippos, Nile crocodiles, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hyenas, mandrills, colobus monkeys, meerkats, cape buffaloes, okapis, yellow-backed duikers, African penguins, and the return of warthogs.
 
That is a very long wish list ..., but is it realistic? :confused:

I thought the N.C. Zoo was working now on other biogeographical regions?
 
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