Hello everyone! I’m moving my previous Omaha speculative masterplan thread here. This has been the product of a lot of effort, so thoughts/criticisms would be appreciated! A lot of it is made up of design ideas as well in order to better show what ideas I have in mind.
Hello everyone! I’m moving my previous Omaha speculative masterplan thread here. This has been the product of a lot of effort, so thoughts/criticisms would be appreciated! A lot of it is made up of design ideas as well in order to better show what ideas I have in mind.
Decided to move this to ZooChat, in case anyone had any ideas. I will be posting this in three segments. Credit to Zain Ahmed and several friends and staff at the Omaha Zoo for their ideas.
This is my purely hypothetical, but realistic, masterplan for Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. I will only be covering outdoor exhibits in this doc, however depending on whether or not there is enough content I may add another doc for indoor exhibits. This masterplan is based on several other zoos, as well as the forgotten elements of the zoo's 2010 masterplan. In order to contain my ideas, I have used a similar species roster, however have reimagined many of the original ideas. References will be included as much as possible to add to the realism. An additional Planet Zoo recreation will be coming soon! Enjoy.
Table of Contents
Part A - African Grasslands and Asian Highlands - A New Vision
Part B - The Americas
Part C - Forests of Africa and Children’s Zoo
Part One - African Grasslands and Asian Highlands - A New Vision
Phase 1. African Grasslands
The savannas of Africa are home to the most charismatic megafauna on Earth - elephants, lions, and giraffes to name a few. Bringing the African Grasslands to Omaha was one of the most groundbreaking events in zoo history, and for good reason. However, there is always room for improvement, and many keystone species that call the savannah home deserve inclusions.
Okavango Delta
Bringing Nile hippopotamus to Omaha is a substantial task, but a much anticipated one. Their presence is sorely missed, and by converting the current lagoon to an exhibit for them, we could provide ample room for a herd of them.
The skeleton of the exhibit still exists from a time when nile hippos were a planned species in the zoo's masterplan. Instead of using it for the hippos it was originally planned to house, the exhibit might be better suited for nile crocodiles.
Transform the lagoon to create a swamp resembling the Okavango valley, with the long outdated monkey island being demolished to suit the hippos. As hippos spend a significant amount of time on land as well, a pasture would be built for them on the hillside next to the current bongo exhibit.
Overall, a great emphasis across the zoo should be placed on immersion. Foliage and scenery from the respective ecoregions would be implemented all across the zoo, adding to the more naturalistic feel.
The trail splits into three segments - open savanna (hoofstock, cheetahs, elephants) , swamp (hippopotamus, crocodiles), and acacia woodland (rhinoceros, lions, hyenas, painted dogs).
Acacia Woodland
The remaining area from the current bongo exhibit would be used to house African wild dogs. They would be given an open forested yard that allowed for viewing into some of the herbivore paddocks. The Bronx Zoo’s excellent exhibit would be used as inspiration.
While the savanna would have no new species added, it would be the most radically transformed. In order to make room for the Andean Foothills, the giraffe house would be moved to where the kopje now stands and would be totally remodeled to create a realistic African experience.
North of the modern lion exhibit would be an exhibit for the spotted hyena. As apex predators of the savannah, these misunderstood predators are a sorely missed species at the zoo.
The exhibit itself would mirror that of the lions, allowing for possible rotation. Keeper chats would be hosted here as well. I'd use Busch Gardens for inspiration.
Finishing off the acacia woodlands would be a renovated lion exhibit. While the exhibit may be one of the most aesthetically appealing exhibits in the nation, there is hardly any visibility for guests or ground room for the lions. The exhibit would be more open and provide several more vantage points for guests.
A new kopje will be built alongside the lions and hyenas, functioning as a sort of playground which would allow children to see the predators above, below, and at eye level through small glass windows
The giraffe building will resemble the giraffe houses in the Bronx and London, and will house several species of African native birds in addition to its mammalian inhabitants.
Instead of the current loop, the entire area would be reimagined to resemble a small African trail crossing the Serengeti. The initial overlook would be kept, but a flight of stairs would allow for most of the exhibit to be viewed as ground level, and the borders of the exhibit to be obscured by plant life. An elevator in the giraffe house could also be provided. Across the zoo, most of the hilly terrain will be modified to ease walking ability.
Both the outdoor giraffe and elephant exhibits would receive minor changes.
The level viewing of the giraffe exhibit will be bordered with a small lagoon, similar to the exhibit at Fort Worth. This would allow the giraffes to come much closer to the visitors, giving a true sense of their height.
The current elephant exhibit is a photographer's nightmare, since the lack of room in the first half makes it so visitors must look directly down on the elephants. Raising the exhibit and using a fence like San Diego wouldn't entirely eliminate the Issues, but could help.
Much like the giraffe building, the elephant quarters will be renovated not only for more room during the winter season, but also to hold various smaller species.
Savanna Grasslands
The cheetahs would be moved into a more open exhibit where the African pygmy goats are kept.
As a savanna dwelling species, allowing them to overlook the kudu and ostrich would greatly enrich the experience of both animals and visitors.
The zoo's white rhinos will be moved into the previous cheetah exhibit with some heavy modifications.
The zoo's elephant program has resulted in several calves, and because of this the elephant yards should be expanded accordingly. The outdoor exhibit would receive several minor expansions wherever possible in order to suit their needs. The Elephant Herd Rooms would also be remodeled to resemble the new giraffe barn.
At this point the zoo is not fit for another bull to be introduced to the herd, but I'd be open to a new exhibit being set aside for a bull.
Species Included (new species in bold) - outdoor
African Elephant, Plains Zebra - L. loxodonta, E. quagga
African Wild Dog - L. pictus
Cheetah - A. jubatus
Common Ostrich, Lesser Kudu, Reticulated Giraffe - S. camelus, T. imberbis G. camelopardus, C. simum
The Asian Highlands is one of the zoo’s most popular exhibit complexes, and often regarded as one of the best of its kind. My reimagination of the Asian Highlands would bring even more immersion and cultural elements, as well adding to the zoo’s animal collection.
The cramped exhibits at the front would be demolished, and their inhabitants moved elsewhere.
Most of it will be converted to bamboo forest, however both the current red panda and tufted deer exhibits will stay with major renovations. If possible, they can be combined in order to create a “Himalayan forest” display.
Much like the African Grasslands, I would drastically renovate the entire exhibit complex to resemble the montane forests of the Himalayas, adding more vegetation and cultural artifacts wherever possible.
Historically, the Omaha Zoo has kept several large herds of gaur. In fact, we may still keep them behind the scenes at the ex. situ Wildlife Safari Park. While the original reason for their phase out is unknown, I could see gaur returning in the near future.
The previous gaur yard would be expanded, and would be modified into a dry pasture/forest, similar to the one at The Bronx. Depending on how much room is required the species could be a train exclusive, adding some incentive to use it.
As we have two rhinoceros species at the moment, I’d plan to phase out the current indian rhinoceros to create a yard for bactrian camels. Being cold desert camels, the exhibit will appear like an open, raised Tibetan plain with sparse plant life and scenery.
The sloth bear exhibit will be cleared into another tiger yard. As we have two tigers currently, this would allow for both Luka and Isabella to be on display at once. While I’d hate to see them go, even the current tiger yard is constrained for space and both cats consistently engage in repetitive behaviors.
While probably not spacious enough to facilitate the sloth bears, the Foggy Forest could be used as another yard for the snow leopards. An overhead crossing like Louisville should suit them well.
Both of the cat exhibits, as well as the takin yard, will be completely remodeled, with the snow leopard exhibit in particular being opened up and having much of the thick mesh removed for a San Diego aviary style.
The exhibits would be renovated to provide better viewing of both the snow leopard and tiger exhibits from other angles. Alongside both of them would be indoor buildings and viewing pagodas, with several different species of reptiles and birds inside as well as underwater viewing for the tigers.
While being the closest viable option, amur tigers are not actually found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia which the Asian Highlands was built to resemble. The exhibit could be modified to resemble the habitat of the extinct Caspian Tiger, which once roamed Central Asia. Despite this, tigers have been successfully reintroduced into Kazakhstan and now thrive in their ancient haunts. This would not only give the exhibit more conservation value but help represent an area of Asia not commonly exhibited in American zoos.
The snow leopards would be given a view into the takin exhibit, which would be expanded to house bharal instead of the unseen goral.
Species Included (new species in bold) - outdoor only
Bactrian Camel - C. bactrianus
Bharal, Takin - P. nayaur, B. taxicolor
Gaur - B. gaurus
Red Panda, Tufted Deer - A. fulgens, E. cephalophus
Even with the African Grasslands and Asian Highlands reimagined, my plan would continue on to add several new exhibits. Staying with the 2010 masterplan, much of glacier bay landing and some of the previous gaur yard would be demolished in order to create a new state of the art exhibit for the largest land carnivore, the polar bear.
Phase 1 - Arctic Tundra
Polar bears are notoriously hard to keep, and Omaha’s climate is not a perfect environment for them. There would be ample cooled water across the exhibits in order to keep them comfortable.
The exhibit will be split into two parts, one coastal and one land-based. Heavy inspiration for the coastal exhibit would be taken from North Carolina Zoo, as pictured below. Underwater viewing would be provided, as well as an overlook into both exhibits where keeper chats would be hosted.
Much like in Africa, a staircase would be built in order to cut down walking distance. Arrival through elevator would also be possible from the Hubbard Orangutan Forest.
Not only would the exhibit be visible from eye level, but a viewing tower would be created alongside a “research station” in order to educate guests about the plight of polar bears in the wild.
The tundra exhibit concept is one of a kind, and would resemble the open steppe, with forest in the background. Slightly larger than the coastal exhibit, it would cover much of the previous gaur paddock.
Both yards will rotate a male and female, potentially bringing in cubs as well. If at all possible, use rescues.
The path to sea lion shores and the new polar bear exhibit would be connected, however some of the extremely large current sea lion pool would have to be demolished in order to provide room for the new Equatorial African exhibit. To fit the theme, the California sea lions should be replaced with their massive northern cousin, the steller sea lion. A new underwater viewing would be added along the training stage.
Species Included (new species in bold) - outdoor only
With the giraffe building moved and the okapis on their way to the Equatorial Africa complex, a substantial amount of room would be left over for future exhibits. One of my ideas was to combine the Lied Jungle with an outdoor exhibit, representing some of South America’s megafauna.
While most South American exhibits only cover the Amazon rainforest, my goal would be to give a spotlight to one of South America’s most biodiverse regions - the cloud forests of the Andes. The rich indigenous history of the area would be reflected in unique architecture, and dense fog would be created using mist.
A Chilean exhibit for cougars would be built near the entrance. The San Diego style would be used here as well, and the exhibit would feature both desert foliage, rockwork, and ruins.
The goal of the exhibit would be to travel “the spine” of the Andes, from the highest, most desolate peaks to the lowlands and tropics. While improbable, bringing Chilean cougars to the zoo specifically would greatly add to the aesthetic.
Across from the pumas will be a pond for Chilean flamingos. Much like the African Grasslands, the exhibit complex would be split into four zones - patagonia (cougars, chilean flamingos) the cloud forest (alpacas, llamas, spectacled bears), the cerrado (anteaters, maned wolves), and the pantanal (jaguars).
A large, open exhibit will feature llamas and alpacas. Their yards would be some of the largest in the entire exhibit complex, with several rocky hills covered in sparse vegetation. Feeding opportunities for guests would be provided as well.
Where the birthday house once stood, the hallmark of the Andes, the spectacled bear, would get several dense, misty exhibits showcasing their climbing ability given the proper opportunities. Visitors will look both up and down at the bears from multiple vantage points. The herbivorous bears would be able to climb through Incan architecture and canopy alike above the visitor’s heads. Inside of these ruins will be a playground and an archeology site, complete with several species of monkeys, birds, and snakes inside.
A quality Brazilian restaurant would be created here in honor of the Cerrado, with educational material depicting the vast destruction of the grasslands and jungle by ranchers. So as not to endorse the meat industry, all options would be vegan.
The giant anteater will occupy an exhibit next to the dining area, covered by fake termite mounds and native plant life.
Among the high grass would be an exhibit for the maned wolf. They would be given an enclosure similar to the maned wolf exhibit at Endangered Wolf Center, with plenty of foliage and rockwork to hide behind. Visitors could come in close contact with the canines, with them potentially being used as an ambassador species as well.
As warm weather animals, jaguars would need some sort of indoor housing, whether on or off display. The cats would receive their own ecoregion - the pantanal.
Much like the Andean bear exhibit, this is first of its kind and would require unique innovation. The cats would be visible from a moat, showcasing their aquatic nature. Most of the exhibit would be dense jungle, however close-up viewing would be possible along the shoreline.
Ultimately this leads into a second, more modern, entrance for the Lied Jungle would be created at the end of the trail (where the new birthday house will be built).
Species Included (new species in bold) - outdoor only
For years, the empty cat complex land has been left empty with several ideas coming and going as for what to do with it.
Much like the 2010 masterplan, I have chosen to turn it into Equatorial Africa, representing fauna from the Congo, the native home of the gorilla.
The exhibit would provide outdoor viewing for the apes, as well as several unique ungulate species.
Heavy inspiration would be taken from other works such as Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx, which goes to show that outdoor tropical exhibits can be done even in these conditions.
A winding path will take guests through a deep, old growth forest with several hoofstock exhibits featuring red river hogs, bongos, and okapis.
The gorilla yards will be totally refurbished to resemble their natural habitat, once again taking inspiration from Congo Gorilla Forest.
The duiker exhibit would be repurposed as gorilla space, and the trail would allow for viewpoints into several gorilla yards.
Eventually all of the paths would cross into the existing Hubbard Gorilla Valley.
Species Included
Bongo. Red River Hog - T. eurycerus, P. porcus
Okapi - O. johnstoni
Western Gorilla - G. gorilla
Children's Zoo
One of the most expensive but least speciose construction projects in recent years has been the Children’s Zoo, a several acre attraction with playgrounds and petting zoos.
While it is a money maker, the main purpose of zoos is to educate visitors, and so given the chance, I’d include several of the scrapped species once planned for the area.
The goat yard will be transformed into a little penguin beach. I'd do something similar to the exhibit at San Diego with rockwork in the background and a large pool with underwater viewing in front. As the zoo still keeps this species behind the scenes, it shouldn’t be difficult to obtain them.
The domestic species inhabiting the petting yard will be moved to the center of adventure trails, and be exhibited in a naturalistic style allowing visitors to learn about the process of domestication and its results.
Next up would be an exhibit for the north american river otter. Much like the penguins, this exhibit would feature an underwater viewing with rockwork in the background.
The area where the budgie aviary is now could work as a potential site.
Species Included - non domestic only
African Penguin
Black Tailed Prairie Dog - C. ludovicianus
North American River Otter - L. canadensis
Finishing Touches
Even though the face of the zoo wouldn't change much, the path system needs a rework. Long stretches of path without exhibits or shade or going up hills aren't a viable option for many people. The path system would be split into smaller fragments and shortcuts featuring particular ecoregions, as opposed to the current layout.
Expedition Madagascar will receive a complete facelift and outdoor exhibit space will be given to the majority of its inhabitants. Large, San Diego style lemur exhibits will be available for them during the summer with the current indoor exhibits only being used during the winter. The only segments of the building open to the general public during the summer will be those for nocturnal species such as aye ayes and mouse lemurs. As this document is only meant to represent outdoor exhibits, I will not go into extensive detail on the indoor exhibits just yet.
The aviary in particular would get a rework, discarding the modern look for a more naturalistic one.
The several joint Southeast Asian exhibits (orangutans, siamangs, etc) would be known as the “Asian Forest” (much like their African counterpart). Both the orangutan and siamang outdoor exhibits would get a complete facelift to reflect the animal's natural habitats.
As a species that has been historically important to the zoo, I’d love to see the sun bear make a return. However, with the Asian Highlands area constrained for space, if impossible there a new exhibit could be built in some of the empty land outside the Asian Forest’s outdoor orangutan enclosures. As they are a phase-out species, the exhibit would be built in a way that several other species could be kept if sun bears were unable to be required, ideally other primates or birds. Despite this, the exhibit would still emphasize the bear’s need and become intertwined with the Asian Forest or Highland complexes.
Komodo dragons would be a perfect inclusion to the zoo. An outdoor exhibit outside of the Wild Kingdom Pavilion accompanied by an indoor area could be established for winter weather holding.
Species Included: (new species in bold)
Komodo Dragon - V. komodoensis
Sun Bear - H. malayanus
Other potential species:
Australian species such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and tasmanian devils
North American species such as grizzlies, wolves, sea otters, and elk
Leopards in either outdoor African exhibit
Giant pandas, an unlikely species albeit one with a minor chance of inclusion
Original Species Count (Terrestrial Megafauna) - 28
