jusko88
Well-Known Member
If you enjoy zoos the Peoria zoo in Illinois is definitely something to check out. To get to the first exhibit you must walk thru the brand new gift shop. The first section of the zoo is the Asia!. The first exhibit is a nice and spacious enclosure for Amur Tigers. Lots of enrichment for the tigers. There were 2 cubs in the exhibit and they were wrestling around and playing. Next is a exhibit for Peacock and Reeves Muntjac. I wouldn't say the best exhibit but definitely suitable for the species that inhabit the enclousure. The last exhibit in this section is a Sichuan Takin exhibit. The exhibit has 2 big rocks for them to go on. a lot of room for them to move around in. A wooden pool with a plastic tube for them to headbutt. all and all a decent enclousure and section of the zoo. Next up is a brand new Australia walk thru. The former Emu exhibit will be home to Dingos. In the walk thru there are Red necked wallaby and Parma wallaby. I nice Emu exhibit with black swans in with them. A kookaburra exhibit and a walk thru Budgerigar exhibit. You can feed the Budgerigar for $1. Next You come upon The Tropic building and a outdoor California sea lion exhibit. Didn't see any sea lions but my guess its only suitable for only 1 or 2 at most. The tropics building was nice. Exhibit quality was fantastic. lots of enrichment for all the animals. Animals in the building are Papuan hornbill,Southern three-banded armadillo,Ring-tailed lemur,Northern tree shrew,Mongoose lemur,Greater spear-nosed bat,Cotton-top tamarin,Black-handed spider monkey,African crested porcupine,Slender-tailed meerkat,Green tree python,New Caledonia giant gecko,Alligator snapping turtle,Standing's day gecko, a mixed exhibit with Gila Monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard,Spotted python,South American Red Footed Tortoise,Dumeril’s Boa Constrictor,Burmese Python, Common Boa Constrictor,Pueblan Milksnake,Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth, Bali Mynah and vinegaroon. Next Up and last section I did is Africa! this is my favorite of all. I did miss the rest of the zoo which is childrens/concervation center. This Africa exhibit can go up against any African exhibit in any zoo. It made me feel like I was in Africa. First up is A small African Hut called the Africa! Small Animal Building. animals found in this building were Black and rufous elephant shrew,Taveta Golden Weaver, (THE ONLY ZOO TO HAVE ON DISPLAY IN THE UNITED STATES) Giant Zambian Mole Rat,Madagascar tree boa,African pancake tortoise, Zebra Mouse, Madagascar hissing cockroach and Dung Beetle. Great collection and Great Style of exhibits. Next is the bigger exhibits of Africa. first is a nice spacious grass area for Aldabra Tortoise. Then 2 primate enclosures. one for a pair of Mandrills and the other is a mixed Eastern black-and-white colobus/ Red River Hog exhibit. Both are great. lots of climbing opportunities for both species of primates and spacious. Next is a great Kopje style African Lion exhibit. It has the Predator/Prey theme style exhibit to as the lions look onto a mixed exhibit with Sothern White Rhino and Grevy Zebra. lots of room for to roam and 3 mud holes for the rhinos to wallow in. The Back exhibit is the biggest exhibit of them all. It contains a male and female Reticulated Giraffe.Theres a tall hut for shade. A big barn for the winter and night. and lots of room for the 2 giraffes to roam. theres also one male Southern Gerenuk and 4 Thompsons Gazelles. I can definitely see the Zoo expanded in this area to bring in more animals. Theres a large moat that divides the tortoises and lions from the Rhinos and zebras. In my opinion they could divide in even moreand put crocs in that area. All and all if your in the western part of Illinois and looking for something to do, definitely The Peoria Zoo is a must see. This is my first review so I hope all you zoochatters enjoyed. thanks matt
