Phoenix Zoo Phoenix Zoo News

Good News, it will be the first since 1981 ! It seems, the printed guidebook has a small comeback in the Usa, so also Philadelphia, Cleveland and the Boston Aquarium have produced new guidebooks after a break of many years.
 
The Phoenix Zoo has reached its fundraising goal of $22.5 million for PHASE I of their Capital Campaign. The two remaining projects in this phase are the Doornbos Volunteer and Administrative Center which will be a centralized workplace for staff and volunteers, and the Sumatran Tiger exhibit, which will allow the zoo to increase their holdings of this endangered species. The volunteer and administrative center will break ground in January 2014, while the tiger exhibit will break ground come April, 2014.

The zoo also teased PHASE II of the capital campaign which promises, "projects to enhance the Africa Trail, Tropics Trail, Conservation Center and a 500-seat Children’s Trail amphitheater. In all, it will comprise 11 projects totaling $12.1 million."

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/pdf/press/10-15-13 - Phoenix Zoo Reaches Goal for Capital Campaign.pdf
 
First I have heard of a phase 2 - nice to see. Of course I am anxiously awaiting the new tiger exhibit. (If they have the money now, why is start of construction half a year away?).
 
Hi everyone! We're glad you are all as excited about the completion of Phase I as we are!

When it comes to the start of construction for these projects there is a lot that has to be completed first. Finalizing plans, getting the correct permits, contracts, etc are just some of the things that have to be completed prior to breaking ground. We also take things into consideration like how the construction will affect things on grounds such as guest experiences and safety. Tiger, for example, will be a project taking place along main trail areas in a high traffic area within the Zoo.

We hope this helps shed some light on the process!
 
Arizona Docent said:
Ahh, phooey. I say just sketch out a plan on a napkin and then grab a bunch of shovels and go at it! :D
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I like the way you think! A co-worker and I joked the other day that we should go to the zoo with a couple of shovels and start digging. I'm glad we're not the only two wanting it to happen. Ugh. April for ground-breaking? How long will t take to finish?
 
azcheetah2 said:
How long will t take to finish?
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At this point it is too early for us to put an exact completion date on the project since there is so much involved with a large project such as this. Even when we are able to establish an estimated date that can change depending on if any complications arise during construction or even if things go faster than originally planned.

Once construction does begin we'll be posting updates on our website and social media so you'll always be able to stay up to date on the progress of the project.
 
I plan on being there a week from tomorrow. Hope there's something to look forward to :)
 
Arizona Docent said:
I just got an email blast stating (among other things) that the zoo is producing an official guidebook to celebrate their 50th anniversary. It will be on sale starting next month.
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Beckon Books has been publishing a lot of zoo guidebooks for American zoos and aquariums during the past couple of years and I've bought them all. The Phoenix Zoo guidebook is a large, glossy souvenir publication that is very colourful, has 50 pages, and it gives a nice overview of the zoo. I would recommend it to any zoo nerd.:)
 
Sorry to have bummed you out azcheetah2. But look at their passing as a chance for renewal at the zoo. Im sure given the passing of Ratel the zoo began discussions with the cheetah ssp to find replacements. Theres a ton of cubs right now at the National Zoo and if not those cubs they could import from South Africa. Imports would mean definite breeding possiblities due to unrelated bloodlines. Im sure they have already been looking at their options. You will have new cheetahs to bond with sooner or later... or maybe welcome a brand new species?

Again sorry to have made you sad. Hope it doesnt put a big downer on your day.
 
It's okay. I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. We've been cheetah-less before, but it was during a period of time when I didn't go to the zoo at all. The article said there were plans to get another cheetah, which is good, but it said it could take awhile, which sucks. However, as you pointed out, National Zoo does have an abundance of Cheetahs right now and I imagine they're running out of space or will be soon. As far as a new species? I hope not. It's too small for hoofstock, which we already have an abundance of, and too big for a smaller cat species such as sand cat. And the animal would have to be a warm climate-type because of our hot summers. We've had breeding Cheetahs before, but that was when they were able to maintain two separate yards for them. When the female died, they put African Wild Dogs in the other exhibit and they're still there.

Yes, it did put a damper on my morning, but that's okay. I appreciate the consideration. :)
 
Ok so breeding is out. But there is always the hope of more surplus or overrepresented males. Here in Toronto we have 10 cheetahs. Mostly unbreedable animals due to age and relation within Canada. We could use some young unrelated stock too. I feel your pain at a lack of cheetah cubs. We havent had any since 2009 and the odds are not good for any until we have a die off.
 
Wow, 10? You should send a couple of the younger males down south to Phoenix. :D Juma and Ratel were never deemed breedable because SSP said their genes were "well represented" from their mom and sister in Oregon. So maybe that's what we need to do. Do a 4 way trade with Toronto, National Zoo, Phoenix Zoo and Wildlife Safari. Although I'm not sure what Phoenix has to trade, but that's unimportant right now. hahaha. If only it were that easy. But a co-worker and I have decided that a pair of brothers (or even 3, the exhibit is big enough) would be more welcome for us than a lone female. Probably because we're used to having the two, but really, we'll take a lone female, too. :) Even better...a pregnant female. hahahaha. :D

San Diego WAP (aka safari park) has a decent number of Cheetahs, too, but the adults are all in their breeding program (although they're not breeding and haven't produced any cubs in about 2 years) and the youngsters are part of their ambassador prorgram. It's funny that there's that many Cheetahs out there, but we're being told it could be a long process to get more and they've stuck some Kori Bustards in this huge cheetah exhibit. <sigh>
 
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