Bengal Tiger
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If you’re looking for small nocturnal species still, just try and find some rodents
Re-Imagining New England's Zoos
- Thread starter 15399
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- master plan zoo rebuild
Any updates or new additions Neil?
Sure. The third zoo I will cover is the Stone Zoo. I'll gather my thoughts and describe it later today, as this zoo will have the fewest changes.
For the Stone Zoo, there are only a few areas that I believe warrant changes, and this is perhaps the most realistic of any of my proposed re-imaginings.
-The Caribbean Coast area is one of the strongest zoo areas I've ever seen, especially for a small zoo. The Flamingo aviary is phenomenal, but I would enhance it by adding West Indian Whistling Ducks, Black-crowned Night Herons, and Roseate Spoonbills, as well as the zoo's Linneaus Two-toed Sloths. The Bush dog habitat and Jamaican Iguana habitat will be maintained, and a small standalone aviary will be added for Crested Quail-Doves.
The Treasures of the Sierra Madre is another strong area. Both the peccary and Jaguar habitats are very nice, and while nothing special the small habitats for peregrine falcon, Roadrunner, coati, etc are perfectly fine. I would add an additional habitat for black-tailed Prarie dogs, and replace the cougars with ocelots, so that the zoo can compare/contrast them with the Jaguars next door. These ocelots would be relocated from the Franklin Park Zoo.
The Animal Discovery Center, Windows to the Wild, Bird Show area, and Treetops & Riverbends are the zoo's weaker areas. These areas of the zoo would be completely gutted, and replaced with more modern areas. The Windows to the Wild would be replaced with a new Desert Dome exhibit, an idea that I'm really fascinated by and wish more Zoos would implement. In order to fit better with the thematic of the rest of the zoo, this Desert Dome will purely focus on species from The Americas, and will not be to re-home species from Treasures of the Sierra Madre. Instead, this area will feature new species, including Nine-banded Armadillo, Swift Fox, Burrowing Owls, Montezuma Quail, Desert Tortoise, Mexican Beaded Lizard, San Esteban Chuckwalla, Common Vampire Bat, and multiple Rattlesnake species. All of the species would live in large, naturalistic enclosures- with the quail/tortoise and Beaded Lizard/chuckwalla as mixed species exhibits. While lacking any real crowd-bringers (like other Desert Domes I've proposed), this would serve as a very nice addition to the zoo and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Desert.
The Bird Show/Animal Discovery Center/Treetops & Riverbends area would become a new area called South America: Beyond the Amazon, featuring South American fauna from a variety of South American habitats. A mixed species habitat will feature Maned Wolves and Guanaco, while a large, streamside habitat will house Andean Bears. Smaller habitats will house Chilean Pudu, Magellanic Penguins/Inca Terns/Grey Gulls, and a Waterfowl Aviary. These five habitats will bring some unique and popular species to an underutilized area of the zoo.
The markhor exhibit in Himalayan Highlands will be turned into a mixed species habitat, with both Turkmenian Markhor and Sichuan Takin. Other than that, these areas of the zoo will remain the same, along with the wolf exhibit, crane habitats, and much of Yukon Creek. The only change to Yukon Creek would be replacing the black bears with a new North American River Otter habitat.
-The Caribbean Coast area is one of the strongest zoo areas I've ever seen, especially for a small zoo. The Flamingo aviary is phenomenal, but I would enhance it by adding West Indian Whistling Ducks, Black-crowned Night Herons, and Roseate Spoonbills, as well as the zoo's Linneaus Two-toed Sloths. The Bush dog habitat and Jamaican Iguana habitat will be maintained, and a small standalone aviary will be added for Crested Quail-Doves.
The Treasures of the Sierra Madre is another strong area. Both the peccary and Jaguar habitats are very nice, and while nothing special the small habitats for peregrine falcon, Roadrunner, coati, etc are perfectly fine. I would add an additional habitat for black-tailed Prarie dogs, and replace the cougars with ocelots, so that the zoo can compare/contrast them with the Jaguars next door. These ocelots would be relocated from the Franklin Park Zoo.
The Animal Discovery Center, Windows to the Wild, Bird Show area, and Treetops & Riverbends are the zoo's weaker areas. These areas of the zoo would be completely gutted, and replaced with more modern areas. The Windows to the Wild would be replaced with a new Desert Dome exhibit, an idea that I'm really fascinated by and wish more Zoos would implement. In order to fit better with the thematic of the rest of the zoo, this Desert Dome will purely focus on species from The Americas, and will not be to re-home species from Treasures of the Sierra Madre. Instead, this area will feature new species, including Nine-banded Armadillo, Swift Fox, Burrowing Owls, Montezuma Quail, Desert Tortoise, Mexican Beaded Lizard, San Esteban Chuckwalla, Common Vampire Bat, and multiple Rattlesnake species. All of the species would live in large, naturalistic enclosures- with the quail/tortoise and Beaded Lizard/chuckwalla as mixed species exhibits. While lacking any real crowd-bringers (like other Desert Domes I've proposed), this would serve as a very nice addition to the zoo and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Desert.
The Bird Show/Animal Discovery Center/Treetops & Riverbends area would become a new area called South America: Beyond the Amazon, featuring South American fauna from a variety of South American habitats. A mixed species habitat will feature Maned Wolves and Guanaco, while a large, streamside habitat will house Andean Bears. Smaller habitats will house Chilean Pudu, Magellanic Penguins/Inca Terns/Grey Gulls, and a Waterfowl Aviary. These five habitats will bring some unique and popular species to an underutilized area of the zoo.
The markhor exhibit in Himalayan Highlands will be turned into a mixed species habitat, with both Turkmenian Markhor and Sichuan Takin. Other than that, these areas of the zoo will remain the same, along with the wolf exhibit, crane habitats, and much of Yukon Creek. The only change to Yukon Creek would be replacing the black bears with a new North American River Otter habitat.
Between the two zoos under Zoo New England, Stone has highlights like bears, otters, jaguars, etc. while Franklin Park has gorillas, giraffes, lions, etc. Bears are a big ticket draw (it was a beloved polar bear named Major who basically saved Stone Zoo), so only thing I'd suggest for your plan would be to convert the bear habitat from being netted over to having a moat, and adding a new river otter exhibit nearby that would be separated by another hidden moat. I do like the concept of Yukon Creek as a whole as well, and would probably add more species if possible (moose would be a BIG ticket draw, only issue would be CWD)
Edit: nvm, just saw that you suggested Andean bears, but if Beardsley is opening up a new habitat for them doesn't that make Stone less unique... then again, Buttonwood has black bears as well. Hmm...
I don't think the andean bears would be an issue. I might be wrong, but it seems to me like Beardsley Zoo and Stone Zoo are far enough apart to not compete with each other. SZ is north of Boston, so I'd imagine that they get most of their visitors from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and possibly Vermont. Beardsley Zoo on the other hand is in southwestern Connecticut, meaning people from ME, NH, and VT would have to travel across two states just to get there. This seems like a pretty long trip for an average visitor to take just to go to a small zoo, so I would assume that the two zoos get their visitors from different geographic sections of New England and therefore are not competing with each other in the way you have suggested.
Yeah- Beardsley and Stone are definitely not competition. Well over two hours apart from each other. Hence why I've never been to Beardsley, and won't be featuring it in this thread.
I don't understand where a barn would go for the giraffes and other hoofstock at RWPZ? Behind the tortoise are is the lake. The only feasible place to put a barn would be where the muntjac are encroaching towards the zoo's vet building. This would make the path to the playground area a dead-end space.
~Thylo
~Thylo
Yeah, I guess that location choice wasn't a very good choice. The barn could take over part of the pronghorn habitat, and possibly the muntjac habitat as well.
I will also say that looking at it with fresh eyes, there are a few parts of my Roger Williams proposal I'm no longer happy with. I'll go back and make some modifications to it next.
As promised, I will go back and re-work some of my ideas for the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
- I stand by constructing a new African Elephant Journey area, with elephants, lions, ruppel's Vulture, and patas monkey. This reworking of Africa will stand as proposed. Furthermore, I will continue with the retheme of North America into African Savanna, featuring wild dogs, striped hyenas, and a large mixed species savanna. In addition, the seal exhibit will be renovated as per the official masterplan, but instead of bighorn sheep will feature gelada and klipspringer.
- the proposed changes to the farm area is one place I'd like to change my plans. Instead of being a third African section, I would rather see the zoo purely focus on bringing penguins back: in the form of a seabirds aviary. This seabirds aviary will be themed to the South American Coast, and feature Magellanic Penguins, Inca Terns, and Grey Gulls. This area would segue into Faces nicely, in a sort of South American themed zone.
- The interior of Faces I will continue to keep the same as it is now, except for some minor changes and adding some more birds (like boat-billed Herons, green-backed trogons, and oropendolas). The outdoor areas would warrant some changes, however. I'd personally change them to match the original plan more- expanding the anteater habitat so they mix with maned Wolves, and building a walk-through Flamingo exhibit on the other side. This Flamingo exhibit would mix the zoo's Chilean Flamingos with South American Waterfowl, such as Coscoroba Swan. Adding more Waterfowl would bring some more interest to this exhibit, and feature some more bird species that can be outdoors year-round. Another aviary would be constructed, returning the king vultures to this area.
- "World of Adaptations" should return to its Australasian roots. The interior of the building is rather solid, but could benefit from an overall. The komodo, Tree Kangaroo, tortoise, and hornbill habitats would all be demolished- making way for a large mixed-species habitat for Matschie's Tree Kangaroo, Tammar Wallaby, and Queensland Koala. The Snake-necked Turtle habitat can stay as is (but replacing the tree boas with carpet python). The aviary would also stay, but be changed changed feature blue-crowned Laughing Thrush. I'd also like to see the former indoor Chinese Alligator habitat reutilized, housing a Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat. The outdoor trail is very solid, and doesn't need much work in my opinion. The babirusa habitat would stay as is, and the binturong habitat would be renovated for Clouded Leopards. The otter habitat should be replaced for something that's a better geographical fit, perhaps Fishing cat would be a good choice. The Wallaby habitat is a nice habitat, but since Wallabies were moved indoors, this area would be turned into a habitat for Southern Cassowary. The aviary would return to its original walk-through style, and feature Raggiana Bird of Paradise, among with the bird species currently featured inside the building (jambu fruit Dove, Bali mynah). A chevrotain will also be added.
- I actually am okay with the idea of turning the education center into a reptile house. Originally I would've torn down the building, but if it's cheaper to renovate, I think that's actually a solid idea.
- I've also become more sold on the idea of the tiger exhibit on Marco Polo Trail, and would continue with that as the zoo plans. Other than that, Marco Polo Trail can stay as is, with the Panda, crane, takin, and snow Leopard. Asiatic Black Bears would be replaced with Sloth Bears, as they're the species being prioritized by the AZA. At the end of the trail/current Snowy Owl area, a primate habitat would be constructed for Japanese macaques, sort of as a standalone exhibit.
- I'd also like to return to the original plan for Big Backyard, and in addition to other New England species I would add a habitat for New England Cottontails, a species the zoo works with behind the scenes. It'd also be ideal, if space allows, to find a way to work red Wolves into this complex, since I feel bad phasing out this critically endangered species the zoo does a lot of work with.
If you moved the ocelots to SZ, what species would you put in the ocelot habitat at Franklin Park?
I'm not 100% sure yet, but will describe my plans when I do Franklin Park Zoo. I'm thinking possibly some sort of primate, since the ocelots are often hard to see in that habitat and a primate would be more active- but there are other species I'm considering as well (like Clouded Leopard or Binturong).
Maybe move the binturong from RWPZ to FPZ?
Well since the two zoos are not connected, it wouldn't necessarily be as simple as those exact animals switching zoos- but the species is one I'm considering, for a Franklin Park Zoo plan that resembles a modernized version of a plan from 50 years ago.
Franklin Park Zoo is the New England Zoo I feel could benefit the most drastically from major changes. While the changes I'd like to see at other zoos are relatively modest, the Franklin Park Zoo provides an interesting opportunity for a major overhaul. This new masterplan will feature eight different areas:
- Nature's Neighborhoods (only slight modifications to the existing area).
- Re-opening of the Hoofstock Yards.
- A Bird's World (slight modifications only)
- A new habitat located behind A Bird's World.
And a re-vamped version of the 1970's masterplan, with four large domes:
- Existing, updated Tropical Forest Dome.
- Grasslands Dome, connected to Giraffe Savanna
- Desert Dome, located on top of or attached to the Kangaroo exhibit.
- Freshwater Dome, location TBD, either on top of the farm or on top of the zebra/Wildebeest habitat.
I will make more posts looking more in depth at all of these proposed areas.
- Nature's Neighborhoods (only slight modifications to the existing area).
- Re-opening of the Hoofstock Yards.
- A Bird's World (slight modifications only)
- A new habitat located behind A Bird's World.
And a re-vamped version of the 1970's masterplan, with four large domes:
- Existing, updated Tropical Forest Dome.
- Grasslands Dome, connected to Giraffe Savanna
- Desert Dome, located on top of or attached to the Kangaroo exhibit.
- Freshwater Dome, location TBD, either on top of the farm or on top of the zebra/Wildebeest habitat.
I will make more posts looking more in depth at all of these proposed areas.
I'll mainly focus on the Domes, but first will describe all of the other habitats in the zoo:
- Nature's Neighborhoods and the adjacent Farm area will remain. While far from the zoo's best area, there's nothing inherently wrong with this area so it'd stay generally as is. I would like to see red-billed blue Magpies and a few Pheasant species incorporated into the walk-through aviary though.
- A Bird's World is a habitat that there's only only much that can be done with it, so will stay relatively similar to now. The first wetlands aviary is decent and a good Waterfowl exhibit, and the aracari exhibit is also fine. The gouldian finches would be replaced with a more interesting species, namely Carmine Bee-eaters and Spotted Dikkop. These two would fit the exhibit well and be a nice addition to the zoo. Other than that, I'd continuously maintain a solid collection but make no major changes. The andean condor aviary would stay, as it's an incredible habitat for the species, and the crane/Kea habitats would stay as well. The area behind birds world would be turned into the outdoor adjacent habitats for the Desert Dome, which would replace the Outback area.
The lion exhibit will actually stay, although at first I didn't intend for it to. Since across from the lion exhibit will be the new Grasslands Dome outdoor habitats, this habitat will actually fit in nicely. The moat will be filled in to expand the exhibit, adding in more glass viewing.
The return of the hoofstock yards is perhaps the most notable non-dome change to the zoo. Some of These yards would include hoofstock, though some would be used for various large birds and other animals as well. These yards would house, among others:
- Transcapian Urial
- Siberian Crane (already at zoo)
- Wattled Crane (already at zoo)
- Sarus Crane
- Kori Bustard (already at zoo)
- Roan Antelope
- various other cold-tolerant ungulate species. These yards would all be reserved for cold-tolerant species that can be outdoors for most of the year. I would have also added White-lipped Deer to the list, but CWD would prevent them from entering the state. I'm also not sure what other Caprids would be reasonable additions, as most have very small numbers and I don't want to duplicate with Stone (markhor) or Roger Williams (takin).
The first of these four Domes is the Tropical Forest, which is the one already in existence. While not perfect, this Dome is still a highlight of the zoo and renovating it would be a costly endeavor with resources better allocated to other projects. And with an outdoor gorilla exhibit opening, the biggest flaw of this habitat is being taken care of. Here are my proposals:
- Replace the ring-tailed lemurs with a more unarguably Rainforest species. Specifically, I'm thinking of Brown Capuchins, possibly mixed with Black-capped Squirrel Monkeys.
- Make the Pygmy Hippo expansion into the old capybara exhibit permanent, giving them access to both exhibits at all times.
- Replacing the ocelots with a Clouded Leopard, and incorporate more climbing opportunities to the habitat.
- Expand the Saddlebill Stork habitat to encompass the current Giant Anteater habitat as well. Start breeding this species.
- When the potto dies, replace it with Pygmy Slow Loris.
- Expand the Dome's freeflight bird collection, to include species such as Great Blue Turaco, Crested Oropendolas, Taveta Golden Weavers, Metallic Starlings, Nicobar Pigeons, and more. The latter four species would all be displayed in very large groups. Similarly, the Bats would continue to be maintained in this large colonial fashion.
- Replace the spotted Hyena habitat with one for Sloth Bears.
- Replace the ring-tailed lemurs with a more unarguably Rainforest species. Specifically, I'm thinking of Brown Capuchins, possibly mixed with Black-capped Squirrel Monkeys.
- Make the Pygmy Hippo expansion into the old capybara exhibit permanent, giving them access to both exhibits at all times.
- Replacing the ocelots with a Clouded Leopard, and incorporate more climbing opportunities to the habitat.
- Expand the Saddlebill Stork habitat to encompass the current Giant Anteater habitat as well. Start breeding this species.
- When the potto dies, replace it with Pygmy Slow Loris.
- Expand the Dome's freeflight bird collection, to include species such as Great Blue Turaco, Crested Oropendolas, Taveta Golden Weavers, Metallic Starlings, Nicobar Pigeons, and more. The latter four species would all be displayed in very large groups. Similarly, the Bats would continue to be maintained in this large colonial fashion.
- Replace the spotted Hyena habitat with one for Sloth Bears.
The largest of the domes is the 3.5 acre Grasslands Dome, located behind the Giraffe Savanna. This Dome is also connected to two additional outdoor habitats, located across from the lions and camels. Both of these habitat would be half an acre large and offer rotational access with the other three large habitats of the dome. The Dome will be split into four continental zonesn each featuring one large habitat and multiple smaller habitats surrounding it:
- Africa (Masai Giraffe/Grevy's Zebra)
- Australia (Red and Western Grey Kangaroos)
- South America (Giant Anteater/Maned Wolf)
- North America (Pronghorn/Turkey Vulture).
Each of these sections would feature multiple smaller habitats surrounding the large one:
Africa would feature a mixed species exhibit for cape porcupine/common warthog, and feature a large aviary for Southern ground hornbills. African Rock Python, this domes only reptile, is also in this section. The largest of these habitats would be a naturalistic serval enclosure, while a highlight would certainly be the aardvarks, who would have a second habitat in the central section of the dome: The Burrow, featuring "underground" habitats for Burrowing animals from each of the four continents, Burrowing Owls and Six-banded Armadillos of South America, Black-footed Ferrets
and Black-tailed Prarie Dogs of North America, and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats of Australia. Each of these Burrowing animals would also have access to an "above-ground" habitat. Other habitats will also be featured in each section. North America will have a large aviary for a pair of Attwater's Prarie Chickens, along with the free-flight Turkey Vultures mixed with the pronghorn. (Only the pronghorn have outdoor access). South America would also feature a habitat for Elegant-crested Tinamous. Australia is the only continent lacking other habitats, only featuring the Wombats and kangaroos. However, more Australian species will be featured in the Deserts Dome I will cover soon.
- Africa (Masai Giraffe/Grevy's Zebra)
- Australia (Red and Western Grey Kangaroos)
- South America (Giant Anteater/Maned Wolf)
- North America (Pronghorn/Turkey Vulture).
Each of these sections would feature multiple smaller habitats surrounding the large one:
Africa would feature a mixed species exhibit for cape porcupine/common warthog, and feature a large aviary for Southern ground hornbills. African Rock Python, this domes only reptile, is also in this section. The largest of these habitats would be a naturalistic serval enclosure, while a highlight would certainly be the aardvarks, who would have a second habitat in the central section of the dome: The Burrow, featuring "underground" habitats for Burrowing animals from each of the four continents, Burrowing Owls and Six-banded Armadillos of South America, Black-footed Ferrets
and Black-tailed Prarie Dogs of North America, and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats of Australia. Each of these Burrowing animals would also have access to an "above-ground" habitat. Other habitats will also be featured in each section. North America will have a large aviary for a pair of Attwater's Prarie Chickens, along with the free-flight Turkey Vultures mixed with the pronghorn. (Only the pronghorn have outdoor access). South America would also feature a habitat for Elegant-crested Tinamous. Australia is the only continent lacking other habitats, only featuring the Wombats and kangaroos. However, more Australian species will be featured in the Deserts Dome I will cover soon.
One exciting addition would be the 2.5 Acre Deserts Dome, located on what now is the Outback Exhibit. This new building would be much larger than Omaha's exhibit, allowing it (along with the new Grasslands Dome) to put Franklin Park Zoo on the map. The only outdoor habitat would be a large paddock behind the bird house for gemsbok and springbok. These two Desert antelope would be great additions to the zoo, and an easy use for currently unutilized space. Unlike the animals in Grasslands Dome, there will not be an indoor habitat for the gemsbok/springbok.
Similar to the Tropics Dome, the Deserts Dome will not be split into continental regions, and rather feature species from multiple continents all in habitats surrounding one "focal habitat". For this Dome, the focal habitat would be for a herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep, an SSP animal that would make a great addition to the zoo. It would also be nice to see this species kept in another zoo outside its native range, and being in the dome would eliminate the climate concerns preventing this. Similar to the Tropical Forest, there will be a few other large habitats in the dome as well. One of these houses a small herd of Speke's Gazelle, a small SSP Gazelle species desperately in need of more holders. Another would hold a group of Chacoan Peccaries, a species ZooNewEngland already works with at Stone Zoo. Similar to how the Omaha Desert Dome has a few predator prey set-ups, the spekes Gazelle would be overlooked by a striped Hyena habitat, adding another rare species to an already impressive Dome. Depending on their requirements, I would be open to providing an outdoor Hyena habitat as well, but aren't sure how much this would be necessary, as the indoor habitat would be very spacious. These three habitats would all be very large, providing interesting opportunities to see some rare species. The rarest zoo species in this Dome, however, would be yellow-footed rock Wallabies. I would love to see more holders of this species, and would be thrilled if they came to Franklin Park! Alternatively, a different Wallaby species could be used instead. Other habitats in this Dome would be smaller, and house:
While no animals in here are as blatantly popular as the giraffes/kangaroos of the Grasslands Dome, or the gorillas/Pygmy hippo of the Tropical Forest, I think that enough popular species were included to make this an incredible addition to any zoo, that would truly be a standout exhibit.
Similar to the Tropics Dome, the Deserts Dome will not be split into continental regions, and rather feature species from multiple continents all in habitats surrounding one "focal habitat". For this Dome, the focal habitat would be for a herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep, an SSP animal that would make a great addition to the zoo. It would also be nice to see this species kept in another zoo outside its native range, and being in the dome would eliminate the climate concerns preventing this. Similar to the Tropical Forest, there will be a few other large habitats in the dome as well. One of these houses a small herd of Speke's Gazelle, a small SSP Gazelle species desperately in need of more holders. Another would hold a group of Chacoan Peccaries, a species ZooNewEngland already works with at Stone Zoo. Similar to how the Omaha Desert Dome has a few predator prey set-ups, the spekes Gazelle would be overlooked by a striped Hyena habitat, adding another rare species to an already impressive Dome. Depending on their requirements, I would be open to providing an outdoor Hyena habitat as well, but aren't sure how much this would be necessary, as the indoor habitat would be very spacious. These three habitats would all be very large, providing interesting opportunities to see some rare species. The rarest zoo species in this Dome, however, would be yellow-footed rock Wallabies. I would love to see more holders of this species, and would be thrilled if they came to Franklin Park! Alternatively, a different Wallaby species could be used instead. Other habitats in this Dome would be smaller, and house:
- Klipspringer, rocky habitat above the Meerkat habitat, allows plenty of climbing opportunities for this incredible antelope.
- Slender-tailed Meerkats, in a habitat that includes Burrowing areas with viewable underground tunnels (sort of like a larger scale version of a naked mole rat habitat, in addition to the standard Meerkat habitat)
- Swift Fox, standard small carnivore habitat
- White-headed Buffalo Weavers/Montezuma Quail, a mixed-species aviary that could potentially hold other species as well.
- Black-footed Cats, two exhibits for a breeding pair.
- Grey Mouse Lemur/Spider Tortoise, a Nocturnal exhibit
- Common Vampire Bat, a Nocturnal exhibit
While no animals in here are as blatantly popular as the giraffes/kangaroos of the Grasslands Dome, or the gorillas/Pygmy hippo of the Tropical Forest, I think that enough popular species were included to make this an incredible addition to any zoo, that would truly be a standout exhibit.
The smallest of the new domes will be the 2-acre Freshwater Dome, located between the Giddy Up Grill and Playground. Unlike the other domes, this one will be much more focused on smaller animals, with a plethora of terrariums/Aquariums. Since I'm not a big fish person, not every aquarium will be mentioned. New England lacks any institution with a major freshwater collection, meaning this could be a very unique opportunity for Franklin Park.
The main highlight of the dome would be the zoo's rescued West Indian Manatees, bringing in another species that is not found in any New England Zoo. This large habitat will essentially be a larger, freshwater version of Columbus' Manatee Coast, and will be mixed with some fish species if possible. Next to the Manatee habitat would be another highlight of the dome, Giant River Otters. While Roger Williams does keep this species, it presents Franklin an opportunity to exhibit a popular species in a much better, more naturalistic enclosure. After the Giant Otters, another naturalistic enclosure will feature a species that the Stone Zoo already keeps, in desperate need of new holders: Bush Dogs. While not as obviously aquatic as some of the other animals in the dome, I still think they fit the theme of the dome and would be a great addition to the zoo. Across from the Bush dogs would be a large, naturalistic habitat designed after the Amazon River Basin, housing a group of Capybaras. Interestingly enough, this capybara habitat will also feature underwater viewing- a feature shared with the Manatee and otter habitats as well. The capybaras would share their habitat with Giant South American River Turtles and a variety of birds, namely Boat-billed Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Ringed Teal, Brazilian Teal, White-faced Whistling Duck, Orinoco Goose, and Scarlet Ibis. All of these aquatic bird species will be great additions to this Dome and add interest to the capybara habitat. In this neotropical part of the dome, there will be a variety of terrariums/Aquariums in addition to the four large habitats. Some of the species included will be Green Anaconda, Caiman Lizard, False Water Cobra, Poison Dart Frogs, Red-bellied Phiranas, Arapaima, Black Pacu, White-blotched River Stingray, Matamata Turtle, and more.
After the neotropical section, the dome also includes some habitats from other sections of the world. A small North American area features Eastern Hellbenders and an aviary with native Waterfowl and songbirds (species list is flexible). An Asian area will house Gharial and Fishing Cats. Both habitats would have underwater viewing highlighting the fishing ability of these species. The gharial habitat would be shared with malayan painted terrapins. Terrariums in Asia include Chinese Giant Salamander. Africa will be represented by Allen's Swamp Monkeys, who share their exhibit with Spotted-necked Otters. An aviary in the Africa section will feature African Pygmy Geese and African Jacanas, along with Great Blue Turacos, Snowy-crowned Robin Chat, and Emerald Starling. Signage will explain the different otter species, comparing the two otter species in the dome with native North American River Otters. Additional viewing for the Manatees would be located before exiting the dome.
The main highlight of the dome would be the zoo's rescued West Indian Manatees, bringing in another species that is not found in any New England Zoo. This large habitat will essentially be a larger, freshwater version of Columbus' Manatee Coast, and will be mixed with some fish species if possible. Next to the Manatee habitat would be another highlight of the dome, Giant River Otters. While Roger Williams does keep this species, it presents Franklin an opportunity to exhibit a popular species in a much better, more naturalistic enclosure. After the Giant Otters, another naturalistic enclosure will feature a species that the Stone Zoo already keeps, in desperate need of new holders: Bush Dogs. While not as obviously aquatic as some of the other animals in the dome, I still think they fit the theme of the dome and would be a great addition to the zoo. Across from the Bush dogs would be a large, naturalistic habitat designed after the Amazon River Basin, housing a group of Capybaras. Interestingly enough, this capybara habitat will also feature underwater viewing- a feature shared with the Manatee and otter habitats as well. The capybaras would share their habitat with Giant South American River Turtles and a variety of birds, namely Boat-billed Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Ringed Teal, Brazilian Teal, White-faced Whistling Duck, Orinoco Goose, and Scarlet Ibis. All of these aquatic bird species will be great additions to this Dome and add interest to the capybara habitat. In this neotropical part of the dome, there will be a variety of terrariums/Aquariums in addition to the four large habitats. Some of the species included will be Green Anaconda, Caiman Lizard, False Water Cobra, Poison Dart Frogs, Red-bellied Phiranas, Arapaima, Black Pacu, White-blotched River Stingray, Matamata Turtle, and more.
After the neotropical section, the dome also includes some habitats from other sections of the world. A small North American area features Eastern Hellbenders and an aviary with native Waterfowl and songbirds (species list is flexible). An Asian area will house Gharial and Fishing Cats. Both habitats would have underwater viewing highlighting the fishing ability of these species. The gharial habitat would be shared with malayan painted terrapins. Terrariums in Asia include Chinese Giant Salamander. Africa will be represented by Allen's Swamp Monkeys, who share their exhibit with Spotted-necked Otters. An aviary in the Africa section will feature African Pygmy Geese and African Jacanas, along with Great Blue Turacos, Snowy-crowned Robin Chat, and Emerald Starling. Signage will explain the different otter species, comparing the two otter species in the dome with native North American River Otters. Additional viewing for the Manatees would be located before exiting the dome.