I think they're still in precaution stage rather than pulling birds just yet, per the wording. The closest case is about two counties away. But good that they're acting quickly.
Sacramento Zoo Sacramento Zoo News
- Thread starter BeardsleyZooFan
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I think they're still in precaution stage rather than pulling birds just yet, per the wording. The closest case is about two counties away. But good that they're acting quickly.
Six-banded armadillo found safe after escape:
Josephine the armadillo found at Sacramento Zoo after escape
Josephine the armadillo found at Sacramento Zoo after escape
Good to hear they found her, I wonder what the circumstances were that she escaped. Armadillos can't exactly open doors or anything.
An investigation has been launched. According to this article it’s not the first time she’s escaped either, so something may need to be reviewed re. containment: Missing armadillo found safe at California zoo
I wonder if she's escaping from one of the outdoor areas, that would be my guess. I find it improbable she'd be escaping from the main building, unless she's allowed to free roam and doors are being left open.
A couple of interesting pieces of news from a membership email.
Some conceptual drawings of the proposed new zoo are tentatively scheduled for release in late November. So far the potential move is going forwards fairly smoothly.
The bongos are gone, and the exhibit is being renovated for a White Rhino. It should arrive sometime in 2023. This is the first time Sac has kept a rhinoceros. Personally I don't understand the continued extensive renovations for new species while their move is looking fairly promising, but I guess they have their plan.
Some conceptual drawings of the proposed new zoo are tentatively scheduled for release in late November. So far the potential move is going forwards fairly smoothly.
The bongos are gone, and the exhibit is being renovated for a White Rhino. It should arrive sometime in 2023. This is the first time Sac has kept a rhinoceros. Personally I don't understand the continued extensive renovations for new species while their move is looking fairly promising, but I guess they have their plan.
I'd imagine this is for SSP reasons, mainly - as well as building up hype for the new zoo. Much like the okapi barn is practically built/temporary, this would be done in a similar fashion. At least, to my understanding.
Possibly, yes. Hype is exactly the point, they're calling it a "preview species." Gains support I suppose but quite a bit will need to be done on all the perimeter fences before that exhibit is rhino-proof.
This space had been considered for Indian rhinoceros several years ago under prior management, and apparently approved, but never acted upon. It is interesting that in its possible final phase (pending construction of the new zoo), it may actually become a rhino exhibit.
Conceptual drawings have been released:
Conceptual drawings of proposed new zoo in Elk Grove released
Conceptual drawings of proposed new zoo in Elk Grove released
You can find it on their website here under "new zoo concept maps."
https://www.saczoo.org/about-us/new-zoo/
King of Komodo Dragons
Well-Known Member
That video is exciting, the conceptual images showed both male and female Geladas which would be amazing for another zoo to have a breeding group, and a large enough hippo habitat to have a full bloat over the typical two or three at most zoos that feature Nile Hippopotamus, I will definitely visit once its open!
One of the features of the new zoo that has been talked about is that there will be breeding groups of several species like hippos, giraffes, geladas, lions, etc. The zoo staff is planning the zoo as a reproductive hub for several species, and thus has larger than normal exhibits and groups than most zoos do. They have the advantage of space and ground-up-planning for exhibits large enough for breeding herds, troops, prides, etc. and also for non-breeding individuals.
This all looks really great. I agree that the geladas and hippos are definitely the most interesting part of this plan. It's wonderful to see a zoo that has the ambition to actually take on a large pod of hippos instead of just a pair and a gelada and klipspringer mix sounds very neat. I'm also a big fan of housing flamingos in a walkthrough aviary apposed to having them pinioned.
I look at the okapi complex with the colobus and birds and see an interesting opportunity. It would fantastic to see an enclosed okapi aviary in the same vain as Doué or Blijdorp with the monkeys and birds free-ranging. With the California climate as an advantage, it could have potential to be spectacular.
I wasn't super invested in Sacramento's relocation project up this point, but now I will be following this development with interest.
I look at the okapi complex with the colobus and birds and see an interesting opportunity. It would fantastic to see an enclosed okapi aviary in the same vain as Doué or Blijdorp with the monkeys and birds free-ranging. With the California climate as an advantage, it could have potential to be spectacular.
I wasn't super invested in Sacramento's relocation project up this point, but now I will be following this development with interest.
As this is the closest AZA to me, I would absolutely love to see this come through! Even if at 75% of the current proposed map. Also glad to see many of the species currently at the zoo will be transferring, as well as the return of many past species. 
Some thoughts, comments, and observations now that I've had some time to muse over things.
- Snow Leopard appears to be phased out in favor of Clouded. Bit surprising given they're currently one of Sac's visitor favorites, but Clouded is definitely better suited climate-wise.
- Jaguar appears to be getting the boot - honestly this has long been the hardest to see big animal at Sacramento, and despite them long holding breeding age animals nothing has happened. Pity they're going as a new exhibit might prove helpful in both regards.
- I'm highly curious about all the tiny exhibit spaces in the dark gray areas over in NA and Australia - presumably these are herps, though there's a few fairly large spaces shown too. Given none of the buildings are marked for anything who knows for now.
- Bit disappointed to see Grizzly instead of Sloth or Spectacled, but Grizzly is the state animal so...
- Tremendously pleased at the huge flamingo aviary, great for breeding purposes as well as looks to be a nice variety of species hopefully. Slightly disappointed that appears to be the only walkthrough aviary, as well as an apparent lack of birds currently noted in the extensive African section.
- Breeding troop of Gelada is very interesting, would like to see this come to pass.
- Breeding priority on the savannas is definitely emphasized by the completely separate zebra exhibit. Shame they're already showing Ankole/Watusi on the lineup, give it to a species actually in need of conservation.
- Double exhibits for Lion, Hippo, Wild Dog, Tiger, and Orangutan is great, lots of space to properly hold individuals and for breeding.
- Good to see them continuing with Ground Hornbills and Thick-billed Parrots, as well as bringing back a large Asian hornbill.
- Aardvark and Wolf's Guenon appear to be getting the boot, and no sign of the return of Giant Anteater.
- Quite pleased to see cassowary, hyrax, Klipspringer, and Malayan Tapir on the map, also several small aviaries scattered throughout the lower half of the map. Hopefully Himalayan Monal will stay in one of the Asian ones.
- The emphasis on restaurants with direct animal viewing is interesting, as is the multiple overnight stay locations on grounds.