San Antonio Zoo San Antonio Zoo News 2014

I think the numbers might have gotten so large though, that the zoo could be worried about the birds possibly spreading diseases to some of there animals. In the end we have to realize that even though the zoo made this decision it doesn't mean that it was an easy one. They probably looked at a ton of other oprions and this option just had the best outcome for both the birds and the zoo.
 
I just hope the zoo is looking towards next spring and come up with a much better plan to prevent the problem in the first place.
 
TheOnlineZoo said:
It's not a health hazard if you just close the area, which in this specific case is easy to do. The only reason for not closing the area is because they are afraid they will lose money.
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In the corporate world that is America, the S.A. Zoo will lose money. It is also a zoo that has not a huge cash flow or funds reserve nor does it have much support from council or financial benefactors. So, it is damn well a factor here.

All the same I do think the zoo is doing a good job and it ain't simply "close off an area" that will do the goods. Also, they will have looked at all other possible options, before deciding / arriving at the decision that this one was the most feasible under the circumstances.

As observed previously, we are not talking here of endangered or threatened taxa …, so although the species are listed there is no love lost. And for what it is worth in the wildlands debate, there sure is love lost on Sonoran pronghorn and Mexican wolf and Northern jaguar in SW Texas … and it ain't the S.A. Zoo that is doing it. So, please put things into the right perspective!!!
 
I agree that just closing the area sounds like the best solution, but as I just visited the zoo yesterday, I should point out that it's not just the playground area that's covered in droppings. There are several other parts of the zoo where the paths are almost completely white. Closing off the playground (which is a pretty small area) would only solve part of the issue.

The article says the four of the chicks were trampled and four were killed when the wildlife rescue team received them from the zoo. I am disappointed to hear that the zoo officials weren't a little more cautious. But then, perhaps some were injured beforehand - I don't know.

TZFan said:
I just hope the zoo is looking towards next spring and come up with a much better plan to prevent the problem in the first place.
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Me too. Or at least a better way of handling it.
 
I wonder if bringing in dogs during the inital part of nesting season would work. I know when I was a kid the parks and schools in my area would bring in dogs to scare off the pesky Canadian geese in the spring to discourage them from hanging around. Now those are ground nesting birds so it is different but maybe the presence of a predator like a dog in the area would help. The dog wouldnt be a threat to people but could really deter birds while being controlled so it doesnt bother the other animals. It may not work because we are talking about different species but dogs are also used at airports too.

Second idea. They probably have trained predatory birds right? Could they possibly exercise the birds in that area and have their presence possibly deter the egrets and herons? Just thinking it could work similar to putting fake owls out to scare away pigeons only these birds would be real.
 
Article on the elephant. The reasons behind keeping her there alone in her final days makes sense to me. I think she really is too old to move.
San Antonio Zoo's only elephant will remain, despite relocation rule - San Antonio Express-News

However, I am somewhat skeptical of the final statement that when she dies they can make room for three African elephants. I know it says the exhibit will be expanded, but being familiar with the layout I do not think there is enough space for an adequate expansion. Perhaps I am wrong; in fact I hope I am proven wrong.
 
Arizona Docent said:
Article on the elephant. The reasons behind keeping her there alone in her final days makes sense to me. I think she really is too old to move.
San Antonio Zoo's only elephant will remain, despite relocation rule - San Antonio Express-News

However, I am somewhat skeptical of the final statement that when she dies they can make room for three African elephants. I know it says the exhibit will be expanded, but being familiar with the layout I do not think there is enough space for an adequate expansion. Perhaps I am wrong; in fact I hope I am proven wrong.
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Agreed on the Lucky situation. It sucks, but I can understand it's difficult.

And like you, I too am concerned about the zoo's ability to expand the exhibit. I've gone several times, and I'm looking at the zoo on Google Earth now, and I'm trying to figure out where they could expand it. Elephants need a lot of space, and the new elephant exhibits that have been built the past few years have higher standards than ever. From what I can find, it seems this zoo has improved a lot the past few years, and I don't want a poor elephant exhibit to break that trend.
 
TheMightyOrca said:
Agreed on the Lucky situation. It sucks, but I can understand it's difficult.

And like you, I too am concerned about the zoo's ability to expand the exhibit. I've gone several times, and I'm looking at the zoo on Google Earth now, and I'm trying to figure out where they could expand it. Elephants need a lot of space, and the new elephant exhibits that have been built the past few years have higher standards than ever. From what I can find, it seems this zoo has improved a lot the past few years, and I don't want a poor elephant exhibit to break that trend.
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At this point, I agree, it's too late to move Lucky. What I'm disappointed met about is 10 years ago when the zoo brought in Boo to be Lucky's friend instead of transferring Lucky out at that point. Now they have run out the clock on a possible transfer, as was likely their plan.

They could likely expand the elephant year by taking over the existing "African savannah" and rhino yards. But, based on San Antonio's history I lack confidence in their plan as well, even though the zoo has improved over the last 5 years.

The new Zootenial plaza is very disappointing. Its very cold and closed in the large amount of concrete that was used.
 
Hopefully the zoo makes the smart decision and after their last elephant dies there is a permanent phasing out of the species. The funding and acreage is simply not there for a modern elephant exhibit.

Here is the new zoo map, which is very detailed but there has been a removal of the animal icons:

http://sazoo.org/images/media/photos/ZooMapSummer2014-061114050956.jpg
 
SA has a lot more unused space that you realize. Take a look at the Google Map of the zoo. There is a huge area behind the Rift Valley and hoofstock paddocks that was once a USDA quarantine facility. Looking at it, I count 21 hoofstock paddocks for animals of various sizes plus additional holding yards. This could easily be 10+ acres.
 
There is a huge facility off show - where the Jackson's Hartebeest are kept.
Has the parrot house been demolished?
 
jbnbsn99 said:
SA has a lot more unused space that you realize. Take a look at the Google Map of the zoo. There is a huge area behind the Rift Valley and hoofstock paddocks that was once a USDA quarantine facility. Looking at it, I count 21 hoofstock paddocks for animals of various sizes plus additional holding yards. This could easily be 10+ acres.
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I hope you're right. If they're gonna get elephants, I want them to be able to give the best.
 
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