Spec. Zoo Design questions

Mr Gharial said:
Can you hold Poison dart frogs in a mostly vertical enclosure or should that be reserved only for treefrogs?
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It depends on the dimensions of the vivarium and the type of dart frog you are planning to house (Ranitomeya for example are more arboreal), but given ample ledges and surfaces even terrestrial darts will climb
 
Mossman Joe said:
It depends on the dimensions of the vivarium and the type of dart frog you are planning to house (Ranitomeya for example are more arboreal), but given ample ledges and surfaces even terrestrial darts will climb
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It would essentially be a thin-but-tall exhibit showcasing life in epiphytes. What other dart frogs are more arboreal?
 
What is the typical number of species in an exhibit? How can I incorporate reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds, inverts, etc. while making the exhibit still interesting (to the public, all visitors) and plausible for the United States? Are there any major amphibians, fish, inverts, lesser known birds and reptiles, etc. that are found in the central Outback and east billabongs of Australia? If so, what would be a unique way to include them (ie. Rockwork?) so that an average visitor wouldn’t ignore them?
 
For an Indian-themed exhibit in a North American Zoo, what are some smaller birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are the most feasible, not mention the easiest to obtain?
 
Austin the Sengi said:
For an Indian-themed exhibit in a North American Zoo, what are some smaller birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are the most feasible, not mention the easiest to obtain?
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For birds, there are Indian rose-ringed parakeet, red junglefowl, and peacocks. For reptiles, there are Indian star tortoises, various turtles, and Indian cobras. For amphibians, there aren't that many realistic amphibians
 
While searching online, I’ve found that Black Pond Turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) and Asian Water Monitors can also be feasible options for Indian reptiles, at least, in the United States.
 
What species typically associated with larger zoos are legally acquirable by a facility that isn’t accredited? No specific needs, just in general.
 
Van Beal said:
What species typically associated with larger zoos are legally acquirable by a facility that isn’t accredited? No specific needs, just in general.
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Snow leopards (tanganyika breeds them), and red pandas are some notable mammals. Most birds, reptiles, inverts, and amphibians are accessible due to the pet trade (there can be rescues)
 
MOG2012 said:
Snow leopards (tanganyika breeds them), and red pandas are some notable mammals. Most birds, reptiles, inverts, and amphibians are accessible due to the pet trade (there can be rescues)
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I’m quite surprised by the fact snow leopards are that easily acquired. Red pandas aren’t totally shocking, and in fairness I expected a lot of the birds, herps, inverts, and fish to be available in the pet trade.
 
A couple of questions:

- Would 80 sq. meters be adequate for a breeding pair of Canada Lynx? (the male and female would rotate between this exhibit and a 40 sq. meter outdoor off-view yard).
- Is 56 sq. meters an appropriate amount of space for a breeding pair of North American River Otters?
 
LycaonSekowei said:
A couple of questions:

- Would 80 sq. meters be adequate for a breeding pair of Canada Lynx? (the male and female would rotate between this exhibit and a 40 sq. meter outdoor off-view yard).
- Is 56 sq. meters an appropriate amount of space for a breeding pair of North American River Otters?
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The lynx enclosure looks okay but the otter enclosure should be increased to 75-100 as they are very playful, curious, and social animals (it's also on the smaller side for the AZA but within standards)
 
MOG2012 said:
The lynx enclosure looks okay but the otter enclosure should be increased to 75-100 as they are very playful, curious, and social animals (it's also on the smaller side for the AZA but within standards)
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Thank you. Also, would a 120 sq. meter aviary be appropriate for a mixed species exhibit containing:

1.1 American Beavers (they would have access to 80 sq. meters of the exhibit, with the birds having access to the whole area)
1.2 American Wood Ducks
1.1 Hooded Merganser
2.2 Northern Pintail
2.3 Northern Shoveler
1.3 Common Eider
1.0 Bufflehead
 
LycaonSekowei said:
Thank you. Also, would a 120 sq. meter aviary be appropriate for a mixed species exhibit containing:

1.1 American Beavers (they would have access to 80 sq. meters of the exhibit, with the birds having access to the whole area)
1.2 American Wood Ducks
1.1 Hooded Merganser
2.2 Northern Pintail
2.3 Northern Shoveler
1.3 Common Eider
1.0 Bufflehead
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It looks good but there could be territorial aggression during breeding season. However, I would adjust the size to 130-150 sq. m so that territorial aggression, beaver disturbing birds and/or their nests, and stressed animals are prevented
 
MOG2012 said:
It looks good but there could be territorial aggression during breeding season. However, I would adjust the size to 130-150 sq. m so that territorial aggression, beaver disturbing birds and/or their nests, and stressed animals are prevented
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Will do. I appreciate your feedback.
 
MOG2012 said:
What is the typical number of species in an exhibit? How can I incorporate reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds, inverts, etc. while making the exhibit still interesting (to the public, all visitors) and plausible for the United States? Are there any major amphibians, fish, inverts, lesser known birds and reptiles, etc. that are found in the central Outback and east billabongs of Australia? If so, what would be a unique way to include them (ie. Rockwork?) so that an average visitor wouldn’t ignore them?
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I'm also specifically looking for unique animal ambassadors that aren't that well known and/or would be diverse (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates) from the Central Outback and Eastern Billabongs of Australia. The only idea I have so far is having domestic rabbits and cane toads which would be examples of invasive species there.
 
Do zoos ever keep native birds that are able to eventually return to the wild in a setting where, once they're healed enough, they can just leave? Particularly, I'm thinking waterfowl like ducks and geese.
 
Van Beal said:
Do zoos ever keep native birds that are able to eventually return to the wild in a setting where, once they're healed enough, they can just leave? Particularly, I'm thinking waterfowl like ducks and geese.
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Yes, that's somewhat common though they should be mixed with only Wild animals to prevent disease transmission on both ends. For me, I've only seen this for mainly birds of prey but waterfowl could work
 
MOG2012 said:
Yes, that's somewhat common though they should be mixed with only Wild animals to prevent disease transmission on both ends. For me, I've only seen this for mainly birds of prey but waterfowl could work
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The idea was all the species the zoo would manage would be in an open pond area so they were able to fly away if/when they were rehabilitated, and would only be living with wild animals and other animals that were being rehabbed for return to the wild.
 
Would 80 sq. meters be adequate for a pair of Sandhill Cranes?

I would ask more questions regarding spacial needs, but I don't wish to flood this thread.
 
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