The Zoo has updated it's Master Plan to include some new schematics of the proposed red panda exhibit. The plan also updates the Upper Main Valley including a redesigned gibbon and Steller's sea eagle exhibit, the latter now being proposed to be located behind the prairie dog exhibit where one of the old Kodiak bear pits is now. Since funding was secured last FY for the design of the gibbon/eagle exhibit, I would think these proposals are what will eventually be built once construction funding is completely secured - but hold that thought until ground is broken. Here are a few of the changes:
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Thanks for sharing these! I looked at the master plan on the main site, but the PDF's are not up to date. Where was this document located?
We received the Red Panda notice in the mail a few weeks ago and are so excited! I have fond memories of them on Main Valley back in the 90's. I have maps up to 2003 that still list them, but I don't necessarily remember seeing them quite that far along. I also remember as a kid being easily confused/frustrated that I couldn't always differ between them and the Red-Ruffed Lemur, also nearby, when they were curled up sleeping!
Anyway, that one artist rendering of the aerial view of Main Valley is quite interesting for many reasons. First, the relocation of the Stellars Sea Eagle. I think this makes a lot more sense than the hillside behind the Mansion House. It'll also give you something to see right away, especially if they're re-doing the playground hill there, sounds like a lot of dirt being moved! Second, the exact placement of the Gibbons. It looks to me like their outdoor habitat is going to fill the space entirely between the old concession stand/members booth and the Crane Barn, basically consuming the current African Ground Hornbill yard? Then, it looks like their building is going to consume the first large cage on Main Valley, and probably spill into the space of some of the smaller, newer ones as well. Third, it seems that the yards extending off the Crane Barn are going to be about doubled or even tripled in size, presumably to make up for space lost on the south side of the barn? Lastly, it seems as if the entire pathway of Main Valley is being re-routed once reaching the Red Panda habitat. Rather than the steep decline and curving path to the right of the round stand, it looks like the path will only extend to the left of the round stand. It also looks like the old sea lion pool will be history.
A few other little thoughts/notices... I'm VERY intrigued that the Mammal House is still listed. In the original release of the masterplan, that was slated for demolition. I don't expect anything to ever be housed up there again, I just thought it would be one of the first things gone. Also, I'm sure someone can correct me on this, but I was once told that the zoo/park were "stuck" with the Elephant House and Reptile House back in the 90's because they were protected as historical sites after 70+ years. If that is true, and still holds up in the 2020's, then the Mammal House will qualify for that very soon, too.
Lastly, it seems as if Main Valley is moving in a direction of Asian theming. I hope this is the case and that it isn't drifting back into menagerie status but preserving the geographical organization of the rest of the Zoo. I'm dreaming and picturing large spaces for Tiger and Snow Leopard on the backside of Druid Hill, along the Buffalo Yard path. Could be remarkable! BUT, those Prairie Dogs would need to go somewhere else...perhaps the old box turtle exhibit in the Children's Zoo, that seems emptier and emptier each visit...
