Trend in zoo renovations

MKE Zoo guy

MKE Zoo guy

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
As I have been looking into what zoos across the United States as well as some international zoos, it has appeared that Africa exhibits are getting the renovation attention. I am assuming that is because many are upgrading their elephant exhibits due to the new AZA requirements. Has anyone else noticed these trends?
 
I think that you are correct both that there is a wave of new Africa exhibits (Fresno, Omaha, Dallas, Columbus, soon Milwaukee) and that most of them are anchored by new elephant exhibits (Columbus being a notable exception).
 
Any other trends that are forming with renovations or master plans that are being developed?
 
DavidBrown said:
I think that you are correct both that there is a wave of new Africa exhibits (Fresno, Omaha, Dallas, Columbus, soon Milwaukee) and that most of them are anchored by new elephant exhibits (Columbus being a notable exception).
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Lots of hippo renovations lately as well.
 
Echobeast said:
Lots of hippo renovations lately as well.
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That’s true, although I think it goes along with the elephant exhibit. Zoos are wanting to showcase their hippos in the water that they are in large amount of time.

Also I’m seeing a lot more mix exhibits too.
 
This is on a more long term scale, but a bit ago there were a lot of polar bear exhibit renovations / removals, then africa and elephants in general, then there were a decent number of south america exhibits (LA, Beardsley, RWPZ)
 
Haven't Africa exhibits always been pretty much an essential part of any zoo? These renovations probably aren't anything new.
 
MKE Zoo guy said:
Any other trends that are forming with renovations or master plans that are being developed?
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Master plans are very specific to the facility.
If a polar bear exhibit, for example, is small and old and the animal is young enough then that may be seen as a Master Plan priority. If the African plains exhibit is older and too small then that may be a bigger priority. Or the Bird House. Or bears. But often a new entrance or restaurant comes first, reflecting the growth in attendance and need to accommodate visitors.
 
elefante said:
Haven't Africa exhibits always been pretty much an essential part of any zoo? These renovations probably aren't anything new.
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Yes they have been a large stable of most zoos. I’ve just notice with different zoos that I have been looking into, they are renovating their Africa exhibits in larger numbers then I’ve seen in recent past.

I agree too that most of these new renovations are also tied to revenue generating things like new enterances, restaurants, etc.
 
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