What are the biggest "bombs" in zoo exhibit history and what was learned from them?

[Pertinax]

This does show that some exhibits that look awful don't always fail in terms of breeding results.

I've long ceased to attach any connection between size/quality of enclosures and breeding success/performance. Either many species of animals don't care what sort of enclosure they have, or breeding success is not connected with contentment/acceptance of captive surroundings.

The Chessington 'Ape House' mentioned above is still IMO by far the worst zoo enclosure I have ever seen. It made Twycross enclosures look like Palaces.

 

[Hix]

I believe I'm right in saying ... that one of these complexes has now gone, replaced by a meerkat enclosure, which is a shame in my opinion.

If that is indeed true, then I agree - it is a shame.



Hix

 

[NAIB Volunteer]

Some aquarium mistakes. Might not be the biggest, but aquarium husbandry sure did learn a lot of things.

Marine mammal compatibility: Baltimore housed both dolphins and beluga whales in the same tank and as a result a beluga died in 1992 after it was struck by a dolphin. I believe some aquariums still have success with dolphins and beluga whales in the same exhibit
What did they learn? Keep them separate (in Baltimore's case)! As a result, no more belugas in Baltimore.

Marine mammal environments: Amazon river dolphins really come to mind with the deep marine tanks provided for them which eventually killed them from lack of sleep. Also, too much noise, not enough space, and not enough natural light caused many problems, especially in Baltimore after the dolphins in the central tray had ulcers due to stress.
What did they learn? Provide a shallow tank with ledges for river dolphins so they can sleep. Provide marine dolphins with plenty of space, natural lighting, and access to quiet areas away from noisy visitors.

Aquarium tank design for sharks: Many attempts were made to exhibit large pelagic sharks but proved unsuccessful due to the tank design. Metal plates and fastenings used to in the tank as well as noisy filtration systems would drive certain species insane causing them to bash their head again the tank. Donut shaped tanks also proved unsuccessful for pelagic sharks because the sharks would continuously turn to one side.
What did they learn? Three things. 1) Get a big tank for pelagic sharks (Monterey, Georgia). 2) Create a doggy bone shaped tank to prevent the sharks from turning too much. 3) Have some insulation between the tank the filters.