ZooSC at Myrtle Beach: A New Spec Zoo Project

[StellarChaser]

Since the forum policy requires the planning to be as realistic as possible, the import of the Tasmanian Devil is strictly restricted by the Australian government, even Britain the previous Suzerain of Australia has no institution holding the Devil currently. So are we allowed to have Tasmanian Devils in our speculative zoo?

 

[Great Argus]

The two species calling this habitat home are our Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis (2.6) and our Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis (1.5). Both species are expected to breed to make our flocks thrive,

Neither of these species can be expected to breed very successfully as detailed here. Flamingos do not breed well if at all in small flocks, especially with only two potential pairs. The recommended minimum flock size by AZA/EAZA is 20 birds - and if you're trying to breed yearly or as much as possible, 40+ is increasingly considered to be necessary.
As far as the ibis, only why only one breeding pair if you're intending to breed?

 

[Great Argus]

Since the forum policy requires the planning to be as realistic as possible, the import of the Tasmanian Devil is strictly restricted by the Australian government, even Britain the previous Suzerain of Australia has no institution holding the Devil currently. So are we allowed to have Tasmanian Devils in our speculative zoo?

Not sure why you posted this here instead of the more general discussion on speculative zoos, but to answer your question: there's no reason a speculative zoo can't include Tassies. Numerous zoos have held them, and and are beneficial to the program by housing post-reproductive devils. IIRC, Copenhagen has recently received permission to actually breed Tassies and so there may be more of a population arising in Europe in the next few years. I expect more devils to return to US zoos as well.
I'm not sure what you're getting at about Britain not having any despite formerly governing Australia.

 

[StellarChaser]

Not sure why you posted this here instead of the more general discussion on speculative zoos, but to answer your question: there's no reason a speculative zoo can't include Tassies. Numerous zoos have held them, and and are beneficial to the program by housing post-reproductive devils. IIRC, Copenhagen has recently received permission to actually breed Tassies and so there may be more of a population arising in Europe in the next few years. I expect more devils to return to US zoos as well.

B/c I just see @Van Beal has Tassie in his zoo planning, I am working on my speculative zoo in Canada but I don't know whether it is realistic to have Tassie, that why I am asking this question here. If I have similar type of question like whether holding certain species is realistic, which thread should I post the question?

I'm not sure what you're getting at about Britain not having any despite formerly governing Australia.

That is just my random assumption, I thought Britain has significant influence and connection to Australia should be easy to acquire Tassie. Well, forget about this.

 

[Zhao yun]

B/c I just see @Van Beal has Tassie in his zoo planning, I am working on my speculative zoo in Canada but I don't know whether it is realistic to have Tassie, that why I am asking this question here. If I have similar type of question like whether holding certain species is realistic, which thread should I post the question?



That is just my random assumption, I thought Britain has significant influence and connection to Australia should be easy to acquire Tassie. Well, forget about this.

You might want to use this thread instead:
Spec. Zoo Design questions

 

[KevinB]

B/c I just see @Van Beal has Tassie in his zoo planning, I am working on my speculative zoo in Canada but I don't know whether it is realistic to have Tassie, that why I am asking this question here. If I have similar type of question like whether holding certain species is realistic, which thread should I post the question?



That is just my random assumption, I thought Britain has significant influence and connection to Australia should be easy to acquire Tassie. Well, forget about this.

You might want to use this thread instead:
Spec. Zoo Design questions

A while I ago I asked some questions in another thread that might be relevant here.

Speculative Zoo Design and Planning forum

With regards to the Tasmanian devils, as I understand things it is more important that it would be possible to come up with a realistic exhibit design for the species and the import thing is less important. Perhaps using species not currently in captivity from countries that do not export legally (Ecuador, Ethiopia) is less welcome, but in the case of at least some Australian species, there is at least a theoretical possibility.

Another option (although not for this topic) would be to set speculative zoo projects in an area where certain species are more easily available.

 

[Osedax]

Another option (although not for this topic) would be to set speculative zoo projects in an area where certain species are more easily available.

But do not set a fantasy zoo in Australia unless you are going for all Australian-native species. Most exotics that you lot take for granted are either not present or extremely rare here.

 

[Van Beal]

Neither of these species can be expected to breed very successfully as detailed here. Flamingos do not breed well if at all in small flocks, especially with only two potential pairs. The recommended minimum flock size by AZA/EAZA is 20 birds - and if you're trying to breed yearly or as much as possible, 40+ is increasingly considered to be necessary.
As far as the ibis, only why only one breeding pair if you're intending to breed?

I feel this is another thing I should have asked about beforehand I’m assuming that I’ll have to increase the size of the habitat as well in order to properly house breeding populations of both species?

 

[Great Argus]

I feel this is another thing I should have asked about beforehand I’m assuming that I’ll have to increase the size of the habitat as well in order to properly house breeding populations of both species?

Depends on how large you're going to increase the flocks. If you're going to go with more than 15 flamingos I'd bump the size up a decent bit.

 

[Van Beal]

Depends on how large you're going to increase the flocks. If you're going to go with more than 15 flamingos I'd bump the size up a decent bit.

Well assuming your note on a proper breeding flock requiring 20 or so birds for the flamingos I’ll likely get close to that, meaning I will likely increase the size. Meanwhile I’ll likely just balance the sex ratio for the ibises.

 

[Great Argus]

Well assuming your note on a proper breeding flock requiring 20 or so birds for the flamingos I’ll likely get close to that, meaning I will likely increase the size. Meanwhile I’ll likely just balance the sex ratio for the ibises.

No, that was the recommended minimum for flamingo flocks - they're highly social birds that do best in sizable flocks. Quite a few facilities hold less than 20 birds, and breeding is nearly non-existent in these flocks. It's not ideal for them either way to be housed in small flocks.

The recommended minimum flock size by AZA/EAZA is 20 birds - and if you're trying to breed yearly or as much as possible, 40+ is increasingly considered to be necessary.

See here if you're interested: Study: Flock size and structure influence reproductive success in four species of captive flamingo
https://www.avianscientific.org/ciconiiformesandphoenicopertiformes

 

[Van Beal]

Adjustments being made prior to covering the next two habitats.
General Size of Flamingo Aviary -> size to be nearly quadrupled, from 1,100 sq. meters surface to 4,000 sq. meters surface
Populations -> population of Chilean Flamingo to be increased from current 2.6 to an even 18.18, while ibises will be increased to 6.6 to optimize breeding for both species
Once again thanks to @Great Argus for the information, it is much appreciated.

Anyways, on to the larger of the two habitats, which will be covered in detail below:

Name: The Caverns
Current Population: 2.2 Andean or Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus

Andean or Spectacled Bear -> image courtesy of @Mr Gharial
Surface Area: four yards, each approx. 650 sq. meters in surface area, as well as two sets of indoor quarters toward back of yards, with 200 sq. meters of space inside fit for two individuals each.
Fencing/Barriers: viewed through four windows embedded into the stone walls which guests walk beneath, each window has an extra, waist-high barrier similar in style to the barrier of the flamingo aviary, preventing guests from touching/banging windows. Barriers around exterior of habitat are simple false-rock barriers meant to create a naturalistic environment.
Interior Layout: nothing extreme, each of the four yards features a small water feature, a small rock climbing area, and an outdoor sleeping/resting area right in front of the guest viewing window. The enclosure substrate is mostly short-cut grass, with a rocky area transitioning into the elevated climbing space supplied for the bears.
Enclosures on the same side of the guest area, which typically host 1.1 bears between the two, can be conjoined during breeding season to encourage our bears to breed and hopefully birth juveniles in the future.
The indoor quarters are typical of bear indoor spaces, with straw laid on the floor of dirt substrate, with simplistic climbing and sleeping areas for use during inclement weather and at night.

Possible View of Outdoor Yards -> image courtesy of @geomorph

Possible Look of Indoor Quarters (not visible to guests) -> image courtesy of @MagpieGoose
Visitor Facilities: the main viewing area, beneath the massive 'cliff' features signs not only about the Andean Bear, but also about the other extinct species they are closely related to, including Tremarctos floridanus and the giant short-faced bears Arctodus and Arctotherium, and the four species are compared with displays of model skulls from the four species, all compared to a human skull to provide a unique learning experience for guests.

Guests exit The Caverns and are welcomed by the (hopefully) warm sunshine once again. Now, after a short walk, a look to your right gives a view into a 950 sq. meter habitat which is about one meter below the level of the path and the viewing deck into the habitat. From this deck, which features bench seating, guests can view the main yard, as well as the 425 sq. meter separation yard and the indoor quarters beyond that. The habitat itself features very few large trees, most of which are planted toward the back of the enclosure, while the grass grows incredibly long, perfect for the pair of Maned Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (1.1) which call the enclosure home.

Possible View of Wolf Yards -> image courtesy of @gulogulogulo

Maned Wolf -> image courtesy of @Julio C Castro

And with that, I finish this post. Tomorrow will likely be the day I finish this section, and I was hoping to get further along in this post, but a test tomorrow that I should at least do some studying for is making me stop for the time being. Hope you enjoy this post and I also hope I don't give @Great Argus any more to correct me on though if such an occurrence does happen, I am all for being given criticisms and help wherever possible.

Anyhow , enjoy for now, and stay tuned for the finale of the Patagonian Trek!

 

[Van Beal]

in the case of at least some Australian species, there is at least a theoretical possibility

I might ask someone if they have a list of "acceptable" Australian species to be used in spec zoos, just for future projects.

 

[Tigeanderson]

Adjustments being made prior to covering the next two habitats.
General Size of Flamingo Aviary -> size to be nearly quadrupled, from 1,100 sq. meters surface to 4,000 sq. meters surface
Populations -> population of Chilean Flamingo to be increased from current 2.6 to an even 18.18, while ibises will be increased to 6.6 to optimize breeding for both species
Once again thanks to @Great Argus for the information, it is much appreciated.

Anyways, on to the larger of the two habitats, which will be covered in detail below:

Name: The Caverns
Current Population: 2.2 Andean or Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus

Andean or Spectacled Bear -> image courtesy of @Mr Gharial
Surface Area: four yards, each approx. 650 sq. meters in surface area, as well as two sets of indoor quarters toward back of yards, with 200 sq. meters of space inside fit for two individuals each.
Fencing/Barriers: viewed through four windows embedded into the stone walls which guests walk beneath, each window has an extra, waist-high barrier similar in style to the barrier of the flamingo aviary, preventing guests from touching/banging windows. Barriers around exterior of habitat are simple false-rock barriers meant to create a naturalistic environment.
Interior Layout: nothing extreme, each of the four yards features a small water feature, a small rock climbing area, and an outdoor sleeping/resting area right in front of the guest viewing window. The enclosure substrate is mostly short-cut grass, with a rocky area transitioning into the elevated climbing space supplied for the bears.
Enclosures on the same side of the guest area, which typically host 1.1 bears between the two, can be conjoined during breeding season to encourage our bears to breed and hopefully birth juveniles in the future.
The indoor quarters are typical of bear indoor spaces, with straw laid on the floor of dirt substrate, with simplistic climbing and sleeping areas for use during inclement weather and at night.

Possible View of Outdoor Yards -> image courtesy of @geomorph

Possible Look of Indoor Quarters (not visible to guests) -> image courtesy of @MagpieGoose
Visitor Facilities: the main viewing area, beneath the massive 'cliff' features signs not only about the Andean Bear, but also about the other extinct species they are closely related to, including Tremarctos floridanus and the giant short-faced bears Arctodus and Arctotherium, and the four species are compared with displays of model skulls from the four species, all compared to a human skull to provide a unique learning experience for guests.

Guests exit The Caverns and are welcomed by the (hopefully) warm sunshine once again. Now, after a short walk, a look to your right gives a view into a 950 sq. meter habitat which is about one meter below the level of the path and the viewing deck into the habitat. From this deck, which features bench seating, guests can view the main yard, as well as the 425 sq. meter separation yard and the indoor quarters beyond that. The habitat itself features very few large trees, most of which are planted toward the back of the enclosure, while the grass grows incredibly long, perfect for the pair of Maned Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (1.1) which call the enclosure home.

Possible View of Wolf Yards -> image courtesy of @gulogulogulo

Maned Wolf -> image courtesy of @Julio C Castro

And with that, I finish this post. Tomorrow will likely be the day I finish this section, and I was hoping to get further along in this post, but a test tomorrow that I should at least do some studying for is making me stop for the time being. Hope you enjoy this post and I also hope I don't give @Great Argus any more to correct me on though if such an occurrence does happen, I am all for being given criticisms and help wherever possible.

Anyhow , enjoy for now, and stay tuned for the finale of the Patagonian Trek!

Just saying but Spectacled aka Andean bears are one of my favorite kinds of bears and this just an idea but like how Columbus zoo has a bear height size chart in their polar frontier exhibit why not put up a short faced bear height size chart because it might be cool to see how tall they are compared to the 4 extinct species/ relatives of the spectacled bear and these extinct species include Plionarctos, the Florida spectacled bear, Arctotherium, Arctodus pristinus aka the leaser short faced bear and the giant humongous Arctodus Simus aka the giant short faced bear which was larger than the lesser short faced bear and is known from more complete remains and Arctodus simus is also considered one of the most charismatic of North Americas megafauna and I also like the maned wolf a lot.

 

[Van Beal]

Just saying but Spectacled aka Andean bears are one of my favorite kinds of bears and this just an idea but like how Columbus zoo has a bear height size chart in their polar frontier exhibit why not put up a short faced bear height size chart because it might be cool to see how tall they are compared to the 4 extinct species/ relatives of the spectacled bear and these extinct species include Plionarctos, the Florida spectacled bear, Arctotherium, Arctodus pristinus aka the leaser short faced bear and the giant humongous Arctodus Simus aka the giant short faced bear which was larger than the lesser short faced bear and is known from more complete remains and Arctodus simus is also considered one of the most charismatic of North Americas megafauna and I also like the maned wolf a lot.

This is actually a wonderful idea! Thanks for this, likely will include this it is simply too late to edit my post however.

 

[Tigeanderson]

This is actually a wonderful idea! Thanks for this, likely will include this it is simply too late to edit my post however.

Okay I understand if it’s to late to edit your post and I’m glad that you liked my wonderful idea.

 

[Van Beal]

Patagonian Trek Pt. 4

First and foremost, apologies for the longer-than-intended hiatus on this. Life got in the way. Anyhow, on to the post...
As guests continue past the wolves, the path ahead splits off, either you continue on straight, or you head off to the right. To the right guests can view various educational signs about the pampas region of South America before taking in our 3,600 sq. meter pampas enclosure from a ground-level building through glass windows.
Now, if you had decided to head straight ahead when the path branched, a winding path would lead you to a pair of hefty wooden doors, which are watched closely by at least one keeper at all times. These doors lead guests into the same pampas enclosure you could view from the building (which is also visible from the walkthrough path, mind you). Between the two, guests will likely spot our small group of Chilean Pudu Pudu puda (1.2), our trio of Greater Rhea Rhea americana (1.2), and our group of Patagonian Mara Dolichotis patagonum (6.10). It is a true walkthrough habitat, lacking any form of barriers along the path, however signs and staff supervisors will tell guests to remain on the designated path at all times, and to not pet any animals who come within arm's reach. Of course, this zoo is set in the United States, and knowing that a lot of Americans do not heed rules whatsoever, I fear that in the near future this habitat, and others like it around the zoo, will have barriers constructed along the path.

Possible Look of Walkthrough -> image courtesy of @Mr.Weasel

Chilean Pudu (apparently named Bert) -> image courtesy of @zoogiraffe

Greater Rhea -> image courtesy of @TheGerenuk

Patagonian Mara -> image courtesy of @KevinB

After having exited the walkthrough or having finished with your viewing from the building, guests rejoin the main throughfare, and enter a brief stretch of dry grassland, centered around a 750 sq. meter, mesh-enclosed habitat. Various trees and climbing structures toward the back half of the enclosure provide the necessary enrichment for our group of White-nosed Coati Nasua narica (1.4), while various shallow pools and dust baths allow our Chacoan Peccary Catagonus wagneri (1.3) group to properly care for themselves.

Possible Look of Chaco Enclosure -> image courtesy of @IndianRhino

White-nosed Coati -> image courtesy of @Brayden Delashmutt

Chacoan Peccary -> image courtesy of @Jakub

The final habitat of the Patagonian Trek is one which serves as a transitionary habitat from the current area to the much larger and lush Amazonia sector (not the most creative name, I am aware). The transition takes the form of twin 550 sq. meter habitats, one to either side of the main guest path leading up to the Amazonian Temple Building. Guests view these habitats through 3m-high barriers running parallel to the path, formed from glass panes sandwiching steel mesh, and bordered in wooden planks. The habitats themselves are quite lush, and are 'multi-tiered,' with shallow pools provided on the lower level, while the upper level provides artificial termite mounds as well as access to the indoor quarters. In the habitat to the right lives our male Giant Anteater Myrmecophaga tridactylus (1.0), and to the left lives our female (0.1). The two are separated until attempts are made to breed the individuals, at which point the second habitat will be used as temporary holding for any other species which need such holding space.

Possible Look of Anteater Habitats -> image courtesy of @felis silvestris

Giant Anteater -> image courtesy of @Zooish

And with that, another sector of ZooSC at Myrtle Beach has been completely toured! With this, it leaves just four more sectors to be covered before this tour comes to a close. My next post, which may take some time for the Amazonia write-up, will likely be out sometime in the next week or so. Until then, enjoy, and stay tuned!

 

[Van Beal]

Apologies for the very long hiatus, however I do fear that these will become a little bit more common, so I do apologize for those in advance. Anyhow, to Amazonia we go.

Amazonia Pt. 1
Guests continue along the path which led them through Patagonia, into the ever-thickening forest. The path transitions into a wood-plank boardwalk, beginning to slope upward toward a massive temple, this being where all of Amazonia is kept. About 50m from the entrance, the boardwalk levels out, and the forest opens up on either side. If guests are willing to take a peek, looking down either way will give a glimpse into a 550 sq. meter Jaguar Panthera onca habitat, each of which houses a male. The jaguars have elevated resting platforms positioned just below the guest boardwalk, allowing a unique photo opportunity for those who wish.

Possible Look of Outdoor Jaguar Habitats -> image courtesy of @GiraffeJack10

We leave the majestic cats for now, and enter the temple through a set of doors which look significantly heavier than they actually are. These open up, allowing guests to enter the upper portion of the building. A central ring of path allows guests to not only view the habitats on this level, but also to view the massive artificial ‘lake’ in the center of the bottom level, and the waterfall which feeds into it. As for the actual habitats on this level, there are only two. Both are approximately 1,450 sq. meters in size, and providing homes for respective troops of Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey Ateles geoffroyi (3.8) and Common Squirrel Monkey Saimiri sciureus (4.8), while each also boasts half of our eight-member flock of Military Macaw Ara militaris (2.6, 1.3 per habitat). Free-roaming this upper level are our Red-footed Tortoise Chelonoidis carbonaria (4.8), Blue Iguana Cyclura lewisi (2.6), two of our four Two-toed Sloth Choloepus didactylus (1.1) and one of our two pairs of Spotted or Lowland Paca Cuniculus paca (1.1) Meanwhile, our free-flying flocks of the following are found throughout the building’s main space:

• 1.1 Southern Screamer Chauna torquata
  
  
• 10.20 Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis
  
  
• 3.12 Turquoise-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva
  
  
• 1.3 Guira Cuckoo Guira guira
  
  
• 1.3 Plush-crested Jay Cyanocorax chrysops
  
  
• 2.4 Golden-headed Manakin Ceratopipra erythrocephala

General Upper Atrium Atmosphere -> image courtesy of @SwampDonkey

Geoffroy's Spider Monkey -> image courtesy of @Chlidonias

Common Squirrel Monkey -> image courtesy of @Brayden Delashmutt

Military Macaw (top) and Guira Cuckoo -> images courtesy of @KevinB

Blue Iguana -> image courtesy of @Ding Lingwei

Southern Screamer -> image courtesy of @Z4ccity_qxv

Blue-necked Tanager -> image courtesy of @Therabu

Plush-crested Jay -> image courtesy of @Julio C Castro

Guests begin the winding tour down to the floor of the main atrium, and the 5m-wide staircase that guests walk down is a habitat in itself. Hence why 4m of the staircase are mostly blocked from guest access, herding visitors along the wall. The 4m-wide stretch of staircase which is blocked off is actually divided into a total of 5 different spaces, the first 175 sq. meters, the others 100 sq. meters in area. The first is a dedicated butterfly garden for Blue Morpho menelaus (0.0.20) and White Morpho Morpho polyphemus (0.0.10); Giant Owl Caligo eurilochus (0.0.10); Postman Heliconius melpomene (0.0.20); and King Swallowtail Papilio thoas (0.0.10), which also acts as a home to our second pair of Lowland Paca, as well as the other two Two-toed Sloth (1.1) pair.

Possible Look of Butterfly Garden -> image courtesy of @KevinB

Blue Morpho (might not be M. menelaus) -> image courtesy of @evilmonkey239

White Morpho -> image courtesy of @geomorph

Giant Owl Butterfly -> image courtesy of @betsy

Postman Butterfly -> image courtesy of @Jambi

King Swallowtail -> image courtesy of @vogelcommando

Lowland Paca -> image courtesy of @Jakub

Linne's Two-toed Sloth -> image courtesy of @GiraffeJack10

This walkthrough of Amazonia will continue in the next post.

 

[Van Beal]

Amazonia Pt. 2
The remaining 100 sq. meter habitats mentioned in the previous post are, like the butterfly garden, mesh-covered, with the first three housing respective pairs of Green Aracari Pteroglossus viridis (1.1), Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus (1.1), and Helmeted Curassow Pauxi pauxi (1.1), and the final hosting our pair of Brazilian Prehensile-tailed Porcupine Coendou prehensilis (1.1).

Possible Look of Meshed-in Habitats -> image courtesy of @TinoPup

Green Aracari -> image courtesy of @Kalaw

Keel-billed Toucan -> image courtesy of @RatioTile

Helmeted Curassow -> image courtesy of @Ding Lingwei

Brazilian Porcupine -> image courtesy of @TheImmigrant1

Meanwhile, the wall guests walk along isn’t all that boring. If any of the aforementioned species are boring or difficult to spot, turn your attention to the seven terrariums which line the wall running down the stairs. The tanks’ inhabitants are, in order, as follows:

• 0.1 Green Anaconda Eunectes murinus
• 0.0.6 x four species of poison dart frog (Anthony's Epipedobates anthonyi, Golfodulcean Phyllobates vittatus, Green-and-Black Dendrobates auratus, Strawberry Oophaga pumilio)
• 1.4 Green Anole Anolis carolinensis
• 0.0.1 Goliath Birdeater Theraphosa blondi
• 0.0.1 Giant Vinegaroon Mastigoproctus giganteus
• mix of 1.2 Amazon Milk Frog Trachycephalus resinifictrix and 1.2 Waxy Monkey Tree Frog Phyllomedusa sauvagii
• 1.1 Surinam Toad Pipa pipa

Tank for Green Anaconda -> image courtesy of @pachyderm pro

Green Anaconda -> image courtesy of @OskarGC

Anthony's (top) and Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog -> images courtesy of @RatioTile

Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog -> image courtesy of @gulogulogulo

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog -> image courtesy of @Vision

Green Anole -> image courtesy of @BerdNerd

Goliath Birdeater -> image courtesy of @StoppableSan

Giant Vinegaroon -> image courtesy of @splendens

Amazon Milk Frogs -> image courtesy of @GiraffeJack10

Waxy Monkey Tree Frog -> image courtesy of @CMP

Surinam Toad -> image courtesy of @Moorish

This post will be followed by, at the very least, one more post. Under the likely circumstances, however, that will be expanded to two posts. For now, my long day of posting will continue!

 

[Van Beal]

Had a minor scare as my computer restarted, however, everything before this has posted, so this should as well.

Amazonia Pt. 3
Finally, guests reach the forest floor, walking a few feet away from the shores of the massive artificial lake in the center of the room, the roar of the waterfall echoing throughout the building. The path first leads guests to a secluded cavernous region, featuring a secondary, much shallower pair of pools. The combined land space, approximately 1,100 sq. meters, is not evenly distributed. 250 sq. meters of that space is given to our pairs of Mata Mata Chelus fimbriata (1.1) and Arrau Turtle Podocnemis expansa (1.1), and our remaining six Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus (2.4). The second space, having 850m2 dedicated, is for our Yacare Caiman Caiman yacare (1.3) group.

Possible Look of Mixed Habitat -> image courtesy of @felis silvestris

Mata Mata Turtle (top) and Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman -> image courtesy of @vogelcommando

Arrau Turtle -> image courtesy of @RatioTile

Possible Look of Yacare Habitat -> image courtesy of @TinoPup

Yacare Caiman -> image courtesy of @gulogulogulo

The massive central lake is abundant with aquatic life, however the total species list will be given later on. For now, guests walk along until they reach the panoramic viewing window onto a 2,500 sq. meter stretch of meshed-in land made from combination dirt, mulch and sand substrate. Much of this land space is heavily forested. This habitat, as well as the 3m range from the shore out into the water, is accessible solely to the particular species signed, and inaccessible to the fish species which inhabit the rest of the lake. The main attraction of this habitat is our group of Capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (1.3), while a group of Red-rumped Agouti Dasyprocta leporina (1.4), troops of Cotton-top Tamarin Saguinus oedipus (3.3) and White-faced Saki Pithecia pithecia (1.3), a pair of Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius (1.1), and flocks of Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca (1.4), Sunbittern Eurypyga helias (2.5), and Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana (1.4) also call this sizeable habitat home.

Ideal Look of Mixed Habitat -> image courtesy of @Kalaw

Capybara -> image courtesy of @Ryan Blackwood

Red-rumped Agouti (top) and Cotton-top Tamarin -> images courtesy of @Brayden Delashmutt

White-faced Saki -> image courtesy of @Tim May

Boat-billed Heron -> image courtesy of @evilmonkey239

Rosy-billed Pochard -> image courtesy of @KevinB

Sunbittern -> image courtesy of @Austin the Sengi

Wattled Jacana -> image courtesy of @Lucas Lang

The path winds further along, toward another 250 sq. meter habitat centered around a relatively shallow pond. This pond features various branches hanging above its surface, and heat-lamps located toward both the front and back of the habitat. You might be caught looking for a large mammal, perhaps an anteater, but you would be wrong. At random times throughout the day, the sound of a predator will be played, which might just cause one of our Plumed Basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons (1.1) to display its ability to run across the surface of the water. However, more often than not guests will not experience this.

Plumed Basilisk -> image courtesy of @red river hog

From here, guests get a view into three separate terrariums, the first of which is a 10 sq. meter habitat with an underwater view. The lush ecosystem in this larger terrarium provides a stark contrast from the coloration of our solitary male Red Tegu Tupinambis rufescens (1.0). The other two terrariums are both smaller, one displaying our population of Lemur Leaf Frog Hylomantis lemur (2.8) in a lush tropical tank, and the other displaying a pair of Argentine Horned Frog Ceratophyrs ornata (1.1) in a grassland environment.

Possible Look of Tegu Habitat -> image courtesy of @KevinB

Red Tegu -> image courtesy of @vogelcommando

Lemur Tree Frog -> image courtesy of @Zoological Point

Argentine Horned Frog -> image courtesy of @fkalltheway

Once again, this concludes an Amazonia post. However, as luck has it, the post following this one will conclude this section of the zoo, leaving us with just three more until this tour is officially completed!