I think the Mappins are way beyond any form of redemption now. The obvious (and probably cheaper) outcome would be to knock the whole area down and create some new exhibit space. Of course it’ll never happen, but ZSL seems to be doing a good job of employing a “hands-off” approach and letting it slowly rot!
Why ZSL shut the interior Casson space I’ll never know! There’s some good interior exhibit space to be had there by utilising the old rhino and elephant stables (that the pigs aren’t using) for small mammals (primates?), reptiles or invertebrates. Plus it’s a good space during inclement weather. No doubt it’s probably become an area for the zoo’s unwanted junk much like Whipsnade’s Tecton elephant house has!
