Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens Rainforest of the Americas exhibit

I have been looking around old threads for information on the upcoming Rainforest of the Americas exhibit at the L.A. Zoo and did not find any specific threads dedicated to it, so have started one.

What do we actually know about this project? I have seen conceptual drawings and some projected construction dates, but solid information seems to be scarce.

Questions:
1. Does anyone know what species are going to be in this exhibit and what the components of the exhibit will be?

The conceptual drawings show a giant otter exhibit with underwater viewing, and seeing as the zoo now has giant otters hopefully this is still happening? Someone mentioned in an earlier thread that the jaguar component of the exhibit was eliminated, which seems very strange as the jaguar was advertised as one the star attractions of the exhibit in early project descriptions...budget cuts killed this? Are there reptiles, insects, and/or fish (e.g., pirahnas) exhibits slated for the exhibit?

2. Where exactly is this exhibit going to be built in the zoo? Is it going to replace the current South America section with the old roundhouse and grotto exhibits?

3. Does anyone know what the current projected opening date is?

 

Here is something I found in one of the zoo's Zoo View magazines:
"One of the most celebrated biomes on Earth, the rainforest exemplifies the amazing diversity of life found on our planet, from giant river otters to dwarf caimans, tapirs to toucans. Like the rainforest itself, this multi-level exhibit will open to the visitor in layers, exploring the theme 'Everything has a Home.'"

This is from the zoo's website:
"The Rainforest of the Americas, to be constructed near the current Zoo aviaries, will provide a new sensory experience to the visitor. This immersion experience in the rainforest will envelope the visitors as they enter into a lush, tropical setting.

A key element to the eclectic nature of the exhibit will be the central theme of water and how it is one of most essential ingredients to the health and welfare of the rainforest environment. A walk through this hillside exhibit will give visitors a chance to experience on both small and large scales, the world the animals inhabit.

Mixed species (mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects) will be presented in seamless exhibits that protect the individual needs of the animals included while also allowing special enhancement opportunities to be presented to the animal and the visitor."

The new exhibit will be located across from the current South America section where the Uakaris are. The new map shows it going from the Cape Griffon Vulture aviary to the big aviaries.

It is projected to open by the end of 2012 or early 2013.

 

If they are going to continue housing jaguars, they have to include a new exhibit for them in this plan. The current exhibit is disgusting - tying Albuquerque for worst jaguar exhibit in the AZA (or maybe Dallas World Aquarium would make it a three-way tie?).

 

Followup - It probably won't happen, but it would be really nice if they could have it done by the end of September 2012. That is because the Los Angeles Zoo is the host zoo for the 2012 AZAD Conference, October 1-7. (AZAD - Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents).

 

According to the records, the construction contract was just issued one month ago. Scheduled completion April 2013

http://eng.lacity.org/projects/zoo/pdf/Monthly_Report.pdf

 

I just found this description of the Rainforest of the Americas in another thread. It was posted originally by Blackduiker:
http://www.pjarchitects.com/Brochure...e_Americas.pdf

Does anyone know if the actual exhibit is still as described here with jaguars and free-roaming tamarins and macaws? This description makes no mention of giant otters which exhibit preview drawings and the actual presence of giant otters at the zoo makes me think will be part of the new exhibit. I'm wondering if this document is really out of date?

 

Salisbury Zoo is worse than LA.

 

Or maybe Omaha or Sedgwick County. There are probably even more.

 

I don't think the outdoor exhibit is that awful at Omaha.

 

The design (and design team) has completely changed since this brochure was published. That said I have no real idea what is now being built, but I think you are right to expect giant otters.

 

Thanks for the info. I really wish the zoo would release some graphics and information about this exhibit. As someone who voted for the bond initiative to pay for it, I'd really like to know what is being built.

 

I do think it is that awful. It is a tiny cage for a big beautiful cat.

 

Well your definition of tiny must be different than mine. I would say it's small, but not tiny.

 

Do you really think this exhibit - http://www.zoochat.com/569/henry-doorly-zoo-2010-one-type-193630/ is acceptable for a very large cat. Maybe for a small cat or even something the size of a clouded leopard, but NOT for jaguar.

Maybe not the worst in the world, but for an AZA accredated zoo of Omaha's reputation, it is terrible.

But, we must get back to the original topic of the thread. If you care to discuss this any further mweb08, PM me.

 

I must have missed where I said it was acceptable. I just said it is not that awful, as in not the worst jaguar exhibit in the country.

 

As I have said in the past, not being the WORST, is no kind of justification for its existance.

 

I am curious as to who you are arguing with here?

 

I am arguing with you. You said:

So I responded with:

But this is not the point of the thread. Also, we have argued over Omaha's cat exhibits before mweb08, and neither of us are going to convince each other of anythig. So lets just stop.

 

Well your points are odd given my words.

 

Can we please get back on topic?

Be nice to know when the project will kick off officially and when building work will be completed!