Many of the zoo\'s larger animals live in a row of large pins across the street from the zoo. The bison/turkey/deer exhibit must be an acre or two in size. Indian peafowl are found in almost every exhibit.
It is great to see such a large paddock for the bison, mule deer and turkeys, but are there any other viewing opportunities besides through chain-link fencing? That style of containment is ugly, cheap and it seriously hinders viewing options for the public.
Why does there seem to be a standoff barrier inside the exhibit?? usually these tend to be outside..just seems a bit strange
Yikes, to live in a world where being cheap is a bad thing! Chain-link is never going to be the prettiest barrier, but it's lower-maintenance than glass, cheaper and less space-hungry than digging a ha-ha or moat and very resilient. And if you can get right up to it, it's often easier to take photos through than highly-reflective glass. I think a small zoo would see many advantages.
@snowleopard: No, this is sadly the only viewing on this long row. I would have appreciated soemthing else, but as this zoo is free, its funding is very limited. @foz: I would guess it has to do with the bison being able to break over the chainlink fence. But as it continues into the rhea and emu exhibits I am as confused as you are. EDIT: Maguari posted while I was typing.
The chain link fence provides little to no deterrent for bison. The inner "standoff barrier" is to keep the bison away safely away from the fence and the visitors. @KCZooFan: the fencing in the rhea and emu exhibits are probably just left there from when they housed other species. Seems like some species have swapped yards since I was last there.