Cincinnati Zoo - Giraffe Ridge

July 2008. This brand new exhibit is simply a large, bare paddock with barely any shade. It's also directly next to a car park.

For such a new exhibit this is nothing really innovative

But this is so much bigger, and greener than their old exhibit before the Vanishing Giant was built.

Looks to me like there are plenty of shade trees, and they planted some really tall trees right off! But it will still take a little time for the shade to develop. I'll bet that in two seasons you'll see a big difference.

Just an update for those interested, this exhibit looks a lot better now. All of those silly nets are down and the trees have really taken off. The grass has really grown up and it's starting to take the appearence of a savannah. The exhibit was recently made larger as well and a Greater Flamingo exhibit was added on to the side. From both viewing areas the exhibits seem to be one. Now, how ever, the zoo only has two giraffes left. I have no idea if they have plans to replace Akilah anytime soon or not.

I also have not heard anything about the next phase of the African Savannah. Night Hunters is their main priority as of right now. Whether or not we will see another phase opening this year depends on their fundings and the outcome of Night Hunters.

Is there any way you could get some photos on how that area looks now?

I couldn't see why not. On my last visit to the zoo back in November my old camera's batteries had died so I had to borrow a friend's camera. I did take some pictures of the exhibit, but unfortunately I had to give the camera back before I could upload them because they needed it for a family gathering. I'll see if I can get them to send the pictures to me. If not, I'll probably be making another trip as soon as it decides to warm up and I'll take some more photos.

It is our understanding that eventually this parking lot which is the old main zoo lot is going to become part of the African Savannah

Team Tapir

It will be The expanded Masai Giraffe yard, the renovated Cheetah Run, and the new Greater Flamingo exhibit were all a part of the first stage of the African Savannah that opened last year. Future stages will include an aviary, Olive Baboons, Nile Hippopotamuses, Cheetahs, African Wild Dogs, a kopje, and a large mixed-species savannah. I've also heard rumors of a walk-through Impala exhibit, but it wasn't on the original plans and I haven't heard much about it.

It looks quite spacious to me. And the trees seem to be adequate for shade; especially as they mature.