Rivers of the World - Mississippi River

The beaver pair taking a swim.

Wow, great shot. I've still never had any luck with beavers and they remain on my 'to see' list.

Thanks Pat. it was a lucky shot, I was firing away with my camera and only this one turned out (relatively) clear.

The beavers have sadly been retired from display due to their inactivity (the pair sleeps 95% of the time). A new exhibit (not revealed) will open in April.

That is a shame. I hope they do display them elsewhere, but it would seem unlikely they would make a better display anywhere else.

It seems as if WRS is reviewing the success of River Safari and making some significant changes to elements that haven't worked.

There are a few species that would suit this theme, American Alligator, North American River Otter, even Raccoon could be worked in.

They could have known that beforehand with primarily nocturnal animals....

I have seen beavers active at all hours of the day, both in the wild and in captivity. Recent trips to the Minnesota Zoo, Northwest Trek, Oregon Zoo, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum all afforded excellent views of active beavers.

I've been told that the new exhibit will not be part of the Mississippi River zone, it will have a different theme. That's all the park will say for now..

Like an entirely new river zone? This is the first exhibit visitors see, so it is important that it is exciting and creates a good impression.