Display showing plans for new tiger exhibit

"Themed Ruin Wall Backdrop." Oh no, another abandoned temple theme. Why do zoo designers seem to universally think this is a good idea?

@Arizona Docent Why is it not a good idea?

@Arizona Docent I agree with your statement, but in the case of Fresno I'm hoping that the zoo can continue the great progress that it has made with Sea Lion Cove and African Adventure. If there is a "spung tree" outside the tiger habitat then we'll have to hope that it is tastefully designed.

@birdsandbats Because it is ugly and overdone. I prefer completely natural exhibits with no man-made appearing elements.

What in the world is a "spung tree"?

@Arizona Docent A quick Google search reveals a deciduous tree in the genus Tetrameles.

I don't think exhibits that feature man-made aesthetics are necessarily worse off than natural ones but I do prefer natural and I definitely agree on the temple design. It's always struck me as extremely ugly and off-putting. The design is almost synonymous with generic white tigers in my mind.

~Thylo

I have to say, if I had my druthers, it would not have been temple ruin themed, but it still looks as though the exhibit will be very well vegetated which is better than many temple themed exhibits that I have seen. What will become "Tiger Habitat A" already has a lot of mature vegetation. Tiger Habitat B will probably take a bit to grow to the point of the other exhibit but it should be fairly lush.