New orangutan exhibit.

I have to agree with Reduakari about Columbus here. When did this 'thing' actually open?

I believe Columbus' exhibit opened in 2003 or 2004--part of a large "Islands" complex that has decent Komodo dragon and otter exhibits, but tacky theming and this poor excuse for a "habitat."

Totally agreed on the Orangs in C Bus being an awful exhibit for both the animal and the visitor.For a zoo that has been doing nothing but expand with great exhibits since the late 90's they really dropped the ball on this one.We also wanted to comment that while we really did not like the actual exhibit at the National Zoo in DC,we loved the concept of the O Line. A truly genius idea.

Team Tapir

I think another thing to keep in mind is the budget the zoo has to work with. I know the PHX orangutan exhibit was miniscule compared to most of the great ones that are being mentioned on here.

I don't know the exact number, but I think it was at least two million dollars. I would not call that miniscule.

To you and me it's a ton of money, but 2 million isn't a whole lot when it comes to a zoo exhibit, especially orangutans. For example, according to Zoolex Melbourne's exhibit that was mentioned earlier was around $6.4 million USD in 2006(ish). There are also large 2 large indoor holding areas, 2 large on-exhibit dayrooms, a huge kitchen, 2 procedure rooms, and other behind the scenes equipment, etc. that is quite expensive. Originally there was going to be small-clawed otters as part of the terrestrial side but unfortunately it was taken out for budget reasons. I'm not saying this exhibit is better than the great exhibits mentioned earlier but I certainly think it is much better than the one they currently have, and for the money is a great exhibit.

The new orangutan exhibits springing up in American zoos are all so-so at best and not ground-breaking or revolutionary. Oregon Zoo opened Red Ape Reserve late last year (two gibbons and 2 orangs), Phoenix has Orang-Hutan opening in April and Virginia Zoo in the same month has a new Asian complex with orangutans. That means there has been 3 major orangutan exhibits that have opened within 7 months, and Indianapolis Zoo has plans drawn up for a new orangutan habitat that will apparently include some sort of $2 million gondola/skyride that takes visitors either through or directly over the primate exhibit.

Snowleopard, We are wondering what you consider the best Orangutan exhibit in North America? As well as a few others that you would consider very good.

Team Tapir

As others have stated, Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle) is the only really good one in the U.S.

I agree. Looks like they need to renovate these exhibits as possible.