Create A Free-Range Hall/Dome challenge

Hi all.

I've been to Henry Doorly and a few other zoos that use this same concept, of a large hall or dome of some sort in which species can freely roam around guests. I've always found this concept extremely cool and amazing when done right, because you never know what you might see; on one visit you may see few animals but on the next you may see a lot. I think it really helps immersion.


So, the challenge here is to create a hall/dome or some sort of enclosed exhibit in which animals can roam around guests, crossing paths, flying above, and the like.

I'll give you an environment in the world and what time of day it would be set in (diurnal/nocturnal) and you make an exhibit based on it. There are no limits to species you can put in as long as they wouldn't hurt visitors or other inhabitants of the exhibit.

You're allowed to put in ground exhibits within the larger exhibit that the free-ranging animals have access to but that the residents cannot get out of, but try to keep these to a minimum to support the exploration theme.

Good luck!

 

If anyone's interested, the first challenge is a nocturnal Australian outback hall!

 

Hmmm, I’ll see what I can do:

Nocturnal Walkabout

A unique take on two time-tested exhibits, this habitat at first seems like your standard free-range macropod display, but with a nighttime twist. This spacious, darkened room is themed after the scrublands of southwestern Australia, and it features the fauna to match. Some of the animals are able to roam freely, while others live in enclosed spaces along the path. Guests walk on an asphalt road resembling a lonely stretch of Australian highway, with road signs and street lights giving some illumination for the patrons as they make their journey. The free-roaming species found in this exhibit include Tammar Wallabies (Macropus eugenii), Short-Beaked Echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), Greater Bilbies (Macrotis lagotis), Woylies (Bettongia penicillata), and Spinifex Hopping Mice (Notomys alexis). Meanwhile, along the path are exhibits that cannot be accessed by the free-roaming animals (including the guests). Most of these habitats are meant to resemble abandoned small buildings one might see on the side of the road (such as old shacks or outhouses), but some are a bit more natural-looking, blending in with mock trees and bushes. Some of the inhabitants of these enclosures include Carpet Pythons (Morelia spilota), Kowaris (Dasyuroides byrnei), Tawny Frogmouths (Podargus strigoides), Red Honey Ants (Melophorus bagoti), Australian Masked Owls (Tyto novaehollandiae), Common Death Adders (Acanthophis antarcticus), and Freshwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus johnsoni).

 

Great! Like how you made the path a road and incorporated that idea into the rest of the exhibit. Your next habitat is the bayous of the Southeast United States, your choice of diurnal/nocturnal.

If anyone else would like one, yours will be the Australian deciduous forest/eucalyptus woodland, diurnal!

 

The bayous of the Southeastern US eh? This is going to be fun!

Jewels of the Bayou

This dimly-lit large room is meant to simulate the swamplands that dominate the Southeastern United States, particularly Louisiana and Florida. The main path resembles a boardwalk that rests atop a shallow swamp, with various small pathways taking guests to secluded cul-de-sacs obscured by rocks, vegetation, and/or manmade structures. In these hollows are homes for the species that aren’t free range. Before we take a tour along the path and run down each exhibit, first we must discuss the animals that are free-roaming. The full list of free range animals include American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber, Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja), Wood Storks (Mycteria americana), Green Herons (Sutorides virescens), Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula), Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), Canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria), Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus), Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser), Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis), Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura), Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), American Coots (Fulica americana), Killdeers (Charadrius vociferus), American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Yellow-Crowned Night Herons (Nyctanassa violacea), American White Ibises (Eudocimus albus), Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon), and Swamp Rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus). The hall begins by stepping onto the boardwalk, where you’ll see many of the bayou's birds (and rabbits) either off into the distance or up close. The first detour on your journey is a flat rock that acts as a bridge taking you to an "island" on your left. On this island is a medium-sized open-topped exhibit housing Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera), Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), Mississippi Map Turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii), River Cooters (Pseudemys concinna), and Loggerhead Musk Turtles (Sternotherus minor). Returning to the main path, walk further and you’ll find a detour to the right that takes you into an area obstructed by rocks and cypress trees. In this area is a grotto with underwater viewing for North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis). Next is a path on the left that leads to a dock that gives you a better look at the free range birds. However, what’s adjacent to this dock is an old bait shop with habitats for both Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) and Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) inside. The next detour takes guests to a large yard with opportunities to see the residents both on land and underwater. The residents in question are American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) whose yard is netted as to disallow any birds from potentially flying into the reptiles' maws (though some of the water from their habitat does spill into the main swamp). Adjacent to the alligator paddock is a large room seemingly built out of logs and fallen trees. Inside are two separate exhibits for American Beavers (Castor canadensis) and Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), with barriers that make it appear that both rodents share the same space (also part of the alligator yard does lead into a crevice that’s part of the beaver lodge). Also, living in the beavers' pool are Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Opposite of the path to the beavers is a series of terrariums inside mock trees that line the boardwalk. These terrariums include Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis), American Green Tree Frogs (Hyla cinerea), Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer), and Louisiana Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Next is an island-like landmass similar to the turtle one, but this one contains a series of mock logs and rocks instead. These logs and rocks contain terrariums for various reptiles and amphibians such as Eastern Spadefoot Toads (Scaphiopus holbrooki), Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix), Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus), Common Mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus), Black Rat Snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata), American Toads (Anaxyrys americanus), and the critically endangered Louisiana Pine Snakes (Pituophis ruthveni). Opposite of this collection of herps is a tall, netted exhibit carved into the side of a rock that houses Common Raccoons (Procyon lotor). Next are a series of large flight cages to the left that are connected to a large barn. The cages rotate between Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura), and Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). Inside the barn are habitats for Barn Owls (Tyto alba), Barred Owls (Strix varia), American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis), Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), and Three-Toed Amphiumas (Amphiuma tridactylum). Opposite of the barn on the right is a shed home to Gray Foxes (Urocyon cineroargenteus). Next, you walk into what looks like a cave and there are two exhibits on either side. Oddly enough, both exhibits are actually outside, but the viewing to both is through glass panels. The enclosure on the left houses American Black Bears (Ursus americanus), while the enclosure on the right is a spacious yard for Whooping Cranes (Grus americana), Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), and White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Finally, at the end of the cave is a secluded spring with a massive freshwater tank, complete with a waterfall spilling into it. This tank is home to Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus), Alligator Gar (Atracosteus spatula), Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii), and the ever-popular Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Behind the waterfall and in front of the rocky cliffside that the tank touches is a chute transfer that allows Bobcats (Lynx rufus) to access two separate netted exhibits on the left and right side respectively. Also, a tall terrarium for Everglades Rat Snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) appears in the left corner of the room.

 

Wow! What a detailed exhibit! That building has to be very large, I imagine. On to the next environment for you, which is the slopes of the Alps, diurnal!

 

The Alps huh? This’ll be an interesting challenge...

Der Matterhorn Trail

A large mostly indoor trail, this exhibit complex was constructed to simulate the Alpine regions of Western and Central Europe. Acrylic glass roofing allows natural sunlight to peer into the building, contrasted by the complex's constant temperature of 8-15 degrees Celsius. Sharp, craggy rocks surround the pathway, which ascends and descends into easy to scale hills and valleys. Along the path are a few free range animals, the full list consisting of Rock Partridges (Alectoris graeca), Greylag Geese (Anser anser), Red-Crested Pochards (Netta rufina), Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), Grey Partridges (Perdix perdix), European Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur), Corn Crakes (Crex crex), European Green Woodpeckers (Picus viridis), Alpine Choughs (Pyrrhocorax graculus), and Eurasian Skylarks (Alauda arvensis). Before reaching the main montane hall, the first room the guests reach when they first enter the building is meant to resemble traditional Swiss architecture. This room is a small herpetarium with exhibits for Viviparous Lizards (Zootoca vivipara), Sheltopusiks (Pseudopus apodus), Common Slowworms (Anguis fragilis), Smooth Snakes (Coronella austriaca), and Asp Vipers (Vipera aspis). Once you exit the room, you reach the main alpine hallway. The aforementioned free-flight birds are able to soar above you, nest in appropriate locations, and rest at nearby ponds scattered throughout the trail (some of which are inside a few of the exhibits). The first exhibit to house animals that aren’t free range is a netted habitat for Eurasian Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus), Eurasian Bitterns (Botaurus stellaris), White Storks (Ciconia ciconia), and Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber). Next is a set of spacious netted aviaries that rotate between Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo), and the ever-popular Lammergeiers (Gypaetus barbatus), whose brainy antics seem to be popular with crowds. Next on the right is a heavily forested yard with netting that is actually only half of the habitat (the other half is outside and is quite spacious). Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica), Western Capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus), Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus), and Red-Breasted Geese (Branta ruficollis) call this enclosure home (note that the waterfowl have separate nearby indoor yards connected to the main exhibit to avoid the deer just in case they become aggressive). Guests then walk across a bridge that takes them over an enclosed valley home to Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) and European Hares (Lepus europaeus). When the bridge ends, they walk underneath a netted Swiss-style archway that connects two cavelike enclosures for Eurasian Lynxes (Lynx lynx), providing opportunities for the cats to walk over guests' heads. Two opposite exhibits are then reached by the guests, the one on the left being a waterfall-fed grotto for European Otters (Lutra lutra) and the one on the right being yet another habitat where the rest is outside; this one containing a pack of Grey Wolves (Canis lupus). Finally, two more exhibits are left, both of which are on the right side and both with larger outdoor areas (like the deer and wolves beforehand). The first of these habitats is a large rocky cliffside with a cavernous tunnel leading outside into the outdoor yard. The inhabitants of this exhibit are Eurasian Brown Bears (Ursus arctos arctos). In contrast to the neighboring bear exhibit, this next one is actually larger on the inside than on the outside. A large, netted paddock filled with rocks, cliffs, boulders, and meadows for animal enrichment comes into view. The inhabitants of the crown jewel of this exhibit complex include Common Ravens (Corvus corax), Eurasian Griffons (Gyps fulvus), Alpine Marmots (Marmota marmota), Mountain Hares (Lepus timidus), Alpine Ibexes (Capra ibex), and Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Once you exit the hall, you’re casted outside and you can follow the trail backwards to see the rest of the goat, bear, wolf, and deer enclosures.

 

Amazing! Love the Swiss style buildings. Your next challenge is the Peruvian and Chilean coast lines, diurnal!

 

Several of those animals aren’t found in South Western Australia

 

Oh, this is going to be VERY fun!

Humboldt Pass

Within an acrylic glass domed building is a trail that takes you through a series of rocky beaches and coastlines, the sharp boulders lining both your pathway and the homes of the local fauna constantly being bombarded by waves that emit a strong salty scent that fills the air. The first things you notice as you enter are the free range animals, which include Inca Terns (Larosterna inca), Black-Faced Ibises (Theristicus melanopis), Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos), American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus), and Snowy Plovers (Charadrius nivosus). The first non-free range exhibit you encounter is an open-topped habitat with a pool that guests can view into. The inhabitants of this enclosure are Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), which share their pool with Redspotted Catsharks (Schroederichthys chilensis). Opposite of the penguin/shark complex is a flight cage for Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus), a prominent predator of young penguins. On the subject of penguin predators, the next exhibit contains one that’s big enough to hunt adult penguins; the South American Sea Lion (Otatia flavescens), a species that boasts the largest habitat in this complex. Next, guests enter a cave carved into the face of a cliff, said cave is home to a colony of Common Vampire Bats (Desmodus rotundus). As you exit the cave, you leave the saltspray-smelling beach and find yourself in a dry, rocky scrubland. This area has only one new exhibit and there are no free range animals. However, it is an absolutely gorgeous sight to behold because the left side shows guests the rest of the sea lions' gigantic habitat, while the right side has a netted mixed species yard filled with mud, dust, rocks, and even plants native to the region (this room is kept at a constant temperature to allow the foliage to grow healthily). The residents of this large paddock include Chilean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis), Southern Viscachas (Lagidium viscacia), Long-Tailed Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), Common Degus (Octodon degus), Southern Pudú (Pudu pudu), and Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna).

 

Outstanding! Love the inclusion of animals found a bit off the immediate coast. Your next challenge; the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, nocturnal!

 

Can I have a challenge please?

 

Mind if I have a challenge too?

 

You sure can!

Your challenge is the Sonoran Desert, diurnal.

Yours is the Himalayas, diurnal.

 

Can I have one?

 

Yeah, yours is the African savannah, nocturnal.

 

Old Western Sonoran House.

The house starts with a big aviary with cactuses and plants native to the desert and a little water pit in the center for the birds to refresh themselves. that contains Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte Anna),Cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus),Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii),Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes Uropygialis) ,White-Winged Dove (Zenaida Asiática),Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus). In a little separation of glass with some sticks and branches there is space for Harris Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus). In another section with tall grass,a little oasis like water pond and some rock caves where they can sleep there are Cottontail Rabbit, Ringtail, Coati, Raccoon, Harris Antelope Squirrel, Round Tailed Ground Squirrel and Antelope Jackrabbit.

 

Could I have one?

 

Can I have another?

 

Yes, yours is the grasslands of the Great Plains of North America, nocturnal.

Sure! Nice Sonoran biome. Yours is the icy waters of Antarctica and surrounding islands, diurnal.