Creating the Rembrandt Park Zoo (a fantasy project of mine)

Bamboo lemurs and vontsiras would be interesting species to include. Are you doing exclusively captive-kept species?

 

Well @Bengal Tiger, while I won’t spoil the entire species list for *Destination Madagascar* just yet; you will be excited to know that I will plan to include both common, and rarely-kept species such as Bamboo Lemurs, Antsangys, Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemurs, Cuckoo-Rollers, Nile Crocodiles, Crested Ibises, Hissing Cockroaches, and much more into the exhibit itself as soon as time permits.

 

I have one suggestion:

It could be interesting to chose species mixes and/or exhibit designs based on different exhibits and/or regions of Madagascar (i.e. dry versus moist forests).

Maybe a nocturnal house or exhibit for some of the nocturnal lemur species (mouse lemurs for example) could be interesting?

Also, will you chose to include lemur walk-throughs or not, given the risk for undesirable human-animal interactions such exhibits can pose?

 

Now @KevinB, in order for me to answer each of your questions without spoiling too much. I will just be giving out some lightly written answers which I hope will make you understand on what I am trying to achieve for this exhibit:

First, the main complex will be divided into at least, three or four habitats and/or regions of Madagascar; such as Wetlands, Limestone Formations, Spiny Forests, and much more. So in a sense, that answer is pretty much covered.

Second, I do have the intention of adding a major nocturnal house of some sorts into the main layout of the complex; so in that case, that answer is pretty much covered as well.

Third, I did have an idea to use a single walk-through exhibit with a mix between Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Radiated Tortoises and a few other species; but other than that, I do not plan to use a walk-through exhibit concept with all of the other lemur species that I plan to use, mainly due to some of the issues that you have already stated above.


I also do hope that what I wrote above, helped answer some of the questions that you had in mind btw.

~ @Austin the Sengi

 

Although you were all expecting this to be a post for *Destination Madagascar*; I have decided that due to both the recent announcement of the “Speculative Zoo Design and Planning Forum”, as well as some time restraints with school, and other little things in life. I decided instead that today we will focus on two, smaller, “sub-attractions” that are simply known as both the *Swan Pond* and the *Wetlands Walk*. But now, let us begin:

SWAN POND: - (1 exhibit)

If you were to exit out of the *Lorikeet Jungle* exhibit, but did not turn left for the *AACC*. Then the next exhibit that we would’ve come across would be this relatively, old relic of a not so distant past. You see, along with the already mentioned *Monkey Island*, the *Swan Pond* itself, is considered to be one of the few remaining historic relics that have managed to survive, and to be restored for modern generations in the present day. Although the pond itself is the sole exhibit found within this complex; it is worth noting that the exhibit is actually home to not just swans, but also four to five other species as well, that have called this historic exhibit their home. Similar to what is seen on the monkey island, directly across the path from the exhibit’s multiple viewing areas are several, strategically placed signs used to educate guests about what kinds of animals that you can find in the exhibit today, along with a few other signs that directly educate guests about the exhibit’s storied past. Today, you should expect to find not only an experienced breeding pair of 1.1.0 Whooper Swans, but also four other species of waterfowl in the form of 3.3.0 Emperor Geese, 3.1.0 Northern Shovelers, 5.4.0 Barrow’s Goldeneyes, and 4.4.0 Buffleheads; along with the occasional wild bird such as Mallards, Great Blue Herons, and several others that are worth a decent mention.

(5 bird taxa)

In addition to the historic *Swan Pond*, and once you leave the pond’s viewing areas. You would make a slight turn to your left, and walk straight ahead towards the next stop on our tour, for in which it is listed as seen below:

WETLANDS WALK: - (12 exhibits)

Directly on the same path from where you exited the historic *Swan Pond*, you will later approach the rather simple entry arch for the “Walk”, as some guests and zoo enthusiasts like to call it; and after walking underneath it, not too far away is a simple, closed-top aviary that temporarily houses a pair of 1.1.0 Southern Screamers, as well as a relatively small breeding group of 3.3.0 Chilean Flamingoes. Previously, before the screamers and flamingoes arrived and were temporarily put on display, the aviary was the long-term home to a single 0.1.0 Oriental White Stork who had lived in this aviary for many years, before she passed away back in 2019 due to health complications related to her long-lived lifespan. However, just like what I had mentioned before, the screamers and flamingoes are not expected to live within this aviary forever; for it is here that the flamingoes will eventually move into a permanent exhibit that is currently under construction as of late, while the screamers will be relocated to a new, and more suitable home here at the “walk” sometime next week; but for now, both species have seemed to get along just fine in their temporary housing, with little to no issues to be reported whatsoever. Further down the path from this aviary, you will soon find a covered viewing area with one side looking out into a spacious, open-topped exhibit, while the other side displays multiple educational signage that explains guests about the plight, threats and conservation of the adjacent exhibit’s 1.1.2 European Mink. For a small mammal species such as a mink, the following exhibit is a naturalistic paradise, with multiple viewing areas designed for certain visitor age groups, a large, perch-filled pond for them to swim and hunt; along with various different places to hide whenever they do not feel like being in the spotlight from the eyes of guests. In short, this relatively large, 1,700 sq ft, well-planted exhibit should have all of the necessary benefits for these nearly-threatened mustelids to thrive within a safe place that they would otherwise not have out in the wild. Not too far away from the mink viewing area, the next exhibit that guests will encounter is a smaller, open-topped enclosure similar to the native turtle exhibit at the Bronx Zoo, (the one outside of the WoR building), that contains not only sizable breeding groups of 10.8.0 European Pond Turtles, and 11.9.0 Eastern Painted Turtles; but also an innumerable group of Common Carp, as well as several native species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and more. Further down the path, and after making a slight turn to your right. The next two exhibits that you will begin to see are both home to a single species of crane; with the former, and larger of the two exhibits being home to a breeding pair of 1.1.0 Brolgas, while the smaller enclosure next door is home to a single 1.0.0 Red-Crowned Crane, who for the time being, will be on his own until we can find him a suitable partner to keep him company, (as he is an older bird when it comes to his age). Also, located in the same shaded viewing structure as the Brolga exhibit is a small freshwater aquarium that contains a trio of 2.1.0 Australian Lungfish, along with schools of 0.0.20 Oxeye Herring, and 0.0.17 Saratoga as well. Past the aquarium and crane exhibits, but before we approach the next exhibit, it is worth noting that in this small section there lies a shaded, interactive, water play area for children that educates both them and their families about soil erosion, the water cycle, the flow of water, as well as the fact about how wetlands are vital to not only the plants and animals that call them home. But also the people that live, play, and work, in and around these vital portions of habitat. Beyond the play area, and approaching towards your left; you will notice that there are two small, well-planted habitats that are currently empty. Before long, however, the smaller exhibit that you see in front of you will eventually become the permanent home for the Southern Screamers that I have previously mentioned. In addition, the larger exhibit directly next door, is usually the home to an all-female trio of 0.3.0 Capybaras; But due the construction progress with the neighboring screamer exhibit, all of the zoo’s capybaras have been temporarily relocated to an off-display holding area, until the surrounding construction has reached its conclusion. Not too far away from the currently empty capybara exhibit, we have now arrived at the entrance to a large, simple, and diverse, free-flight aviary that contains a wide variety of bird species from various parts of the world; which in term, are all individually listed below, as seen here:

• - 1.1.2 Boat-Billed Heron
• - 3.5.0 Baer’s Pochard
• - 1.1.0 Belted Kingfisher
• - 4.5.0 North American Ruddy Duck
• - 5.5.0 Glossy Ibis
• - 3.3.0 Snowy Egret
• - 4.3.0 Canvasback
• - 6.6.0 Chilean Pintail
• - 4.0.0 Orinoco Goose
• - 2.2.0 White-Faced Heron
• - 6.7.0 Lesser Whistling Duck


After exiting out of the aviary, and making a right-hand turn, you will notice another shaded education area with multiple signage boards that educate guests about bird migrations, how vital wetlands are to a large variety of birds and other organisms, how some birds were able to be brought back from extinction via extensive conservation efforts, and so much more. Adjacent to this education area, you will find a large, closed-top exhibit with above, and underwater viewing making it easier for guests to find the zoo’s sole 1.0.0 Alligator Snapping Turtle, as well as an innumerable population of unspecified Perches that populate, and occupy the same underwater viewing area. Nearby, there is also a smaller, cylindrical-shaped paludarium that houses a breeding pair of 1.1.0 Lake Erie Water-Snakes, who also happen to share the same exhibit with a surplus population of 0.0.26 Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and a far larger breeding group of unspecified Minnows as well; with the latter being purposely placed in the exhibit to give the snakes an easy meal. Leaving the snake, and turtle exhibits behind and approaching on the path straight ahead, is home to perhaps the unofficial star species of the “walk”. Which also happens to be ironically, the last major species that guests will encounter here on this “walk”; for it is here that I am referring towards a spacious, 7,800 sq ft, open-topped enclosure for not only a vibrant flamboyance of 8.9.4 Greater Flamingoes, but also two other species of Eurasian waterfowl, (5.5.0 Garganeys and 3.4.0 White-Winged Ducks), that tend to share and to seemingly coexist alongside them. Given the occasional chilly weather that seems to occur within the surrounding area. In the recent past, we decided to build them a relatively large, and spacious indoor enclosure that was designed to not only serve as the birds holding area/night house; but to also serve as a way for guests to see them year-round whenever the temperatures seem to otherwise tell them to not be out on exhibit. Now if you were to follow the main path past the flamingoes, and towards the attraction’s exit, then you would’ve ended up back at both the main entrance, as well as the *Conservation Commons* entry plaza. But since we have plenty of exhibits that we haven’t seen, or touched upon just yet, (Destination Madagascar especially). We will now make a detour that will make us backtrack, and walk down the exact same path that we have only just entered from. Thus ending not only this specific part of the tour, but also the majority of the thread’s progress until things have settled down with the aforementioned new forum, along with the eventual tour post of *Destination Madagascar*, that I expect to be finished, and posted sometime in early to mid December at its earliest.

(2 mammal taxa)
(18 bird taxa) - (currently)
(4 reptile taxa)
(7 fish taxa)

 

Well then everyone, now that things have seemingly calmed down when it came to the impactful changes of the announcement for the “Speculative Zoo and Design Forum”, as well as the equally busy holiday season which has undoubtedly been quite a tedious time for all of us. I now believe that it is right about time that we can worry no longer about how these eventful times have been, and to focus our attentions on toward other little things in life instead. In addition, I do believe that it is also about time for me to announce that in the following post below, we will now return to our descriptive exhibit tours in the form of the long-awaited tour debut for *Destination: Madagascar!* as you will see in the post below. But for now, with all of that being said and done, let us get back to where we had left off, and begin once more.

 

Excited to see it!!! Always a pleasure when you post

 

DESTINATION: MADAGASCAR!: - (8 exhibits, part one)

Beginning off this first part of the tour, and after walking right past the main path that can either lead you in or out of the complex, (depending on where you come in); then the first exhibit that we will come across will be a sizable, 989 sq ft, meshed-in aviary located just to your right from this point of the main pathway. Similar to how the San Diego Zoo uses modern-day animals as a living comparison to their extinct relatives in their *Elephant Odyssey * exhibit, the same could also be said with the inhabitants of this first habitat. However, this concept is only really used for the zoo’s single pair of 1.1.0 African Crowned Eagles, which in term, they are used as a stand-in for their long-extinct, Malagasy counterparts. In order to help further explain this concept to the average zoo-goer, you will notice that there are some graphic signs that are strategically located near this main viewing area. After you have admired the very presence of these eagles, you eventually move away from their main viewing area and after walking straight for a few short steps; then the next stop on our tour that we will encounter is a well-themed, semi-outdoor retail area aptly named the “Varotra Tsara Trading Co”. Here, you and other eager guests are more than welcome to find, and buy from a wide selection of themed souvenirs that range from soft plush versions of some of the animals that one could find in Madagascar; to other notable gifts such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, map posters, and even available pieces of art that were all created by some of the zoo’s lemurs as a creative way to help increase donations to help fund the many in-situ conservation programs that the zoo helps to financially support. Exiting out of the gift shop before making a slight turn to your left, and later a right. You will then approach, and later enter a large, spacious, two-floor, well-themed building named as the “Malagasy Wetlands”. Now not only does this building serve as a sheltered viewing area for some of the animals that we are about to see, but it also serves as an optional private event space, as well as the home to a variety of Malagasy fish species that are all individually listed as seen below:

(Aquarium closest left)
• - 0.0.9 Madagascar Big-Headed Turtle - (temporary)
• - 0.0.155 Madagascan Silverside
• - 0.0.101 Patricia’s Killifish

(Aquarium furthest left)
• - 0.0.47 Pachypanchax sakaramyi

(Aquarium closest right)
• - 0.0.156 Red-Tailed Silverside
• - 0.0.13 Madagapotamon humberti - (crab)
• - 0.0.67 Mangarahara Cichlid

(Aquarium furthest right)
• - 0.0.112 Pinstripe Damba
• - 0.0.77 Golden Saroy
• - 0.0.89 Marakely


Later on, as you leave the aquariums behind and ascend the ADA-certified ramp to the upper floor of the building. It will begin to make sense that you make a turn to your left and approach a large, thin-meshed viewing window that looks out toward a tall, multilevel, lushly-planted, 7,500 sq ft, free-flight aviary that serves as the residence for at least, eight species of bird that call the island’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands their home; which in term, they are all individually listed as you will see below:

• - 1.0.0 Madagascar Purple Heron - (temporarily off display, due to the presence of the fledgling birds)
• - 3.1.0 African Swamphen
• - 4.5.5 Meller’s Duck
• - 3.3.0 Hamerkop
• - 4.4.0 African Spoonbill
• - 4.3.5 Bernier’s Teal
• - 2.3.0 Madagascar Sacred Ibis
• - 4.3.0 Madagascar Pond Heron


After being out on the lookout for the birds from this sheltered upper level viewing area, (there is also a lower level section) you begin to leave the aviary behind you, and soon after making the descent down the same ramp that you previously just used a moment ago; you then make a somewhat short turn to your right, and eventually exit out of the building as a whole not too long afterward. Not too long after you make a somewhat short turn to your right, and walking right past a small, shaded rest area located nearby, you will soon approach a section of a large, 11,000 sq ft, naturalistic enclosure that is sure to be fit for a well-sized bachelor group of 8.0.0 Nile Crocodiles, (the zoo used to have eleven of them, but the latter three have long been since transferred to other zoos elsewhere). In addition to the crocs themselves, the exhibit is also given an additional mixed species bonus for displaying a few other species within this area as well. For it is also here that a large breeding group of 11.12.0 Madagascar Big-Headed Turtles, an additional group of 0.0.159 Pinstripe Damba, along with several large innumerable groups of unspecified cichlids and tilapia have also found themselves a protective refuge here within this man-made oasis. In terms of a place where one can easily view these often intimidating reptiles, not too far away from where you stand lies a large, slightly-sunken underwater viewing area whose theme is meant to recreate a traditional Malagasy fishing hut, and as a way to help reduce the chances of stress for at oftentimes occur from guests tapping and/or banging on the glass, the crocodile exhibit in particular has a smaller, synthetic barrier in front of the glass used to help reduce the likelihood of this issue from occurring to a certain minimum. Exiting out of the underwater viewing area, and leaving behind the crocodiles and their neighbors. Sooner than later, we will now approach the last exhibit that we will cover in this part of the tour; but before we even attempt to do so, we must first venture across a simple wooden bridge that directly takes you over a wide, shallow, duckweed-filled pond which naturally serves as an aquatic barrier, and towards a large, circular, thatched-roof gazebo whose main purpose is to serve as a sheltered viewing area for the following exhibit. For it is here that we will now focus our attentions toward a 1,770 sq ft enclosure with the exhibit’s centerpiece being a 950 sq ft, lushly-planted island located directly across from the viewing area that you are standing on. In terms of the exhibit’s inhabitants, make sure to be on the lookout for a diminutive, but ever so growing family of 1.2.3 Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemurs, as well as a large non-breeding group of 15.0.0 Madagascar Side-Necked Turtles that placidly patrol the surrounding waters below during the warmer months of the year.

(1 mammal taxa) - (currently)
(9 bird taxa) - (currently)
(3 reptile taxa) - (currently)
(10 fish taxa)
(1 invertebrate taxa) - (currently)

 

I don’t want to be annoying, but how is the zoo going?

 

Due to my current school schedule, things have been a little slow when it comes to how the tours are progressing at the moment. But whenever I have any spare time to be able to write something out for this thread. I will definitely make sure to be on track for the next part of *Destination: Madagascar!*, which will by the way, be posted here on the thread sometime between now and mid-February.

 

Good to hear, I can relate to school slowing down projects, but I’m glad you’re still working on it

 

DESTINATION: MADAGASCAR!: - (27 exhibits, part two)

Continuing on our journey throughout this recreated island landscape, and beginning from the spot where we have last met at. We will now resume our tour by approaching towards our right, just until you have your sights toward a 3,000 sq ft, loosely-planted, mesh-topped enclosure that functions as a mixed-species exhibit for a mother/daughter pair of 0.2.0 Narrow-Striped Boky (more individuals are kept bts), named “Lollie” and “Poppy”. As well as a trio of 1.2.0 Collared Brown Lemurs named “Stilton”, “Brie”, and “Gouda”, that were each named after a specific type of cheese based on their individual personalities. It is also worth mentioning that “Brie” is (currently) considered to be the oldest lemur in our care, especially when it comes to her near-ripe age of 19 years (the median life expectancy for her species means that she could live as long as up to 23-30 years in human care). Leaving our newly-made furry friends behind us, and approaching to our right shortly after. We will now approach a set of sliding doors that will lead us into a darker side of Madagascar that very few people even dare to set foot upon after the sun goes down, aka the *Zavaboary Alina*.

Translating into “nighttime creatures” in Malagasy, this expansive indoor building that serves as a combined nocturnal house/herpetarium not only allows us to house a wide variety of endemic species in this one building alone, but it also serves as the place where many of our on-site conservation projects take place (albeit behind staff doors).

After stepping foot into the building, and adjusting your eyes to the minimally-lit exhibit area. You will look to your left and observe two walled-in terrariums where the first two creatures you will find can be found. In this case, there are 0.0.8 Dumeril’s Bright-Eyed Frogs in the former, along with a group of 0.0.23 Brown Mantellas in the latter. Leaving behind these first two terrariums and approaching further into the darkness, you will not have to walk too far away, for the next exhibit in this building is located just a few feet to your left from where you were standing just before. Housed in this floor-to-ceiling terrarium is where you are likely to find “Linah” the zoo’s sole 0.1.0 Malagasy Tree Boa. In addition to this terrarium, there is also a smaller, tree-trunk themed terrarium that houses a non-breeding display colony of 0.0.101 Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that are sure to both frighten and fascinate the average zoo-goer. Walking down the hallway and approaching to your right, you will then notice that there are four additional walled-in terrariums that each contain a single species. With the following exhibits housing 0.0.9 Cheke’s Day Geckoes, 0.0.11 Blue-Legged Mantellas, 0.0.4 Mossy Leaf-Tailed Geckoes, and finally, a pair of unsexed 0.0.2 Night Brook Snakes. Throughout the entire building, primarily in the nocturnal sections. It was only necessary for us to utilize both a red lighting system, as well as the use of a reflective, one-way glass barrier that not only helps to improve the overall welfare of the animals. But to also further enhance the likelihood of guests being able to actually see the animals with minimal disturbance as well. Moving away from the terrariums and looking to your left, you soon encounter by far, the liveliest exhibit in the entire building. For it is here that this spacious, 450 sq ft, exhibit themed to an abandoned house in Madagascar currently serves as the residence for a growing colony of 0.0.60+ Madagascan Fruit Bats strong. Near the main viewing gallery for the bats, and continuing with the abandoned house theme, there is also a single terrarium themed to an old pile of firewood that currently showcases a duo of 2.0.0 Malagasy Cat-Eyed Snakes. If you happen to walk a few slight steps straight, just before you look to your left once again, it is only natural to find in their dimly-lit enclosure a growing family of 2.2.4 Western Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemurs (one of my favorite species of lemur), as well as a single post-reproductive male 1.0.0 Greater Hedgehog Tenrec named “Lewis” whom we have plans for him to retired from being on exhibit in the coming days.

Now in order for me to save up some space for the remaining exhibit descriptions. I will now give out a slightly vague description for the following seven exhibits, and the species that each exhibit holds:

• - 3.2.0 White-Tailed Antsangy in a loosely-planted exhibit directly across from the tenrec/dwarf lemur habitat

• - 1.1.0 Rhinoceros Chameleons in an intermediate-sized, well-planted vertical terrarium.

• - 0.0.66 Kotsovato in a simple, bio-active aquarium.

• - 0.0.7 “Boophis madagascarensis” in a simple, riparian-themed paludarium.

• - 1.0.0 Madagascar Scops Owl and a related trio of 3.0.0 Madagascar Nightjars in a small, dimly-lit aviary very similar to the Tawny Frogmouth enclosure in Cincinnati Zoo’s *Night Hunters* building.

• - 4.0.0 Henkel’s Leaf-Tailed Geckoes in a mainly horizontal, lushly-planted terrarium.


Adjacent from the gecko terrarium and slightly turning towards your right, directly in front of you will be a massive, well-landscaped terrarium that almost resembles a scaled-down version of the *Spiny Forest* exhibit at the Bronx Zoo, in terms of both size and general appearance. Of course, this semi-immersive space also serves as the home to four species of reptile, with 5.4.0 Flat-Backed Spider Tortoises being the exhibit’s main draw, but also 1.4.0 Karsten’s Girdled Lizards, 2.3.0 Merrem’s Madagascar Swifts, and 8.0.0 Madagascar Spiny-Tailed Iguanas that each inhabit the same space with the tortoises as well.

Between this exhibit, and the habitats we will cover in just a moment’s notice, located in the walls between them is a floor-to-ceiling terrarium for 0.0.11 Madagascar Comet Moths that almost appear to be invisible, just as we walk past by it and later approach by far, the largest exhibit in the entire building. If you are lucky, you might just be able to spot one of our four 2.2.0 Aye Ayes chiseling away on a grub-filled hollow log as a form of enrichment. In addition, you could also find that there is a family group of 1.3.1 Madagascar Giant Jumping Rats that can be seen moving around the lower portions of this slightly sunken-down exhibit; especially when you consider that for being the largest exhibit in the building in terms of both size and scale of this one area, you would think that there should be enough space for both species to get along so well, and indeed you would be correct on that matter. Further past the rats and aye-ayes, and closer to the building’s exit, there are three more exhibits to look for just along the end of the hallway. With the first one actually being an open-fronted exhibit for 4.1.0 Malagasy Orb Weavers, while the second and third exhibits (which house a single 1.0.0 Sambava Tomato Frog and a group of 0.0.10 Yellow-Headed Day Geckoes respectively), are both decently-sized terrariums that are the last two exhibits that one will see just before walking out of the very same sliding doors from where you have first entered.

(8 mammal taxa) - (currently)
(11 bird taxa) - (currently)
(15 reptile taxa) - (currently)
(5 amphibian taxa) - (currently)
(11 fish taxa)
(4 invertebrate taxa)

I should also mention that the sentence above is (technically) not the end of the complex’s second part, since there are three more exhibits that we still need to check out. But until then, I do hope that you have each enjoyed this next part of our Madagascan journey, and I also promise that the last remaining exhibits for part two will be given a tour description sometime this weekend if I am not too busy during that time.

 

DESTINATION: MADAGASCAR!: - (3 exhibits, part two 1/2)

After adjusting your eyes to the daylight once again, and after walking a few good steps towards your left. Up ahead, the path will divide in two that can either lead you to your right towards the *Spiny Forest Gardens*, an expansive botanical garden that contains one of the most diverse collections of Madagascan flora found anywhere outside of the titular island; or it can lead you straight towards the next exhibit that we will encounter. Naturally, we will continue to go straight and after entering through double set of wooden doors (the following exhibit is in fact, a sort of aviary), you will soon begin to feel the impression that you are indeed within a true Madagascan spiny forest. A feat that the zoo’s horticulture team have once again accomplished to achieve, with the appearance of the following 5,450 sq ft, mesh-topped, walkthrough enclosure looking somewhat similar to the image below:


(Photo credit goes to @SMR)

Sooner than later, after you have first entered the exhibit itself. You will soon be surrounded by arguably, the most emblematic species of lemur around; aka, the zoo’s bachelor conspiracy of 13.0.0 Ring-Tailed Lemurs. Now in addition to the lemurs themselves, the enclosure is also home to a species that we will cover in just a moment, along with the many flocks of 11.11.0 Madagascar Red Fodies and 8.8.0 Grey-Headed Lovebirds which are given the chance to fly freely throughout the main exhibit, (and away from the often prying eyes of most visitors).

Further down the path, and by far, one of the most impressive features of this exhibit is the presence of a 45-ft tall, man-made baobab tree which in terms of appearance, is nearly identical to the tree seen in the image below.


(Photo credit goes to @Ituri)

Now although, guests are not able to explore this one particular tree, the birds and the lemurs can. Consequently, this part of the exhibit does tend to be quite congested on busier days, mainly because the lemurs will often congregate to the area as it is the location of where the daily lemur “keeper talk” demonstrations take place. But as we make the bend around the baobab and look down to our left, you will notice that beneath a series of heated lamps, there should be a large group of 2.12.0 Radiated Tortoises that will often huddle up with each other in this one area, particularly during the cooler months of the year, unless if the temperatures are simply too cold for them to be completely outdoors, which is then we decide to move them off-exhibit.

As you begin to exit out of the exhibit in the same direction from where you first came in, you will notice that on both sides of the pathway leading towards the next exhibit that we will cover, there are multiple lemur-themed, one-person benches for guests to sit on if they decide to take a short break from walking without having to make the long trek towards a nearby restaurant with an open table. But shortly after sitting down, we will resume our journey by approaching a sizable, 450 sq ft, enclosed aviary (that is not a walkthrough), that currently contains one of the ring-tailed lemurs’ most fearful enemy; aka, the pair of 1.1.0 African Harrier Hawks that call this next exhibit their home. Being a slightly smaller, and less well-planted version of the already mentioned Crowned Eagle aviary, there is no need to mention about what this exhibit has to offer, aside from the residents themselves. Since the Madagascan species of harrier hawk is currently not represented in captivity as much as some other species of raptorial bird, it was only natural for us to house their mainland relatives instead as an easier alternative. It is also worth noting that both of these birds were brought in from an overseas falconry center that closed down nearly a decade ago. Which we are still grateful for accepting both them and a single species of hawk which we will cover in a future post, into a facility that could satisfy the long-term needs for each of the birds that were later brought into our zoo near the end of that first year.

Now before we can truly conclude the second part of this particular tour. I should also mention that after leaving the harrier hawk aviary behind us, and making a slight turn to your left. You should then approach a well-themed restrooms building with its main draw not being a well deserved bathroom break; but instead, a large, lushly-planted, vertical terrarium located outside and between the entry doors that houses a single 1.0.0 Oustalet’s Giant Chameleon named “Ranoma”. Now you maybe asking yourself about why is there a chameleon terrarium on the exterior of a restroom building in the first place. But the truth is, the answer is actually rather simple; for it is because of the fact that unlike the Boelen’s Python terrarium at the Nashville Zoo, for example, everyone would be fortunate enough to see the chameleon without it being exclusively housed in either the men’s or women’s side of the building, (a decision that I am certain will make other ZooChatters very happy with if this zoo was ever a real facility).

(9 mammal taxa) - (currently)
(14 bird taxa) - (currently)
(17 reptile taxa) - (currently)
(5 amphibian taxa) - (currently)
(11 fish taxa)
(4 invertebrate taxa)

 

DESTINATION: MADAGASCAR!: - (14 exhibits, part three)

Beginning off once again at the same location from where we have last met at, along with after walking a few short steps to your left. Then the first two spots that we will encounter are each a smaller-sized aviary that currently contain the following species, with the first aviary housing a group of 3.3.0 Greater Vasa Parrots and a timid flock of 1.4.0 Madagascar Partridges; while the second aviary only contains a single pair of 1.1.0 Madagascar Cuckoo-Rollers, a rare species of bird that we are rather fortunate enough to see and admire on display today on this tour. In terms of how each aviary is laid out when it comes to the selection of the placement of the plants and perching areas, there is not really much description needed to explain both exhibits in full detail, and thus, we will continue to move along. Leaving these said aviaries behind, and moving straight towards our next stop in the tour that we will come across, the next place that we will check is an authentic replication of a traditional Malagasy village that features several well-themed building façades, along with a shaded seating area for the most tired of guests to come sit down and to relax for a short while.

As you then begin to leave out the village and approach towards our next location, you will notice that the surrounding landscape is (thematically) beginning to change from the drier spiny forests of the previous habitats, to that of a greener landscape in the form of the island’s tropical lowlands that we will begin to discover just ahead. Located across from the outskirts of this replicated village and directly across from where have stood, you will notice that up ahead is a 900 sq ft, well-shaded enclosure that is home to an active breeding group of 3.4.0 Ploughshare Tortoises, which are by far, one of the most endangered species of tortoise out there. Adjacent next door is a large, well-themed building named as the *Tortoise Hideout* that not only serves as the indoor holding area for the titular reptiles, but once you begin to head on inside; you will then notice that this building is also the location of two equally-sized, walled in terrariums that contain two clutches of juvenile 0.0.5 Radiated- and 0.0.6 Ploughshare Tortoises respectively, along with a smaller terrarium found nearby that currently contains a juvenile group of 0.0.3 Flat-Backed Spider Tortoises, with each one hatching out from three independent clutches as well. In addition, as evidenced by the many makeshift crates, traps, scattered objects, and other themed props found throughout. The building also serves as a tool that educates and explains about the unsung threats of the illegal wildlife trade, and how it is only causing more harm to not just these tortoises, but also to other species that have been listed as threatened to extinction because of these said factors.

After exiting out of the building and approaching towards our right, we will now enter through the second, and the last of the free-flight aviaries found within this complex. Soon, after entering through a double set of wooden doors similar to that of the walkthrough lemur exhibit that we have previously toured, this 4,000 sq ft, guest-accessible aviary is home to a colorful cast of eight different species of bird, which in term, are all individually listed as seen below:

• - 4.6.0 Madagascan Crested Ibis
• - 0.2.0 Blue Coua
• - 4.2.0 Velvet Asity
• - 5.5.0 Madagascar Turtle-Dove
• - 4.4.0 Pitta-like Ground Roller
• - 3.0.0 Madagascar Bulbul - (non-breeding siblings)
• - 5.9.0 Nelicourvi Weaver


Located nearby, and across from the aviary’s exit, we will soon encounter the first of three large rotational lemur exhibits, that each rotate between four species of lemur native to these densely-forest parts of the island. When combined, the entire exhibit area can support multiple breeding, and non-breeding groups of lemur that can be mixed together to form a combinational mixed-species exhibit; but in this case, for the relative safety of the lemurs, we have chosen to not use this technique between the individual lemurs that we currently have. Each of these said four species of lemur regularly time-share between each exhibit, which also includes their large indoor holding complex, which helps to make the lemurs feel secure during the night, or on days with not so great weather patterns. On this day, the first exhibit that we have walked towards to is a 1,200 sq ft, meshed-in habitat that showcases a pair of 2.0.0 Blue-Eyed Black Lemur brothers named “Belmando” and “Brunel”, but on some days the exhibit would instead be home to an experienced breeding pair of 1.1.0 Red-Bellied Lemurs named “Fredo” and “Maria”, who are currently off-exhibit at the time of this tour. Adjacent next door to this habitat are a 1,300 sq ft habitat, and a 1,400 sq ft habitat which often rotate between the same two species, although it is not uncommon for the black, and red-bellied lemurs to inhabit these two habitats from time to time as well. On this day, the following two habitats are currently displaying a species of lemur in each one, with the first and largest of the three exhibits currently showcasing the zoo’s family conspiracy of 4.2.0 Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs, (for those who are wondering about the taxonomic classification of these lemurs, these individuals each belong to the nominate subspecies). While in the adjacent habitat, it is usually home to breeding pair of 1.1.1 Coquerel’s Sifaka,(another favorite lemur of mine) named “Rolland” and “Anthonisia”. But due to the recent birth of their newborn daughter, who has yet to be named at the time of this tour, we have decided to move all of our sifakas into their off-show quarters for the time being, which thus gives the family a quiet place to safely raise the newborn. Which then allows the infant to remain with her parents, until is she has become big enough to be out on exhibit on a regular basis.

If you happen to continue walking from your right, and away from the main viewing area of the empty sifaka habitat. Then the next location that we will approach towards is a large, two-story building simply known as the *Fossa House*, with the main highlight being a front-and-center, 450 sq ft, multi-level, indoor enclosure, that is home to an animal that you begin to realize as the most dangerous non-human predator that a lemur would face out in the wild; aka, the zoo’s breeding pair of 1.1.0 Fossas that call this, and the adjacent outdoor habitat, their well-established territory. Also located within this same building, are two small terrariums located opposite of the indoor viewing area, with each of their inhabitants being 0.0.6 Golden Mantellas in the former, as well as a group of 0.0.10 Madagascar Reed Frogs in the latter. As evidenced by the lack of getting a good look of our female fossa, along with a temporary sign posted on the plexiglass pane which explains her absence, we will now begin to make an abrupt exit towards the outdoor exhibit area, where we plan to see if the male can be spotted instead before we move on. Exiting out of the *Fossa House*, and walking straight towards our left, before making a short right to our outdoor viewing area. It seems that our luck on finding the fossa has ended on a successful note, as evidenced by the sight of our male “Jovian” resting on an angled log in the middle of the habitat. Although the rotational procedure is not as complex like that of the lemurs in the previous three habitats, both of the fossas do get to time-share not only the 2,800 sq ft, mesh-topped enclosure that you see in front of you, but also with the indoor habitat that we have already covered in the previous sentence. With the usage of piano wire instead of the conventional plexiglass seen in the indoor habitat, along with a wooden fence that serves as an extra precaution from the occasionally unruly guest from this said wire; it does make some sense for our zoo to utilize this type of barrier system for this particular viewing to effectively work, although it will not be the last time that we will see this barrier system being used in the upcoming exhibits that we will eventually cover in our tours soon. As we begin to walk parallel from the way that we came from, and approach towards our right, you will notice that located on both sides of the main path are an assortment of tree stumps that were purposely relocated, and replanted from other parts of the zoo when certain areas were being redeveloped at the time of their removal. But these replanted tree stumps do serve an educational purpose, however, for it is with the usage of these said stumps that teaches you about the consequences of deforestation, and how it has impacted the islands biodiversity in a negative way that unless taken into action, would serve as a grave reminder of an environment lost to the hands and tools of human beings that would only see that place as nothing but an obstacle to a goal one may never fully understand.

(14 mammal taxa)
(24 bird taxa)
(18 reptile taxa)
(7 amphibian taxa)
(11 fish taxa)
(4 invertebrate taxa)

 

With all of those descriptions that being said and done. Our tour through *Destination: Madagascar!* has officially reached its end. But before I can truly finish off this part of the tour, I just wanted to point out that the remaining exhibit tours will not be divided into as many separate parts as *Destination: Madagascar!* was. However, this exhibit just happens to be a major exception to this newly-made rule of mine, primarily because of the large amount of animal species that the complex displays within this particular exhibit area.

 

Incredibly well made!!! What area do you plan to do next?

 

Well @Bengal Tiger, given that I have already covered a pretty large exhibit complex in the form of *Destination: Madagascar!*. I have already made some plans, and have thus decided for the tour to explore a smaller-sized complex instead, until I feel like it would be best to tour another large exhibit area. So in that case, the next exhibit area that I will plan to cover, will be the zoo’s own unique take on a typical children’s zoo.

 

And as you could see, I thought that the spoiler function would work out for this post in a proper fashion. But clearly, it seemed to have other ideas, so I do apologize for this slight inconvenience.

[Edit] I am now in the works to update the the previous, now deleted post, so please do be patient while I try to figure things out.

 

Now that I have started to figure out with the spoiler function. Here is the fixed version of the animal update post that I was trying to portray; just before these changes were made, and listed below:

Spoiler

The Chilean flamingoes that were temporarily housed in the former white stork aviary have now left the zoo for one of our sister facilities, and we are now in the starting process of finding a new tenant species to permanently replace them.

Spoiler

The southern screamer pair that were also housed in the former stork aviary for a brief period of time; were later moved into their new home that was completed shortly after the time when the tour occurred last year, and the pair have long since settled down.

Spoiler

Last week, our female sifaka infant was finally given a name. Which, through the decisions of the staff and general public, was given the name “Lalaina”, which means one who is loved or dear; now although the infant is still too young to be out on exhibit at this time, we do have plans to gradually introduce her to the outdoors with her parents very soon.

Spoiler

Our sole red-crowned crane had unfortunately passed away, just a month or two before we could’ve pinpointed a suitable companion for him. These days, his former residency is now being utilized as a separation area for the neighboring brolgas; just in case if the two birds were not under a breeding recommendation, and would need to be separated from each other to avoid any potential form of aggression.

Spoiler

Lately, it came to my realization that the actual size of the main aviary in *Lorikeet Jungle*, was actually a lot larger in size than what I originally had in mind; and for those reasons alone, the aviary should now be around 9,000 sq ft to make up for this unintentional mistake.

Spoiler

One of our three Hamerkop pairs have recently hatched a pair of chicks, to which, they have done so successfully. However, one of the chicks did not survive long after it hatched; and the surviving chick had to be hand-reared by staff, after they noticed that both of the parents did not showcase any parental behaviors to properly raise it. Although, we do have plans to eventually reintegrate the chick back with its parents, along with the other hamerkops that are kept in the same aviary.

Spoiler

A few months after their neighboring enclosure had concluded with construction, a male/female pair of capybaras were brought to the zoo to join with our current group of females; which has now increased our zoo population up to five individuals.

Spoiler

The juvenile Madagascar big-headed turtles that were temporarily housed in the *Malagasy Wetlands* building, have outgrew their former living space; and were recently transferred to other nearby facilities to make room for the adult turtles living the main crocodile habitat. Which is nearly at full capacity when it comes to their current situation.

~ @Austin the Sengi

 

After getting myself into a slightly messy situation when it came to how the previous post was being arranged. I have decided to turn away from this ordeal and to head back towards what this thread is really all about. Which in that case, is the start of a brand new tour that we will begin with once more:

Shortly after leaving behind the previously covered *Destination: Madagascar!*, which later takes us on a short stroll towards our right. You may notice that up ahead is a simple, 3,500 sq ft, sparsely-shaded enclosure for a rather lonesome 0.1.0 Aldabra Giant Tortoise named “Georgina”. This individual has been by herself as recently as 2020, and as of late; we are currently on the search of finding her a suitable tortoise for companionship. Further down the pathway from Georgina’s habitat and entering yet again from the right; is a whimsical-looking archway that serves as both the entrance and exit to the following complex, as shown here:

BENNETT FAMILY DISCOVERY ZOO: - (29 exhibits)

Named after the generous philanthropist family who had donated a good majority of the funds needed for the construction, then later, the completion of this very exhibit back in 2016. This expansive interactive complex was predominantly designed with children in mind, but yet it can still be enjoyed by people of all ages. Beginning off this first real part of the complex, is a 900 sq ft, woodsy-feeling enclosure which currently houses a mob of 5.6.0 Parma Wallabies. These marsupials, along with the following two enclosures that we will encounter in a moment’s notice; are each examples of how audible communication in this case, can be beneficial to an animal’s survival; (a recurring theme with each of the following exhibits here; which in term educates every passing guest about the five human senses). As one begins to leave the wallabies behind, it won’t be long until one will encounter a sizable walkthrough aviary, which respectively houses a multitude of North American songbirds that are all individually listed as seen below:

• - Northern Bobwhite
• - White-Throated Sparrow
• - Baltimore Oriole
• - American Goldfinch
• - Swainson’s Thrush
• - Eastern Bluebird
• - Rose-Breasted Grosbeak


In addition, while you are still inside of this small aviary; there is also a smaller, separate enclosure which usually houses a flock of 4.4.0 Domestic Quaker Parrots, (which were all rescued from a now defunct breeding facility). Going briefly off-topic, it was recently decided to slowly bring back the migratory songbirds into their exhibit due the reducing cases of avian influenza, (although the quaker parrots, pigeons, and domesticated birds have yet to meet these same requirements at this point in time). Exiting out of the aviary and walking towards a short forked pathway, one would have to choose on which path they would like to go next. Preferably, for the sake of this tour, we will choose to take the left. Although, for most families, they would mainly choose to head towards the right since there is a small playground for kids to enjoy, with a giant spiderweb-like play structure being the area’s biggest draw. Across from the pathway where we currently stand, is a large, swamp-like pond leftover from a time when the area once belonged to the neighboring Rembrandt Park from the mid-1960’s to the early 2000’s. Nowadays, the pond is a wildlife-certified haven for a multitude of native flora and fauna; and is often well-known for the high concentration of dragonflies that appear during their respective breeding season; thus naming the body of water *Dragonfly Pond*. Moving on from this said pond and later approaching towards your right, one would typically notice a popular group of Domestic/Feral Homing Pigeons flying to and from their elevated birdhouse. But due to the still looming possibility of avian influenza, the birdhouse is currently void of any pigeon activity, and thus, there is not much else for one to talk about. After talking about the sense of sound, we will now approach an area that educates about the sense of sight, (which technically started with the native dragonflies, but I will digress on that statement). Housed in a repurposed picnic shelter that was later redeveloped to house the following animals, it was only necessary to still showcase these animals in a way that best suited their needs. After heading inside, and looking towards the end of the hallway, you will notice that there are two connecting enclosures with one on each side of the hallway that rotate with the zoo’s breeding pair of 1.1.0 Black-Footed Cats, arguably one of the main reasons a zoo enthusiast would need to visit this complex. Both of these enclosures are rather small in terms of their size, yet are still spacious enough to house one individual cat at a time; depending on which individual would be out on habitat that given day. Being a predatory animal maybe a tough pill for some children to swallow when it comes to simply learning about what these cats eat; but for the sake of showcasing a literal cat-and-mouse scenario in the same building. I suppose it made some sense to showcase a small mammal that a black-footed cat would typically hunt for in its native range. Which is also the reason why the zoo’s family group of 0.0.15 African Pygmy Mice are housed in a 50-gallon, walled-in aquarium tank not too far from where the cats will lazily prowl. On the opposite end of the building are some off-show holding areas for the two species that we are about to see, as well as some informative graphic signage placed on the walls in front of this said area. Heading out the door from the building, and making a slight turn towards your left, you will then notice two identical cage-like aviaries that each house a species of raptorial bird. The first which houses a non-breeding sibling pair of 1.1.0 European Barn Owls, while the second houses a single 1.0.0 Broad-Winged Hawk named “Connor” that came to us from the same overseas falconry center that our African harrier hawks came from not too long ago. Since then, both “Connor” and the previously mentioned harrier hawks have well settled down, although we currently have no plans for any of these birds to become a part of the zoo’s growing animal ambassador program.

(3 mammal taxa) - (currently)
(11 bird taxa) - (currently)
(1 reptile taxa) - (currently)