Exhibit Designing Competition #2

I made this a while back for an exhibit ideas, hope you don't mind me reusing this idea because I'm kinda proud of it.

PANTANAL PATH​

Follow the small, man-made version of the famous Pantanal river as you search for rare and exclusive animals in the depths of the river and foliage of their exhibits. First you enter a large brick building with a red roof and glass panels that let the sun (whenever it shows) to shine in. To the left is a tall chainlink fence, fake vines and leaves covering it to give the animals more privacy. Look through special gaps in the coverage of foliage to see the rare Hyacinth Macaw. On the back wall there are several holes (big enough for a human head to fit through) for the Macaws to head out into a larger outdoor aviary. Moving on you look to the right to see a simaler exhibit, only it it about twice the size and holes to the outside aviary big enough for a human to squeeze through. The Crowned Solitary Eagle lives here and in their outdoor retreat there is a small, deep pool with small fish in to feast on. There are also indoor exhibits containing Black capped Donacobius, Helmeted Manakin and Burred Antshrike.
As you exit the building you follow a winding path that is running alongside a widening river. A bit further on and a dark green concreate fence, waist height, comes into view. Behind it is a wide part of a deep river, foliage popping up from the water and large lillies lie silently on the surface. But the silence is broken by a small herd of Marsh Deer, who share the exhibit with Capybara. Moving on, you head up a wide, long, wooden bridge with speakers built into the barriers. They echo real-life sounds from the Pantanal such as the sound of splashing water and rare, exotic birds peforming mating calls amongst others. At the start, the bridge is surrounded by trees and planets from the Pantanal but as move on, the foliage disappears and you see below a large lake, filled with stock-still Spectacled Caimen and Yacare Caimen. This part of the bridge, echoing with the sounds of the real river, now speaks in an informative voice, giving details about the Caimen and other information about the river. Heading forwards, the bridge soon comes to an end and you notice the area has more foliage than the previous. Following the path, you spot a high rock wall with glass and yet again, fake vines covering around the edges. You peek in and see another stretch of the river, flowing in the direction you are heading. This exhibit is move mountainous and has a ore diverse range of plants and trees. A small shelter, a bit like a large umbrella, rests on the higest of the ridges. Under it, the rare Jaguar. It's indoor exhibit is behind the foliage and hills, unseeable to guests. Leaving this cat some peace. On the opposite side of the path, in the same style as the Jaguar exhibit, live Maned Wolves, howling away, undoubtedly waking the Jaguar from its slumber.
Following the path (with a quick chance at nipping to the loo and an ice cream from a small stand) we head of down a sloping path, leaving the river to follow its own course.
As we come closer to the next exhibit, we the viewing area is entirely underwater. Swimming playfully about in it, are a family of Giant River otters. They take notice of you, and start showing off with swirls, twirls and somersaults in the water. Leaving the friendly otters to their own business, your patth ahead lies upward, revesling this next exhibit. In the heavy foliage lie several Bush Dogs, dozing in the afternoon shade, oblivous to their surroundings. And opposite them lives the exclusive Giant Anteater. With simaler exhibits, the Anteater gains something more interesting to its surroundings. An artifical Anthill, crawling with unartifical ants, placed there by keepers for feeding. This may draw out the solitary Anteater and give it a few moments in the spotlight before disappearing into the foliage.
Along this trek, in the same type of style as the Marsh Deer live South American Tapir along with another pair of Capybara. To the left, as the path goes for a left turn, we get a glimpse into a large netted aviary holding several species of birds of which are Roseate spoonbills, Jabiru, Great Egret, Bare-faced Curassows, Agami Herons, Sunbitterns and Sungrebes. You keep heading down the next path until you see a fork in the path. You take a left and quickly come to the sheltered viewing area for the aviary, providing a clearer view through glass rather than mesh or netting. Moving on down this fork we near the monkeys of the Pantanal. The first species are black howler monkeys who have a spacious exhibit with loads of rope and climbing frames to play on and swing from one side of the river to the other. Then the pathway widens and the view changes, with a large part of water surrounding the rounded end of the path, a 4ft wooden/bar rail around it, preventing visitors from falling in.
However we first see an exhibits on the opposite side, beside the black howler monkey exhibit. They're gold howler monkeys! They, like their cousins beside them, too have climbing frames and all sorts of enrichment to keep them learning and amused.
We move to the other side of the big path to see two small islands, brimming with plants and climbing frames. On the smallest island live Silvery Marmosets while on the larger island live a group of Brown Capuchins. The islands are connected for keepers to easily access them, but the animals themselves are prevented from using this by gates on each side and a bit of electric fencing to stop them climbing across.
Now we need to backtrack all the way back to the aviary where we go down the right fork. As we arrive at the end of this section, you'll notice we leave through a large building(the roof blue, and absent of glass), just as we entered one to get here. On the entrance to it are several billboards and signs such as "Biodiversty of the Pantanal River" and "Protecting the Wetland". Above the huge glass doors are a large golden Lizard and A fish with sharp teeth. The fish is eating the lizards tail, while in turn, the lizard munches at the fishes tail.
When we step in, the whole place is bathed in blue/brown light, making you feel like you are underwater. There are several tanks here, mainly dotted around the side of the building with only a large tank, reaching up the the ceiling, right in the middle. In this middle tank there is a swarm of red-bellied Piranha, whose feeding frenzy will be showcased (with a warning to squemish visitors) during a keeper talk. In the other tanks you see several other fish or aquatic animals such as South American Lungfion, Mojarrita, Barbado, Red freswater crab, Dogfish and Pintado. Signs everywhere tell you about these species and as you decide to leave you suddenly see and elevator and stairs! Quickly you head up the stairs as you past a sign saying Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertabratesand as you approch the top of the stairs your eyes are met with a nice warm humid air and a room with more exhibits, the whole place is made to look orange/red by the lights. In the largest one, near the stairs is a huge Yellow Anaconda, silently staring at a mouse, ready to eat. In other exhibits, simaler but slightly smaller than the Anacondas lie Gold Tegu, Common Iguana, giant racerunner, leopard kickback, brazilian lancehead, eastern collared sping lizard and Green Iguana. Red-footed Tortoise exhibit is in the middle. They are not in exhibits like the other species, instead, Guests can look down at them as they wander about their home. A small murky pool allows them to cool of after an hour or so under the heat lamp. Beside the elevator are a few boxed exhibits mounted on clean wodden posts. Inside are Brown huntsman spider, Grey crackew, millipedes, Lesser snouted tree frog and diastotops. There is enough room to expand for future species and exhibits here.

You go back down the stairs to the aquarium and leave through the exit. Outside is a small play area with wetland-themed amusements like a Slide styled as a large green wetland log, seats that wobble back and forth styled in the shape of some wetland birds such as Scarlet Ibis, Agami herons and Jabiru. A small bridge goes over the river to a small boat that moves along a track when money is put into it. It moves along the track to a backdrop of the Pantanals landscape as the narrator tells you about life in the tropical wetland and the threats it faces. Once it reaches it;s end it goes back the way to where it started and the kids can get off.

PantanalPath-1-1.gif picture by Mr_Saxon - Photobucket

Inside the Pantanal RIA (Reptiles.Invertabrates.Aquarium)
Ground floor, the Aquarium.
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/Mr_Saxon/PantanalRIAground.jpg
Top floor, reptiles, Amphibians and Invertabrates
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/Mr_Saxon/PantanalRIAtop.jpg

Total count

15 mammals
9 reptiles
1 Amphibian (sorry Amphibian lovers)
5 Invertabretes
6 Fish
12 Birds

*wipes brow*

 

The deadline for this is fast approaching. Does anybody else plan on sending in an entry? I was wondering if I'd have to extend the deadline since only one person has entered.

 

I forgot about this...working on mine now.

 

I'm not gonna get around to it this time Good luck everyone!

 

I'm going to extend the deadline one more day, so the new deadline is Sunday, August 22nd at 7 PM EST.

 

This'd be a bit of a bummer if I win by default.
Would I also be able to pass on the next challenge to someone else because I don't think I'll be able to make up a new suitable challenge for others.

 

Wetlands of South America

This exhibit explores the wildlife of wetland areas in South America. It is not based on a specific location.

You start your journey indoors, in a small building. This building is mainly for reptiles and fish. Two large tanks contain Bushmaster and Green Vine Snake. A much smaller exhibit is for millipedes and there is another nearby for a tarantula species. The center exhibit is a mixed species one, viewed through glass for Matamata, Arrau Turtle, South American Lungfish, Smoky Jungle Frog, Cardinal Tetra and Neon Tetra. There is also a small exhibit for Strawberry Poison-dart Frog here. The last exhibits in here are 3 aquariums for Red-bellied Pirahna, Black Pacu, and Redtail Catfish. There is a keeper talk and feeding at the pirahna exhibit every day. While the talk is mainly focused on the pirahnas, it also touches on other wildlife from South American wetlands and the threats they face in the wild.

After watching all the reptiles and fish you exit the building and arrive at the first outdoor exhibit. This is one of the largest exhibits here and contains a large lake in the middle. The exhibit contains Brazilian Tapir, Marsh Deer, Capybara, Southern Screamer, Black-necked Swan and Yellow-footed Tortoise. On an island in the middle of the lake are families of White-faced Sakis and Emperor Tamarins. The other animals cannot access this island, and the distance between the island and the rest of the land is too far for the monkeys to jump. The exhibit is viewed from several spots, including a bridge that goes over the lake alongside the monkey island.

The next exhibit is also very large but is not a mixed exhibit and contains less land. It is for a family of Giant Otters. They can be viewed from above and below the water and there is a glass tunnel for kids to slide through the exhibit as well as get another view of the otters.

Next is yet another pool and land area exhibit but this one is the smallest out of the 3. It is for a pair of Orinoco Crocodiles, which are again viewed from above and under the water. There is also a sign here educating the public on these animals and what is being done to protect them.

Passing these exhibits you come to a large netted exhibit for a variety of different animals. It is full of thick foliage and tall trees. A small stream is also in the exhibit. The exhibit contains Cotton-top Tamarin, Golden Lion Tamarin, Tamandua, Central American Agouti, Linne's Sloth, Black-necked Aracari, Green Iguana, Blue-crowned Motmot and Red-footed Tortoise. Signs here educate the public about these animals, as well as the pet trade, as several of these species are being captured to be kept as pets.

A pair of Giant Anteaters have a large exhibit to explore. A fake anthill is placed in the middle of the exhibit. This anthill is regularly filled with ants so the anteaters can hunt for their food. They also have a pool to cool off in.

The Wetlands Aviary is a large walk-through aviary, with a pool in the center filled with fish for several of the birds. An island in the middle is for the birds to nest although they can also use the many trees along the visitor pathway if they choose. Inside this aviary are small colonies of Roseate Spoonbill and Scarlet Ibis, as well as Wattled Jacana, Sunbittern, Hawk-headed Parrot, Guira Cuckoo, Limpkin, Rosybill, Ringed Teal, Brazilian Teal, Screaming Piha, Green Oropendola, Yellow-rumped Cacique and Gray-necked Wood-rail. Many of these birds are in large groups and there is always activity to watch.

Next there are 2 netted exhibits, 1 for a pair of Hyacinth Macaws and the other for Bare-throated Bellbirds. A Black Howler Monkey island is located nearby, with lots of climbing structures. A small kids swimming pool area is near here as well, although this is thankfully a distance from any animal exhibits.

The final exhibit here is viewed from another building. It is a massive pool, viewed through glass, for a pair of Amazon River Dolphins. There is a tunnel that visitors can walk-through, and the dolphins can swim over and under their heads. You exit the exhibit complex after walking through this tunnel.

 

Kakadu

The swamps of Kakadu

This complex features three main buildings each showing a different area of the park. The first house is focussed on the frequent rocky outcrops and the creeks that flow around them. You enter the building and come across a wall covered with boulders. At the base there is a creek. The mammalian inhabitants include short eared rock wallaby, rock ringtail possum and northern quoll. The wallabies and possums live together on the main rock wall while to see the quoll you enter a cave and after passing by some aboriginal art. The quolls live in a glass fronted exhibit filled with rocks. Back in the main hall you find an area with an Identifacation guide for the free flying birds that include blue winged kookaburra, crimson finch, partridge pigeon and red winged parrot. The creek at the base of the rock wall has underwater viewing. It is sparsely planted with eel grass and has a sandy substrate. The fish that li e here are checkered rainbowfish and toothless catfish. Just before exiting the building there is a late terrarium for olive pythons and a smaller one for he deadly costal taipan. This building is the smallest of the three. Outside there is a netted rockey exhibit for the possum and wallaby. Next along the path is a childrens area with a big pile of hollow boulders for the kids to climb on and hide in. There are also some tall eucalyptus trees with treehouses for the kids.

The terrain outside outside changes from rocky to open eucalyptus woodland. You then enter a large wooded walkthrough exhibit for antilopine wallaroos, agile wallaby and northern nailtail wallaby. You then enter the house and are surrounded by trees that conceal a large walkthrough aviary. The inhabitants of the aviary include bush stone curlew, red tailed black cockatoo, rainbow lorikeets and Gouldian finches. You can purchase nectar for the lorikeets and seeds for the finches. Exiting the aviary you find a pair of sandy billabongs on either side of the path One is larger and home to a trio of freshwater crocodiles. The smaller one has underwater viewing and is home to Mertens water monitor, snake necked turtle and Jardine river arowana. Next you pass by the indoor exhibit for the macropods. Just before exiting the house there is a glass fronted exhibit home to a colony of black footed tree rats. Along the path to the next house there is a swampy paddock of the invasive swamp buffalo that has caused problems in the park.The next house is centered around a large indoor swamp. There are many free flying birds that include magpie geese, plumed whistlingducks, radjah shellducks, green Pygmy geese, darters, little pied cormorant, Australian pelican, straw necked ibis, jabiru, brolga, comb crested jacana and black winged stilt. There is circular boardwalk around the central lagoon. Around the outside of the circle there are many separate exhibits. There is one home to norhtern
Brown bandicoots, echidnas and little red flying foxes. There is also a separate pool that is the territory of a big male saltwater crocodile and there are besting beaches for his two females. There are two semi aquatic glass fronted exhibits housing water rats and the other is home to pignosed turtles and Arafura file snakes. There are three small aquariums home to Cain toads, northern dwarf treefrog and whitelipped treefrogs. The last animals you see before you leave the building is an aquarium for juvenile barramundi and adult coal grunts. After exiting the house There is one final wooded enclosure for a small pack of dingos. This is the final exhibit of the complex.

 

Ok time's up! Thanks to everybody that submitted entries, again I apologize for posting my challenge late. Congratulations to Siamang27 on winning this challenge! I'm looking forward to seeing what challenge you come up with.

 

For my challenge, you must design an exhibit complex that focuses on mixed species exhibits.
Every exhibit in the complex must contain at least 2 animals, preferably more. This may include aviaries and aquaria, although the complex cannot be just one type of these. You can mix whichever species you want in each exhibit, although each exhibit needs to have a theme.
The complex can be all 1 theme, such as rainforest or coastal mixed exhibits, or it can be similar to natural encounters at the Houston Zoo where there are several mixed exhibits each focusing on a particular theme (for example, a south american rainforest exhibit, african savanna, kopje, aquarium, tropical aviary, whatever).
You must have at least 5 mammals, 10 birds, 2 reptiles/amphibians/fish.
There is no maximum - you can make a whole zoo like this if you choose.

 

Do the different species have to be held in captivity?
Also when is the deadline?

 

Species don't have to be in captivity.
The deadline will be Thursday at 9 PM central time.

 

Canada: Pushing North

Canada: Pushing North

This complex showcases the wildlife of Canada, all the way from the border to the northernmost point of Ellesmere Island in the high arctic. It is mostly outdoors with a few indoor areas showcasing some of the smaller inhabitants of such a diverse country.

You begin you journey in the vast prairies of souther Saskatchewan. You begin with views of a large open enclosure home to Pronghorn Antelope(3.6) and Plains Bison(2.8). This enclosure has a large water hole and it falls down into a coulee at the far end of the area. There is a small group of American White Pelicans(3.3) breeding around the waterhole. You continue along the path with numerous different viewing areas. Further down the path is a viewing shelter that affords close ups in the waterhole area. Inside the shelter there is also an exhibit that is home to the many small animals of the plains. They include a colony of Ord's Kangaroo Rat (10.10+offspring), Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel and Desert Cottontail(2.2). There is also a smaller exhibit with underground viewing tunnels, this is home to Northern Pocket Gophers(3.3) and Olive-Backed Pocket Mouse(10.10). You exit the building and proceed into a large walk through aviary. It contains a prairie slough as well as stands of aspen. The inhabitants of this aviary include Sharp-Tailed Grouse(2.4), Franklin's Gull(2.2), American Wigeon(3,3), Northern Shoveler(2.2) Wilson's Phalarope (1.1), Solitary Sandpiper(2.2), American Avocet(2.2), Killdeer(1.1), American Goldfinch(4.4), Red-Winged Blackbird(3.3), Yellow Headed Blackbird(2.2) and Grasshopper Sparrow(3.3). Outside the aviary you decent into the coulee to find two exhibits on either side of the path. One has glass viewing panels and is covered in mesh. The other has a network of clear tubes around it. The covered exhibit is home to three threatened predators of the prairie, the Burrowing Owl(2.2), Swift Fox(1.1) and the Black-Footed Ferret(2.2). The other exhibit is home to Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs(8.8) and White-Tailed Jackrabbit(2.2). The tunnels that are in this exhibit are attached to the predators enclosure and provide enrichment for the ferrets. Before leaving the coulee and Moving onto the next geographic region there is large netted exhibit for two of the top predators on the plains, the Coyote(1.1) and the Swainson's Hawk(1.1) There are rocky outcrops on the sides of the coulee that act as refuges for the hawks.

The next area is focussed on the deciduous forests of the east. You begin by walking through an exhibit home to White-Tailed Deer(2.4), Wild Turkey(4.8) and Canada Geese(4.4). After passing through this area you will enter a wood cabin with viewing panels on both sides, one looks into rocky exhibit that is a prime example of Canadian Shield Geology, with huge granite formations. It is home to Black Bears(0.2) and a pair of Bobcats(1.1). To protect the bobcats from possible attack, there are many areas around the rocks that have specially designed hot-wire barriers that restrict the bears while allowing the cats to pass through. The other exhibit is built to recreate a beaver pond. It is home to Beavers(1.1), Muskrats(2.2), Blue-Winged Teals(2.2), Blue Jays(2.2), Great Blue Herons(1.1) and Pileated Woodpeckers(1.1).There are also Painted Turtles(3.3) and Perch(0.0.20) in the pond which can be viewed underwater swimming with the beavers. Leaving the log cabin you find that there is another beaver pond exhibit. This one is home to Racoons(1.2) and Minks(1.1). This is the last exhibit in this area.

After leaving the eastern forests you head into the great boreal forest of the north. Here you board a tram that takes you trough a vast wooded exhibit. Here you find Woods Bison(5.10), Moose(3.5) and Woodland Caribou(4.10). Next there is an aviary home to Whooping Cranes(1.1), Spruce Grouse(2.4), Red Crossbill(4.4), Pine Siskin(6.6), Redpoll(6.6), Blackpoll Warbler(2.2), Myrtle Warbler(2.2), Grey Jay(3.3) and Norther Three-Toed Woodpecker(2.2). Besides the avian residents there are also Red Squirrels. Leaving the aviary you will encounter the stealth hinter of the north the Canadian Lynx(1.1) and the top scavenger of the north the Raven(2.2). These two live in an exhibit with thick vegetation at the the back and the front portion of the exhibit is designed to simulate the site of an old forest fire.

The terrain now becomes more steep as you enter into the mountain portion of the complex. As you walk up a lightly wooded canyon, home to rehabilitated owls including Great Grey, Great Horned, Barred and Boreal and porcupines(1.2), you look around and see a small group of mule deer(1.3) walking up the same path that you are. They continue up to an open meadow. After you leave this walkthrough you ascend a raised boardwalk that takes you around the edge of the meadow which is home to Wapiti(2.5), Bighorn Sheep(3.6) and Hoary Marmot(8.8). You continue around the scree slope on the valley side. Here there is a small wardens cabin with a creek flowing by. From the cabin you can view the Pikas(3.3) and Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels(3.3) that inhabit this rocky slope. There is also a terrarium for the Northern Leopard Frogs(2.2) and Tiger Salamanders(0.1) that live in the marshy areas in the valleys. As you make your way up the slope toward the pass you encounter a large netted exhibit set against a large rock face. This is home to Mountain Lions(1.1) and Clark's Nutcracker(2.2). Their exhibit overlooks the one below which is home to Rocky Mountain Goats(2.2) and Dall's Sheep(1.3).

The final habitat detailed in this complex is that of the tundra and arctic coat. The first exhibit is a large multi-acre exhibit home to Barren Ground Grizzly Bears(1.1), Wolverines(1.1) and Arctic Wolves(3.4). It has 2 small ponds and numerous rock outcrops as well as a few pingos, geological formations unique to the tundra. You view it from a boardwalk as the land is quite boggy. Past the predators are their prey the Peary Caribou(2.3) and muskox(3.7) which share their exhibit with sandhill Cranes(2.2) and Snow Geese(7.7). Their enclosure has similar features as the predators except the ponds are larger. The next exhibit is for the smaller prey, the Arctic Ground Squirrel(5.5), Collared Lemming(10.10) and the Arctic Hare(1.1). Looking down onto this area is a netted exhibit for a family of Arctic Foxes(1.1+offspring) and a pair of Snowy Owls(1.1). This exhibit has a small pond with an island which acts as a safe nesting area for the owls. You now go to a large lake aviary that is filled with birds. There are Tundra Swans(1.1), Brent Geese(3.3), Northern Pintails(3.3), King Eiders(2.2), Black Scoter(2.2), Long-Tailed Duck(2.2), Red-Breasted Merganser(2.2), Whimbrel(2.2), Semi-Palmated Plover(2.2) Grey Phalarope(1.1) and Arctic Tern(1.1). After viewing the birds you head down to the shore, here there are two main areas, the beach and the cliffs. The cliffs area has a large aviary that is home to Dovekie(8.8), Razorbill(4.4), Thick-Billed Gillemot(4.4), Black Guillemot(3.3), Atlantic Puffin(6.6), Black-Legged Kittiwake(6.6) and Common Eider(2.2). These birds have undewater viewing and there are regular feeding sessions so that the public see how they truly are the penguins of the north. The beach area has ice floes left from the winter. Here there is a large neted exhibit that is home to pinnipeds and gulls. Namely Ringed seal(2.2),Harp Seal(1.2), Hooded seal(2.2), Bearded Seal(1.1) and Walrus(1.3) while the birds consist of Sabine’s Gull(2.2), Ivory Gull(3.3) and Ross’s Gull(3.3) as well as a pair of Long-Tailed Janger(1.1). There is plenty of underwater viewing for this habitat and it is set up with six defferent “coves that can be closed off if the need arises.

This concludes your northward journy through Canada that showcases the diverse fauna through the use of Mixed exhibits and immersion style design.

 

Since nobody else seems too keen, I'll make a start:

WILD! DISCOVERY CENTRE​

This large building houses thirty-three indoor mixed-species exhibits, and two larger outdoor habitats, each housing a wide range of animals which fulfils the main function of the centre; to display the wide range and diversity of species that occurs across the globe. The first area is the entrance precinct that holds two small displays along with information about the centre. One enclosure holds pairs of Carolina green anole lizards, Asiatic long-tailed lizards, neon blue-tailed tree lizards and clown tree frogs, all from different continents, but all compatible together. Opposite this in the second enclosure lives a range of Asian invertebrates, namely the Indonesian yellow crab spider, Chinese water stick insect and the Japanese harlequin tiger beetle. All animal species are accompanied by small informative signs showing interesting information about each species.

The indoor centre is arranged in several rooms, and each enclosure either includes floor-to-roof glass viewing windows or invisi-nets to really complement the environment, and native flora is planted throughout the rooms to really immerse the visitors, along with hidden music rocks playing native animal noises. Each enclosure has detailed information boards displaying what different species can be found in each environment.

Within the first room, the first enclosure is made to resemble a British water meadow, with lots of damp-ground plants such as sedges and irises along with hedgerow weeds such as thistles that provide a suitable habitat for a small group of European harvest mice while a trio of rescued Leisler's bats spend their day circling over the water meadow in their dimmed-lighting habitat, complete with hidden bowls of mealworms that the bats are especially trained to feed from. The next habitat could not be more different, being a large habitat based upon a British heathland, home to seven species of mostly heathland-endemic species. Viviparous lizards and slow worms bask side-by-side on the dead gorse branches beneath the heat lamp in the enclosure roof, bloody-nosed beetles and green tiger beetles can be observed basking on the sandy ground and periodically dashing to cover when one of the small and skulking Dartford warblers passes by on its rounds for small insect prey. A heathland marsh with underwater viewing enables visitors to watch the slow worms and warblers bathe while palmate newts and the locally rare natterjack toad both breed in this pool. Both these enclosures are viewed through glass viewing windows.

The next two enclosures are both based upon the Congo rainforest. Both are viewed through glass and enable visitors to get up close to the animals. The left-hand exhibit is based on a dry but nonetheless well-vegetated riverbed, and is home to a group of Home's hingeback tortoises and a pair of Perrin's bush-shrikes that are rare, if not unique, in zoos. Opposite this well-planted habitat is an exact replica of the other enclosure, except that this one mimics the riverbed after the rains have come. The main draw for visitors here is the five-foot long Goliath tiger fish that attracts visitors with its huge jaws and many sharp teeth. Along with this, a series of signs along the tank wall reminds visitors to look for the African underwater bugs that are nowhere near as magnificent but just as deadly as hunters. Having encountered these four species, visitors move into the next enclosure.

The exhibit that follows is a fairly standard South American walkthrough enclosure, housing some visitors favourites such as both pygmy and silvery marmosets, white-lipped tamarins, Linne's two-toed sloths, green iguanas, sun conures, red-lored Amazon parrots and red-footed tortoises. Other less common species held within this enclosure are black agouti, nocturnal Southern tamanduas that have a hollow tree complete with a viewing window to sleep in when they are not active, rufous-vented chachalacas, razor-billed curassows, pale-winged trumpeters, keel-billed toucans, green oropendolas, South American yellow orioles, yellow-fronted woodpeckers, screaming piha and most unusually a breeding group of South American tri-coloured hognose snakes.

Following this enclosure is a pair of mostly aquatic environements that communicate both predatory and defensive behaviours displayed by some Amazon swamplandspecies. The entire habitat is dimly lit, and in the first enclosure that is passed, a pair of payara circle in a pool while overhead a small group of South American false vampire bats scan for their next meal. The second habitat features a pair of green anacondas, a shoal of red-bellied piranhas, South American false coral snakes and a large breeding colony of poisonous frangipani hawk moths, with their famous striped caterpillars.

The next habitat is a Papua New Guinea rainforest home to four endemic and rare species. These animals are a pair of B]Goodfellow's tree kangaroos[/B], a trio of Victoria crowned pigeons, a pair of stunning flame bowerbirds and a pair of rarely kept channel-billed cuckoos.

Following this is the only Indochinese rainforest walkthrough, and a very unusual one at that. Visitors young and old adore watching the playful banded linsangs in their nocturnal forest as they scamper about above the visitor walkway on vines and branches, while in a large pool there is a mixed-species shoal of Asian arowana, Jullien's golden carp, giant barb and giant pangasius catfish, all rare Mekong fish that are part of special breeding programmes to boost numbers.

The next exhibition room is an indoor area that looks out into two Indochinese rainforest environments- one indoors and one outdoors. The indoor habitat is well-furnished and encourages the residents, namely Vietnamese red giant flying squirrels, Swinhoe's striped squirrels, greater chevrotain and a lone male Malayan pangolin (several breeding pairs live off-show), while the similarly well-furnished outdoor habitat is home to a pair of Malayan binturongs, a pair of Owston's palm civets and a family group of Oriental small-clawed otters.

The next room holds two indoor environments based upon African islands. The larger of the two is a Madagascan spiny forest enclosure, and holds small breeding groups of ring-tailed lemur, red-tailed sportive lemur, giant coua, Madagascan red fody and radiated tortoise while the smaller enclosure based upon Sao Tome houses the red-bellied paradise flycatcher, Sao Tome golden caecilian and a group of Egyptian fruit bats. High activity levels among all the animals ensures for two very popular displays.

Following on from this are a further two enclosures based upon threatened South American forests. The two habitats are similarly sized and the first, with lots of added information boards about the Atlantic forest the zoo is working to conserve, holds a troop of golden lion tamarins and a breeding pair of black-fronted piping-guans. The opposite habitat has information about conservation work with spectacled bears (which are held elsewhere in the zoo), but houses a collection of cloud forest birds including Choco trogons, orange-breasted fruiteaters, black-billed mountain-toucans, yellow-breasted antpittas and blue-winged mountain-tanagers. High humidity means a high lichen and Spanish moss coverage is achieved, to mimic this extraordinary habitat.

A very small room follows next, and features the amazing wildlife of two different Deserts. The first enclosure is the smaller of the two, but nonetheless is large enough to allow the two insectivorous inhabitants the chance to avoid each other if they wish to. This habitat is very popular, as the long-eared hedgehogs are the more familiar animal, but the piebald shrews are the more active species, and are always on the move. Opposite this is the Sonoran Desert environment, that houses three amazing species. Nine-banded armadillos shuffle among the sand and rocks while a pair of greater roadrunners stand atop a dead tree branch to survey their surroundings. Living among the cacti and trees is another unusual species, the thick-billed parrot that is endangered in its desert environment, as the zoo partakes in a breeding programme for this species.

A large rainforest habitat follows next, holding three species from the New Caledonian rainforest. A group of kagu, a small flock of horned parakeets and several cloven-feathered doves make up this stunning exhibit.

Following this is the Kakamega Forest, based upon a real stand of tropical rainforest in Western Kenya. A troop of De Brazza's guenons dominate the scene, while marsh mongooses, tree pangolins, hammer-headed fruit bats and Lord Derby's anomalure also compliment the mammal scene, and birds are represented by both Ross' turacos and snowy-crowned robin-chats that add colour to this huge enclosure, where all the animals are able to avoid each other if they so wish to.

A further pair of enclosures are within the African Savannah room, and house many species from two very unusual habitats. The first is the kopje, a large outcrop of rock that is home to a wide range of species. In this case, a group of common dwarf mongooses and several leopard tortoises occupy the lower part of the enclosure while the upper portion contain rock hyraxes, klipspringers, short-eared elephant-shrews and Senegal bushbabies. Flying freely in here are red-billed hornbills, white-headed buffalo weavers, hoopoes and Livingstone's turacos. Opposite this there is a view into an exciting and informative enclosure, all about the most important animal on the savannah- the mound-building termites. No termites are exhibited here, but instead four species that rely almost solely on their mounds for food and shelter live in the large outdoor enclosure. Aardvarks are the main attraction, as they bask in the sun or stay curled up in their chamber inside a large recreated termite mound. A smaller sleeping area is sometimes used by the altogether more active African striped wasels, and overhead live lilac-breasted rollers and rufous-necked wrynecks.

The following enclosure is based on the Alaskan coast, and holds a group of six coldwater specialists, four of which are cliff-dwelling seabirds. The first part of the outdoor viewing area are the cliffs, where tufted puffins, common guillemots, pigeon guillemots, king eider ducks and red-legged kittiwakes preen, nest, display and tend to their young in a bustling colony. Having observed above the water, a viewing window beneath the waves enables visitors to watch the birds dive for food, while a school of Alaska pollock, too big for any of the birds to prey upon, swim among fronds of kelp.

The next habitat is very similar, but this time is based on the Chilean coast, and this time holds six very different species. As well as the rocky cliffs, native flora and a specially made ice-wall enable the animals to feel right at home. Magellanic penguins are most visitors favourites, but looking out over the cliffs where a mixed colony of Imperial shag, snow petrel, Inca terns, grey gulls and Magellanic flightless steamer ducks mingle together also draws in the visitors. As with the previous enclosure, underwater viewing is provided.

The following room holds another two Desert environments. One is based upon North Africa, and holds a range of species, namely the North African crested porcupine, black-eared wheatear, Arabian babbler and Nile Valley sunbirds. All four of these stunning species show well in their arid environment, and likewise the opposite enclosure, housing Central bearded dragons, gouldian finches and hooded parakeets is also a joy to watch for both zoo enthusiasts and regular zoo-goers.

The next exhibition room is the African Swamp and houses nine amazing and interesting species. The underwater viewing enables for glimpses into the world of the walking catfish and information boards nearby demonstrate the amazing abilities of this fish. Above the waterline, there are four species of bird to add colour and diversity to this display. On the water hyacinths that cover the surface, a breeding pair of African jacanas can feed in peace, away from the larger purple swamphens that tend to stick to the shore of the indoor lake. In the sycamore fig that grows above the pool, there are three species of forest bird, while a further pair of bird species nest in large earth banks along the lake shore. In the trees visitors may spot African cuckoos, ring-necked parakeets, violaceous trogons and bearded barbets while the earth bank is home to a pair of tiny malachite kingfishers and a colony of red-throated bee-eaters.

The next room is the Costa Rican rainforests and houses two environments. The first is by far the larger and taller of the two, and has an elevated hide to allow visitors an unobstructed view right into the canopy, where scarlet macaws, chestnut-mandibled toucans and blue-crowned motmots perch and preen, while down below brown basilisks bask on deadwood in a small creek while lowland pacas keep to the shadows, only emerging periodically to the delight of nearby visitors. The other enclosure is contained within a darkened area, and features a large free-flight enclosure for a variety of small bats, namely the Seba's short-tailed fruit bat, orange nectar bat, greater bulldog bat and the incredibly popular Honduran white bat.

Now nearing the last few rooms, the next enclosure is sure to attract some attention. It is based on a Cuban mangrove swamp and houses four interesting species. On the mangrove roots and overhanging tree branches, three species of anole lizard bask and display among themselves. The most striking are the Allison's anole lizards, the most active are the Cuban brown anole lizards and the most peculiar is the almost crocodile-like Cuban stream anole lizard. Living in the water among the roots are about a dozen drab-coloured but active and interesting river gobies.

The next room is a favourite for bird-lovers, being a continuation of the Indochinese rainforest theme. Red-faced liocichlas greet the visitors warmly near to the small observation platform, while the other birds need more time to spot. Walking through the large forest aviary, visitors may be interrupted by the call of a violet cuckoo or a black-browed barbet, and it is not unusual to cross paths with a greater yellownape woodpecker or a party of boisterous red-billed blue magpies. A loud clattering in the treetops signals the arrival of one of the rufous-necked hornbills that make this attraction so popular with visitors. Finally, down at the water's edge, visitors will see the colony of Chinese cormorants as they forage in their deepwater pond. Visitors then head on to the next room.

Contained in here are two large habitats- one outdoor and one indoor. They are based upon two South Asian islands. Both have observation platforms that visitors can sit down in to observe the animals on display. The left hand enclosure is the indoor habitat, and houses Philippine animals in a specially recreated tropical environment. The three species displayed in this enclosure are the endangered rufous hornbills, beautiful Mindanao bleeding-heart doves and mostly nocturnal North Luzon giant cloud rats, with their own hollow tree with a small viewing window. The outdoor habitat is based upon the bamboo forests of Taiwan, and house a pair of Reeve's muntjac deer and a breeding family group of Steere's liocichla.

The penultimate room is a favourite among most visitors. It is the Coral reef exhibit, and despite not housing any large species, it is still able to attract plenty of attention. Blue hermit, scarlet reef hermit, arrow and emerald crabs are obvious on the coral, as they forage for food, while blood shrimp, skunk cleaner shrimp and bumblebee shrimp all perch prominently on the tops of the coral in the current from the tank filter. Small fish also abound in here, including Ocellaris clownfish that hides in large sea anenomes, green chromis that dart among the rocks, colonies of catalina and greenbanded gobies along with scooter blennies and green mandarinfish dart along the sand at the bottom of the reef. Skunk tilefish, algae blennies and orangespotted filefish are all treats for people looking out for something special, and for the patient, they may be rewarded with the sighting of a stunning but tiny pom-pom crab that defends itself by carrying two tiny sea anenomes in each claw, or either a brightly coloured marine flatworm or a Chromodoris annae nudibranch that slither across the rocks with confidence thanks to their protective toxins.

The final indoor enclosure is overlooked by the Conservation Station restaurant. It is a large rainforest aviary housing Cocos buff-banded rails and Christmas Island emerald doves- both endangered species on their native islands, and both breeding well in their aviary. Another nearby habitat houses a trio of South American desert birds- namely the Peruvian thick-knee, elegant crested tinamou and rufous hornero (the latter of which builds kiln-shaped nests on tree branches) and both these aviaries are great to see from the restaurant and gift shop as a final part of the indoor area.

Finally, there are the two outdoor areas, both of which can be viewed from elevated pathways going over both enclosures. The first is a Southeast Asian rainforest that houses Malayan tapirs in a grassy paddock complete with pool, reedbed, live vegetation and a mud wallow to allow the pair of tapirs to experience the height of enjoyment, while a breeding family group of Himalayan yellow-throated martens scamper about in the treetops above the tapirs, pausing to peer over at the visitors who are on their eye level.

The second enclosure is based upon an Indian swampland that features three amazing species of birds, one of which is very rarely kept in a zoo. While Indian blue peafowl strut about among the marsh plants and forage for seeds and insects, long-legged saurus cranes can be seen probing in the water and pairs can be watched as they bond through elegant dancing. Finally, a flock of seven great black-headed gulls complete the exhibit as they wheel above the more terrestrial birds, sometimes plunging down to the ground to grab a seed or an insect. After leaving this, visitors head back towards the main zoo, leaving this huge building and the many fascinating animals that live in and around it.

I hope you enjoy reading through it as much as I did writing it. And I hope someone else enters so I don't win by default.

 

Is the winner going to be announced? Or is the deadline going to be extended

 

If you would like to extend the time I would be happy to make one.

 

Lets just give siamang27 a bit of time. We all are pretty busy outside zoochat and if it comes to it we will ask hazcat to chosse a winner.

 

Sorry, I posted that I was going to extend the deadline to today at 9 PM central time...I guess it didn't get posted...

 

Sorry I was going to post my exhibit but I pressed the wrong button and it all went away. Maybe next time.

 

This one was a tough decision, but the final winner is dibatag. I will be looking forward to your challenge.

Desertrhino150's exhibit was excellent too. I liked the wide variety of exhibit types and regions of the world featured. Congrats to both of you!

Fossa dude, next time you have a long post like that you can try typing it into a text editor. That way if it doesn't send or you click the wrong button, you can just copy/paste it in again.

Also it seems that many people have stopped posting on this thread...