To start off: the zoo reopened two weeks ago as the state-mandated COVID-19 lockdown in California was rolled back. Fresno Chaffee Zoo reopens after 6 weeks Secondly, a question for anyone with information: is there a revised timeline on the construction and opening of the upcoming hippo expansion? It was originally slated to open in summer 2020, but from what I can ascertain construction has not even begun yet. Are they waiting until the Asia construction is completed before moving on to hippos, or has the plan to do that area changed?
i asked the zoo about that and they told me until after kingdoms of Asia is completed fully in 2022 that they would be getting to work on the hippo exhibit. My best guess is that a year or 2 after kingdoms of Asia opens they’re gonna break ground on the hippo exhibit
On February 8th, the zoo posted on Facebook that their Valley Farm exhibit is now open to the public with Covid-friendly guidelines such as a capacity limit. Fresno Chaffee Zoo On February 25th, it was reported that the zoo is opening a dinosaur-themed attraction named Zoorassic Park. The attraction will open on March 1st and would be running through August 1st, and will feature new species along with returning species of dinosaurs. Zoorassic Park returning to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo next week On February 27th, it was reported that a tree fell down outside the African Adventures exhibit, blocking the only passageway in and out of the exhibit. A visitor was hurt, but survived with minor injuries. Visitor at Fresno Chaffee zoo injured by falling tree
Beginning this month (April 2021) the zoo will remain open until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays (last admission 7pm).
A group of 4 Rhim Gazelle have joined the African Adventure savanna exhibit per their posting on Twitter https://twitter.com/fresnozoo/status/1388146603480035328?s=21
Looked on Facebook. The zoo explained the gazelle will not be in the main savanna exhibit. They will instead cohabitate with the elephants.
This post relates to a brand new exhibit for endangered tortoises opened in 2020. The species on exhibit are Galapagos tortoise (adult M Knobby Volcan Alcedo vandenburghi and 3 juvenile 8-year old Volcan Darwin microphyes) as well as a breeding group of Burmese mountain tortoise (the latter have laid eggs the month before airing the video and they were mating at this time). Of particular note is the informative presentation by curator (?) Steve! Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=698843584037949 The juvenile Galapagos giants arrived in 2018 from St. Augustine.
Any updates on the planned African River complex (hippos, crocs, antelope, birds)? I know Kingdoms of Asia is the priority right now, but I have had trouble finding information on this upcoming exhibit.
In principle not complaining and looking quite good. To be fair and honest: Given the CoVid climate ... it is unlikely to happen any time soon or are we jumping to conclusions on the back of severely impacted zoo day-to-day running versus available financial resources.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo's upcoming exhibit will whisk you away to southeast Asia new update on Kingdoms of Asia
I’ve been trying to find out about a female Masaii giraffe named Kiden. She was in the Oregon Zoo in Portland. I heard from a friend that they moved her to Chaffee Zoo. There is absolutely no information about her. Maybe they won’t say anything until she’s out of quarantine? Could they have decided to re-name her? Thanks in advance for any information someone could share!
Construction update: - With Covid the Kingdom’s of Asia exhibit is delayed until 2022 and they are rushing to complete it by then. It will most likely open in 2 phases with phase 1 being redone orangutan, hornbill, Komodo and Asian forest exhibit featuring Malayan tapir, muntjac, babirusa? and Asian brown tortoises? replacing one horned rhino. This phase should be opening late 2021 with the rest ( tiger, aviary, tomistoma, otter/bear and cafe) opening late 2022. - African River probably will end up being done by 2024-2025 based on multiple construction projects including: - Ambassador building (finished) -zooflex ( new commissary, administrative building) - valley farm/ petting zoo closure and demo ( for kingdoms of Asia) - conservation building (breaking ground soon) - Australian aviary renovation ( open during renovation, mainly prep for species switch out) - Tropical treasures renovation ( basically same reason as Australian aviary but with spruce up) - With a new director the zoo is now in the starting process of a master plan. It’s in its very early stages but concepts being tossed around are currently: - new zoo entrance - reptile house redo (demolition of the building and rebuild on current space) - South America - new petting zoo
