It’s not a decision based on business. This is an animal welfare decision. The concept of “choice” for zoo animals is a hot topic in the industry and many places are implementing policies that give more choice for their animals. It’s a tricky subject with ambassador animals because, how can you tell if a snake chooses to be held and touched? Lincoln Park Zoo is saying that there is no evidence that guests are more engaged (I don’t agree with this reasoning, but I do with the concept of animal choice). New training research is coming out that indicates that these ambassador animals do stress when not given choice. Lincoln Park is the first place I’ve seen to implement these policies to this level but expect others to follow in the coming years. The decision has been mostly praised in the professional groups I’m a part of.
I am not talking about the business standpoint of this issue, I'm talking about this: That's ridiculous. IMO one of the most important roles of the modern zoo is to engage guests in understanding animals. I think it can be hard for people to connect to animals when observing a species through glass or fence. Visitors need to be able to interact with the animals in order to understand and respect the creature more, and therefore also the entire natural world. I am all for the animal choosing. I agree it is difficult to know how that could be implemented in this situation, but I'm sure they could think of something. If they really think certain species or animals are always stressed in this situation, they could always use a different animal.
Yep! I totally agree. I also don't agree with their reasoning about guest interactions and would like to see if the research was done with animals other than a skink and a ball python if the conclusion would be the same. Animals like hedgehogs and armadillos are sleeping all day. If the zoo can train them to be awake and interactive with guests, I know for a fact that the guests will walk away with a better overall experience.
Kapuki the Eastern Black Rhino is pregnant: Lincoln Park Zoo's critically endangered Eastern Black Rhinoceros pregnant
Four red wolf pups have been born: Red wolf pups 'on the brink of extinction' born at Lincoln Park Zoo (PHOTOS)
The lions will soon be sent away while their exhibit is overhauled. Lincoln Park Zoo Is Getting A $35 Million Lion House Overhaul — But It Means The Lions Will Be Gone For Several Years
Two more articles about the lion house, which contain some additional renderings. Lincoln Park Zoo Reveals Renovation Plans For Kovler Lion House Cat’s Out of the Bag: Kovler Lion House Design Announced | Lincoln Park Zoo
I almost forgot, but a few weeks ago I payed a visit to the zoo. The rainforest atrium in the small mammal/reptile building was under renovation. It should reopen later this month and from what I've heard, the Patagonian cavy's will be returning and Jamaican iguanas will be added as a new species. All current species will remain.
Probably more than likely they will stay as is if at most they will probably extend them but not by much
The rainforest atrium has reopened, and a newly modified Patagonian cavy exhibit, and a new Jamaican iguana exhibit have been added (though neither species were on exhibit). I uploaded photos to the gallery, and it looks like the rainforest area has been entirely dedicated to South American species now (outside of the asian otters and provost's squirrels). Additional, the lions are the only animals left in the cat house and have access to both of the grottos on the North side.
A second baby gorilla was born at the zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Second Newborn Gorilla In One Month
The rhino calf has made his exhibit debut. Lincoln Park Zoo's Eastern Black rhino calf makes first public appearance
