My Ideal Large Zoo

Apologies for not getting an update out this morning. Traveling back to school and going to a zoo today (baby elephant twins!) took up pretty much my entire day. To make up for it, this post will include both the section intended for this morning and the section intended for tonight. As a result, this post will describe the zoo's entire Adventure Australia section, which is a smaller section, but one that packs a punch with both popular species and some rarities. The first half of this section will be a small building, named Koala Kingdom. While the focus is of course on the titular species, a number of other species can also be found in this building. The first two habitats, however, will house the zoo's breeding pair of Queensland Koala, who share these habitats with a breeding pair of Tammar Wallabies. Both of these unique marsupial species will make a dynamic mix, and koalas are always a popular attraction despite their tendency to sleep all day. Across from the marsupial habitat is a trio of terrariums, housing a Woma Python, Blue-tongued Skink, and White's Tree Frogs. Along with these terrariums, a small habitat will also hold an incredibly unique, and adorable, marsupial (which I saw for the first time today!), the Feathertail Glider. This habitat, despite being small, will incorporate a number of different climbing opportunities, designed for these agile (or should I say acrobatic) and adorable tiny marsupials. Once past these three terrariums, visitors can continue along the pathway past a large, indoor aviary- for a number of unique Australian bird species- Australian Wood Ducks, Spotted Whistling Ducks, Eastern Rosellas, Masked Lapwings, and Australian Crested Doves. The zoo's Australian bird collection doesn't end here, however, as a series of three more bird species dwell in a row of outdoor aviaries once exiting the Koala Kingdom. These aviaries house Palm Cockatoos, Laughing Kookaburras, and Eclectus Parrots. Following these three aviaries, visitors can enter a style of habitat that I'm a big fan of, even if many on zoo chat view them as overly common, of course I am talking about Kangaroo Walk-through Habitats. This habitat will be two acres large, and include a mix of multiple different macropod species. While the largest inhabitants will be the common in zoos Red Kangaroos, they will share the habitat with some smaller, rarer macropods, Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies and Western Grey Kangaroos. Bennett's Wallabies, despite being an extremely common in zoo species, will also be incorporated into this mix in order to increase the habitat's diversity, and in turn making it more interesting. Each of these four species would be exhibited in large, natural mobs, and the habitat will include both large, grassy areas and some smaller, rockier areas specially designed for the rock wallabies. Ideally, I would like to include other macropods as well (especially parma wallabies), but no other species are common enough in the AZA to be probable possibilities. If these other species, and in particular parmas, end up being available, then I would certainly like to incorporate them into the walk-through. Alongside one end of this walk-through is a separate, 3,000 square foot habitat for a large, Australian bird: the Southern Cassowary. Once past the cassowary exhibit, visitors are able to continue along the main path into the zoo's next region, which will be revealed tomorrow.

Species Count This Section: 19 (completely unintentional coincidence that two days in a row, sections have included 19 species, but definitely an interesting occurrence)
Mammals:7 (36.8%)
Birds: 9 (47.4%)
Reptiles: 2 (10.5%)
Amphibians: 1 (5.3%)

Cumulative Species Count: 238
Mammals: 84 (35.3%)
Birds: 87 (36.6%)
Reptiles: 43 (18.0%)
Amphibians: 6 (2.5%)
Fish: 12 (5.0%)
Invertebrates: 6 (2.5%)

 

Heading out of Australia, visitors can then enter the world of a different continent, with the Wild Asia exhibit. While this is the second largest region of the zoo behind Africa, it is not as methodically sub-divided as Africa, as some parts of Asia are already well-represented in the Islands area (Japan, Indonesia, Philippines), and some regions have a lot of overlap with the wildlife of Africa (the Middle East). Hence instead, this exhibit area features primarily wildlife found in the country of China, with some species from other parts of Asia added when I felt it thematically and educationally appropriate. Despite no regional sub-divisions, however, there are still some sub-sections to this Wild Asia trail, the first two of which will be covered in this post. Starting off, visitors reach a large sign for the Rhino Reserve, providing a home for the endangered Greater One-Horned Rhino, a breeding trio of 1.2 individuals, along with some other rare ungulate species- the Eld's Deer and the Transcapian Urial. All three of these species will share a row of three habitats that are each one acre large, usually connected to make one, very large, three acre habitat, but capable of being separated as needed (i.e. aggression between rhinos/breeding season may warrant splitting one of the rhinos from the other animals). Each of these habitats will include a large pool, so that the rhinos and other ungulates could submerge themselves completely, along with some intricate rock work at the front of habitats, creating a ditch at the front of the habitat only accessible to the urials, allowing them escape from the larger ungulates. Signage will talk about Marco Polo's encounters with rhinos during his trip to Asia, highlighting the fact he mistook one for a unicorn! After the Rhino Reserve, visitors are then able to enter the Wildlife Asia Lodge, a building designed to resemble Asian architecture styles that houses a number of smaller species from the continent. Upon entering the lodge, the first habitats visitors will notice is a series of three aviaries directly in front of them- built into the rock work of the Lodge, each housing a different interesting bird species from the continent of Asia, Azure-Winged Magpies, Blue-Crowned Laughing Thrushes, and Collared Finch-billed Bulbuls. Each of these aviaries will house a breeding pair of the respective species, and this exhibit will be focused on the diversity and beauty of birds found in Asia. Once past the birds, visitors may continue along into a second room, this time filled with various terrariums built into the walls, housing various small reptiles, amphibians, and mammals from the continent. The first of these terrariums will be a large (300 sq. ft), dynamic mixed species exhibit for Chinese Crocodile Lizards, McCord's Box Turtles, and Indochinese Box Turtles. This habitat will feature a small waterfall feature leading into a large pond for these unique and endangered reptiles, along with a number of climbing opportunities for the lizards. Following this habitat, a number of smaller terrariums will house other unique small species from Asia, with these habitats housing Mandarin Rat Snake, Mangshan Pit Viper, Chinese Giant Salamander, and Northern Tree Shrews. Two larger terrariums, also built into the rockwork, will house two large snake species, the largest venomous snake, a King Cobra, and the longest of all snakes, a Mainland Reticulated Python. The final terrarium in this room also happens to be the largest, housing a pair of Chinese Alligators in a 500 square foot streamside exhibit, furnished with underwater viewing and a waterfall in the back corner. Once done viewing the alligators, visitors can then enter the third and final room of this building- home to only one habitat, this time behind mesh. This habitat, designed to resemble the rock cliffs that this species calls home in the wild, will be home to a family group of Francois' Langur, an incredible and unique endangered species of primate from China and Vietnam. As the path continues outside, visitors reach a second langur habitat, allowing the primates the choice to spend time indoors or outdoors. Once past this langur habitat, a number of other unique Asian species await guests, in a continuation of Wild Asia that will be described later tonight.

Species Count This Section: 17
Mammals: 5 (29.4%)
Birds: 3 (17.6%)
Reptiles: 8 (47.0%)
Amphibians: 1 (5.9%)

Cumulative Species Count: 255
Mammals: 89 (34.9%)
Birds: 90 (35.3%)
Reptiles: 51 (20.0%)
Amphibians: 7 (2.7%)
Fish: 12 (4.7%)
Invertebrates: 6 (2.4%)

(P.S. apologies on how late in the day this post is, I wrote it at lunch time five hours ago but apparently forgot to hit "post reply". So it won't be too much longer until this evening's post gets written and I'll make sure to hit post this time!)

 

It's bizarre to mix Rhinos, Eld's Deer and Urials.
I would instead maintain the Rhinos, but with Barasinghas and Hog Deer.
Urials should have their own enclosure in a Central Asian zone, that would include other species typical of this overlooked part of Asia : Przewalski Horses, Kulans, Asiatic Black Bears, Manuls, Snow and/or Persian Leopards.

 

You're again suggesting species that, while may be possible or common for you in Europe, are not common (or even present in some cases) in US Zoos. Some of those species are also ones that will be seen in future sections of the Wild Asia trail (possibly even in today's second post). I can understand if you personally don't find the urial fitting, but why don't you think Eld's Deer are a good inclusion? It's a unique and endangered Asian Deer species, and one of the few that is kept in decent numbers in US Zoos. Hog Deer are present in very small numbers, if at all, and Barashinga are present, but in a heavily fragmented population that's been struggling due to CWD restrictions on transporting cervids over state lines.

 

Passing by the outdoor langur exhibit, across the pathway is a large, walk-through aviary, focusing on some of the incredible bird species native to Asia. The aviary will cover two separate habitat types, with animals free to move through both and no barrier in between. The first upon entering is a bamboo forest, a fairly lush area resembling these bamboo forests of China, with the second being a more open habitat, including a large pond for some aquatic bird species and some grassy land areas as well. The largest birds in this aviary, which totals 10,000 square feet, will be a pair of White-Naped Cranes. Along with the cranes are a handful of waterfowl species to utilize the 3,000 square foot pond- Red-Breasted Geese, Baer's Pochards, Scaly-sided Mergansers, Baikal Teals, and Bar-Headed Geese. On land and in the sky above, visitors can see Cabot's Tragopans, Himalayan Monals, and Red-Billed Blue Magpies. Exiting this large aviary, visitors are immediately sent into another, although this large flight cage, also 10,000 square feet, does not allow the humans and animals in the same space- instead with the visitors allowed into a mesh walk-way through the center of the aviary. One interesting feature of this area is a difference in ground level- as where visitors could view the first aviary from the ground, this second aviary is situated on lower terrain- meaning without changing their elevation, visitors are suddenly over 30 feet in the air- in a 50 foot tall aviary. This huge aviary is home to a beautiful and majestic raptor species- a pair of Steller's Sea Eagles. Once exited from this gorgeous flight cage, visitors are now on a rocky pathway through the Asian Highlands, with this path taking visitors past eight large habitats for a number of impressive species. The first two habitats make up a predator-prey set-up, with the front habitat being a 15,000 square foot, cliffside habitat for Turkmenian Markhors. A small breeding herd of these impressive caprids will have a large, rocky habitat, allowing them to display their full range of natural behaviors. The front 5,000 square feet will be a grassy yard, however, allowing them the choice to stay on a flatter surface, and give visitors a close-up view of these incredible animals. The markhor may also want to take this choice, as up above, looking down on the markhor habitat, is a 30,000 square foot habitat for a breeding pair of Snow Leopards, whose main prey is markhor. While these habitats are designed to seem as one, the animals are safely separated by mesh. This large snow leopard habitat, also filled with rocky terrain and incredible opportunities for the cats to highlight their jumping and climbing abilities, is also visible from an additional three viewing windows, allowing visitors a high chance of seeing the cats despite the exhibit's large size. This exhibit will be designed such that it's easily the best snow leopard exhibit in the US, both from animal and visitor perspectives. While the path is taking visitors to the three remaining snow leopard viewing areas, the other side of the path is home to a 1 Acre Paddock, home to breeding herds of Thorold's White-Lipped Deer and Sichuan Takin. Both of these incredible ungulates will share a large, grassy habitat- fully equipped with some rocky sections for the takin as well. This habitat, while large, provides many viewing opportunities for the animals, as it is very long, and only about 100 feet to the back of the enclosure. Once past this incredible takin/deer exhibit and the last snow leopard viewing, visitors can then see another unique mixed species area- a 15,000 square foot habitat for Chinese Goral, Western Tufted Deer, and Red Pandas. A number of climbing structures will allow the red pandas an arboreal way to escape from the ungulates, who will have access to the whole 15,000 square foot, rocky habitat. Visitors can see this habitat both through a glass window at ground level, as well as from an elevated platform after the path continues up a ramp. Also up here will be the red panda indoor viewing, which provides a year-round climate controlled space for the red pandas to escape the summer heat, while still being in visitor view. Also with an indoor viewing is the path's next inhabitants, a breeding pair of Pallas' Cats, who share a 5,000 square foot habitat designed with numerous climbing opportunities and a rocky terrain to simulate the natural habitat of these cats. Next along the trail, visitors get their first of six viewing windows into the zoo's two habitats for Amur Tigers. The entire tiger complex (both exhibits) is an acre and a half large, allowing impressive, large, naturalistic exhibits for these impressive big cats. These two habitats include six large viewing windows, each carefully designed/angled so that no two viewing windows are visible to each other. Each tiger exhibit will also feature a large waterfall, sending water crashing down into a large pond, with one of the three windows of each exhibit including underwater viewing (not deep underwater viewing, approx. 3 feet of underwater viewing and the rest showing an above-ground look at the habitat). Following these impressive habitats for impressive cats, visitors reach the final habitat of the trail- a 5,000 square foot yard for Reeve's Muntjac and Red-Crowned Cranes, who share a grassy, yet swampy, area. Next up, we are leaving Wild Asia, and making our way to a new themed area, one that I'm sure many wouldn't expect to see in a North American zoo. However, before reaching that area, visitors can also experience one of the zoo's restaurants, Tiger Terrace, an Asian restaurant overlooking both amur tiger exhibits through floor-to-ceiling glass windows on two sides of the restaurant. This restaurant is actually situated directly above the holding areas for the tigers, allowing a creative use of space with visitors getting a unique dining experience.

Species Count this Section: 21
Mammals: 10 (47.6%)
Birds: 11 (52.4%)

Cumulative Species Count: 276
Mammals: 99 (35.9%)- and expect this to continue dropping, much of what is yet to come is not very mammal-centric exhibits (though there are more mammals, I did promise a third bear species for instance, and there are probably other species you can assume will be included that haven't yet)
Birds: 100 (36.2%)
Reptiles: 51 (18.5%)
Amphibians: 7 (2.5%)
Fish: 12 (4.3%)
Invertebrates: 6 (2.2%)

While I did in the first post of this thread indicate I was going to look hollistically at the Animal Kingdom and a diverse collection would be included, it is interesting how so far the groups I prefer and are more knowledgeable about, mammals and birds, make up over 70% of the collection, with non-tetrapods only making up 6.5%. While I am not super knowledgeable about many invertebrates, and certainly not fish, it still remains true that most animals (actually a vast majority- 98.5% of them) are not tetrapods, and while fish and invertebrates will not make up the majority of the collection, both of these groups should become better represented in the upcoming sections- as some fish and invertebrate heavy sections have yet to come.

 

Upon leaving Asia, visitors can follow the path into a smaller continental zone, focused on the wildlife of an underrepresented continent in US Zoos, with the exhibit Wilds of Europe. Most European animals are not well-represented in US Zoos, but there are enough species present that I feel a decent exhibit could be made from them. The first sight of this Europe area will be a 1 Acre exhibit for Gray Wolves, a species found in both Europe and North America. Despite not being a European subspecies, the zoo will display the Mexican Gray Wolf subspecies, as this is the one managed by the AZA and in most need of conservation efforts. However, these wolves will be signed at the species level, and there is much more in common between these two populations of wolves than there is different, making it justifiable in my opinion to display the more endangered subspecies. This large, wooded habitat for wolves will start a small trail into a deep, forested area- only home to three habitats. The second of these habitats will be a rather small, but tall aviary, housing a pair of Common Raven, another species that is present on both continents. The third and final of these habitats will be a 5,000 square foot forested home for Wolverines, an interesting carnivore from Europe that is present in US zoos, albeit not very common. Once the path continues past the wolverines, visitors leave this forested trail and head to the next part of the Wilds of Europe, focusing on the birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish of the continent. While many of the animals in this area can be found inside a building designed to resemble classic European architecture styles, outside of this building are three aviaries. On the right-hand side of the path, a large, walk-through aviary features some waterfowl species native to Europe, Lesser White-Fronted Geese, Northern Pintails, and Smew. All three of these waterfowl share a 3,000 square foot walk-through aviary, much of which is a large pond for the birds to swim in. On the left-hand side of the path, there are two smaller aviaries, each 1,500 square feet, for two species of European raptor. The first of these two habitats contains Eurasian Eagle Owls, while the other is home to Cinereous Vultures. Heading indoors, visitors are first welcomed by a waterfall crashing down into a large aquarium, home to the Common Carp. Once past this aquarium, visitors can head down a short pathway, with terrariums for a handful of European Reptile species. The first of these, and also the largest, is shared between two European tortoise species, the Marginated Tortoise and the Hermann's Tortoise. The other two terrariums both make up an educational display titled "What Makes a Lizard?", looking at both the Jeweled Lacerta, and a species whose lizard status may surprise some visitors, the Scheltopusik. Once done with this hallway of reptiles, a final display in this building focuses on a classic European species many likely recognize, the European Honeybee, kept in the classic sort of exhibit seen at many zoos. Exiting from this building, visitors can continue their trek through the Wilds of Europe by heading further North, into the second part of this European Journey that will be covered later today.

Species Count This Section: 14
Mammals: 2 (14.3%)
Birds: 6 (42.9%)
Reptiles: 4 (28.6%)
Fish: 1 (7.1%)
Invertebrates: 1 (7.1%)

Cumulative Species Count: 290
Mammals: 101 (34.8%)
Birds: 106 (36.6%)
Reptiles: 55 (19.0%)
Amphibians: 7 (2.4%)
Fish: 13 (4.5%)
Invertebrates: 6 (2.4%)

 

Paired with this quick journey through Europe is a geographic exhibit that includes some European species that transcend continental lines, focusing on the wildlife of The Arctic Circle, with a big focus of this area being on one, especially well-known arctic creature. The first two habitats, however, are both much smaller- each being approximately 1,500 square feet. The first of these is a netted-over aviary, housing a breeding pair of Snowy Owls, an incredible owl species that should make an exciting and dynamic display. The second of these habitats can be viewed through glass viewing windows, allowing an up-close look at the zoo's Arctic Fox habitat, featuring a pair of these incredible foxes in a grassy (or snowy during the winter) yard, complete with a fox den that visitors can look into. After these two habitats, visitors reach a predator-prey set-up, where the zoo's group of rescue Grey Seals, reside in a rocky coastline exhibit, equipped with a large, chilled pool- for a habitat totaling 20,000 square feet, approximately three-quarters of which is water. This pool is 20 feet deep in most sections, allowing visitors an exciting opportunity to watch the seals through the underwater viewing windows, which even include a tunnel going through the seal pool (akin to Saint Louis' sea lion sound). Overlooking this seal habitat, however, is a habitat for another species, and one that is the most iconic species of the Arctic Circle, Polar Bears. The zoo will have three polar bear exhibits, with total exhibit space equaling around five acres, providing a great home for the largest of bear species. These habitats will be designed for up to five bears, however I'm the first to admit that acquiring five polar bears is unrealistic with the current state of the US Bear population, so the zoo would be willing to hold any polar bears it can get its hands on. If this is not possible, these habitats are designed so that they are multi-functional, allowing the zoo to also hold rescue grizzly bears Ideally, of course, polar bears would be a possibility, but if this is not the case grizzlies are a good substitute, as the needs of the two species are fairly similar. All three habitats will feature large, grassy fields, allowing plenty of room for all the bears to roam, along with large pools and some rock work surrounding the pools, allowing the bears to climb on the rocks as well. Each of these pools, plus the seal pool, will all be equipped with the filtration systems to use salt water for the habitats, providing a more naturalistic experience for the animals, improving their welfare. All three bear habitats will be designed in a way to allow creative enrichment, with built-in puzzle feeders and other unique enriching opportunities that can be filled by the keepers on a rotating basis. These enrichment opportunities will also be strategically placed in order to encourage the polar bears to be in easy to see areas as much as possible, which is of course a consideration in exhibits of this size. Ideally, the zoo would house either 1.4 or 2.3 polar bears, whichever arrangement the SSP wishes, but due to the rarity of the species in US Zoos, it'd be a great honor to even hold one polar bear. Hopefully, however, due to the impressive nature of these large habitats and prime design for breeding, this would be a top priority exhibit for the SSP to place bears in. Having the three habitats also allows the flexibility to keep different arrangements of polar bears, even if some aren't able to be together. If only one or two bears is possible, having the three exhibits would allow the zoo to potentially also house grizzlies- although ideally there will be enough polar bears to fill all three habitats. These habitats will each feature multiple viewing opportunities, with the Arctic Circle trail having multiple above-ground vantage points into each habitat, plus the seal underwater viewing continuing into the polar bear habitats, passing through all three polar bear pools as well. Once done viewing the Arctic Circle, the visitor path continues on, heading into North America, with habitats for some more iconic aquatic species.

Species Count This Section: 4
Mammals: 3 (75%)
Birds: 1 (25%)

Cumulative Species Count: 294
Mammals: 104 (35.4%)
Birds: 107 (36.4%)
Reptiles: 55 (18.7%)
Amphibians: 7 (2.4%)
Fish: 13 (4.4%)
Invertebrates: 6 (2.0%)

 

This is certainly quite an interesting thread. I like the realistic edge it has, with not an extreme amount of rarities.

 

Heading out of the arctic, visitors reach a rather small section of the zoo, themed as North American Riversides. This small outdoor trail contains only four habitats, and is paired with a log cabin similarly themed, with indoor exhibits from North American species found in freshwater biomes. Not only does this outdoor trail only contain four habitats, the largest of these is only 5,000 square feet- as the focus of this trail is on smaller species. The first habitat along this trail is one featuring an iconic riverside species, that's always popular at the many zoos keeping the species. This 5,000 square foot habitat will center around a large waterfall leading into a stream through the exhibit, depositing water in the large pond for the zoo's breeding pair of North American River Otters. This habitat will be equal parts land and water, allowing the otters to showcase their whole spread of natural behaviors. The exhibit will also contain multiple trees, allowing possible research into otter tree-climbing behavior, something that has been observed in a few zoos but is not a well-studied/understood behavior. The viewing from the trail will be entirely above-ground, allowing visitors to look at the otters as they explore on land and utilize the waterfall/streamside. Across from the otters, a second 5,000 square foot habitat will be home to a pair of Canada Lynx, in a wooded habitat filled with climbing opportunities and plenty of room to move around. The final two habitats of this trail are both enclosed aviaries, each approximately 3,000 square feet. Both of these are walk-through aviaries, though designed in ways to discourage the animals from entering the visitor path (and in the case of 2/4 species is actually impossible for them to), and also contain streams running through the habitats, depositing into a large pond in the second of these aviaries. The first aviary only contains one species, the national bird of the United States, Bald Eagles. These majestic birds will be non-releasable rescues, as most kept in zoos are, and will as such be kept in this large, wooded habitat with numerous opportunities to climb on branches/locomote without flying. In a way, since it's unlikely that the eagles are capable of flight as rescues, this "walk-through aviary" is much more of a pathway through an aviary separated by an invisible barrier- as the eagles won't be able to access the visitor path anyways. The second of these aviaries will house three species, two of which are capable of accessing the visitor path. A beaver lodge is present in this habitat in addition to the large pond, indicating the first species found in this habitat- the North American Beaver. Mixed with the beavers are the two species able to access the visitor path, a pair of unique waterfowl species: the North American Wood Duck and the Hooded Merganser. The exit from this aviary leads directly into the Riverside Lodge, which contains indoor views to two of these habitats in addition to a number of additional exhibits, to be described next time.

Species Count This Section: 6
Mammals: 3 (50%)
Birds: 3 (50%)

Cumulative Species Count: 300
Mammals: 107 (35.7%)
Birds: 110 (36.7%)
Reptiles: 55 (18.3%)
Amphibians: 7 (2.3%)
Fish: 13 (4.3%)
Invertebrates: 6 (2.0%)

 

Today *might* be the final day of describing new areas of the zoo, as there's only a little left to see and I think I'll be splitting it into a final two posts today. After that, I'll continue to update this thread for a little while with some statistics about the collection and try to figure out doing a zoo map.
Heading into the Riverside Lodge, the first room visitors see has large, underwater viewing windows on two of the four sides- looking into both the otter and beaver habitats. Directly in front of the entrance, however, visitors can see and hear a large waterfall, which provides a centerpiece to this room and pours into one of the large fish exhibits. This first fish exhibit, with the waterfall, is a large tank for Lake Sturgeon, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout. This tank will not be entirely behind glass, with a four foot glass barrier keeping the water in place, and then an open-air section above, where visitors can view the waterfall and other foliage carefully placed to provide a more interesting display. As the path through this building continues, visitors can view a second, equally large and similarly designed, fish tank, this time holding Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish, and Bluegill. Passing both these fish tanks, visitors then reach another open-topped enclosure, but this time one that, in addition to a large pond, also has a land component, holding the endangered Blanding's Turtle. While these three exhibits provide a nice centerpiece for the lodge, along with the otter/beaver indoor viewing, a second room to the lodge also contains a number of interesting, albeit smaller, exhibits. A series of aquariums and terrariums house a number of interesting North American species, namely Spotted Turtles, Eastern Hellbenders, Rosyside Dace, Rainbow Darters, Eastern Massasauga, and an Eastern Screech Owl (not a terrarium per say for the owl, but a larger, behind glass enclosure). Exiting this room, visitors can make their way into the second part of the zoo's indoor aquatic exhibits, focusing on saltwater and coastline species. These final two sections of the zoo were interesting to make, especially since fish are not an area I know much about, so had to do some digging into species to figure out realistic and interesting displays. Hopefully you all enjoyed this post, and find this to be a decent and interesting fish collection.

Species Count This Section: 14
Birds: 1 (7.1%)
Reptiles: 3 (21.4%)
Amphibians: 1 (7.1%)
Fish: 9 (64.3%)

Cumulative Species Count: 314
Mammals: 107 (34.1%)
Birds: 111 (35.4%)
Reptiles: 58 (18.5%)
Amphibians: 8 (2.5%)
Fish: 22 (7.0%)
Invertebrates: 6 (1.9%)

 

The Coastal Aquarium is a rather small, marine-themed exhibit featuring coastal wildlife, predominately fish and invertebrates. While by no means a large aquarium, and it does not do justice to the vast diversity of aquatic life, it does give the zoo a bit more diversity in its collection and covers some taxa not often seen in traditional zoos (albeit common in aquaria). Upon entering, the first thing visitors will see is a large, floor-to-ceiling tank for a school of Atlantic Salmon. Signage will discuss the fascinating "salmon runs" these fish complete, including videos of some of these impressive spectacles, along with signage on how visitors can help save ocean habitats through sustainable fishing/sea food choice (the zoo will advertise/promote Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, and in the zoo's restaurants will have sustainable fish offerings as well). Once past the salmon, to the left of the room is a large display focused on tide pool ecosystems, along with signage talking about keystone species, and a large display for one of the most iconic keystone species- Pisaster Sea Stars. These fascinating sea stars are a keystone predator for west coast tidepool ecosystems, and will make an interesting and educational display for an oft-overlooked animal. Following the tide pool display, visitors can walk through a hallway featuring various terraria for unique invertebrates and fish, starting with a tank for a Giant Pacific Octopus, a species that can often make a popular exhibit at aquariums and will make a great addition to this gallery (plus cephalopods might just be my favorite invertebrates). The second of these tanks, and the only one holding fish, will feature a small group of Lined Seahorses. The three remaining tanks will all feature a beautiful and iconic group of invertebrates, the jellyfish. These tanks will feature Moon Jellies, Pacific Sea Nettles, and Upside Down Jellyfish. Following the conclusion of this hallway, visitors reach the final room of this aquarium, home to just a single exhibit- a large, 3,000 square foot touch tank with Cownose Rays, allowing visitors an up-close interaction with these incredible animals.

This small aquarium is officially it for my ideal large zoo! Next post, I will be diving into more detail about the collection statistics, breaking down the collection into smaller taxonomic groupings (ex. how many carnivorans vs. artiodactyls, etc.) For these next posts, I will likely only do one a day- at least covering mammals, birds, and reptiles, if not the other taxonomic groups as well.

Species Count This Section: 8
Fish: 3 (37.5%)
Invertebrates: 5 (62.5%)

Cumulative Species Count: 322
Mammals: 107 (33.2%)
Birds: 111 (34.5%)
Reptiles: 58 (18.0%)
Amphibians: 8 (2.5%)
Fish: 25 (7.7%)
Invertebrates: 14 (4.3%)- definitely remains an underrepresented group in this zoo, but at least I made a point of including some, both marine and terrestrial species. Many zoos completely omit invertebrates or have only one or two species, which doesn't do justice to a group making up the vast majority of animal life (admittedly much more than the 4% of animals they make up in my zoo).

 

Today starts the focus on analyzing the collection, and looking at the distributions of various orders, families, etc., within the zoo. Note that I did not plan the zoo to get certain results, so this is for me also my first time looking into what types of animals are well-represented vs. not well-represented. Today's post will be looking at mammals. All together, the zoo exhibits 107 mammal species, with mammals comprising almost exactly one-third of the collection. Looking at the various mammals in the collection, the vast majority fall into three orders: Artiodactyls, Carnivorans, and Primates. Collectively, these three orders comprise three-quarters of the mammals in the zoo's collection. This is in line with most other US Zoos, as these are by far the most well-represented orders in US zoos.

The order represented by the most species in this zoo is Carnivora. This order is represented by 30 species, or 28% of the total mammals in the zoo. Since many of the most popular zoo animals are carnivorans, it makes sense that this is the most represented order, however this number is a good mix between large, popular species and some smaller/rarer/more unique species. Within Carnivora, the family with the most species in the zoo is Felidae, with 12 of these species being cats. This number includes five of the six big cat species (only species not included is leopard), cheetahs, cougars, and five smaller cat species (canada lynx, serval, black-footed cat, pallas' cat, ocelot). Felids are a gorgeous group of animal, which tends to be well-represented in zoos of all sizes in the US, so having this substantial felid collection puts the zoo on par with many others in the region. Outside of felids, there's no one family overwhelmingly represented in the collection. The next most common families, with six and five species in the collection, respectively, are Canidae and Mustelidae. For canids, three of the six species are large canids (African Wild Dog, Grey Wolf, Maned Wolf), and three are foxes (Bat-eared Fox, Swift Fox, Arctic Fox). Mustelids at the zoo are the Wolverine, Black-Footed Ferret, and three species of Otter (Giant, North American River, and Asian Small-clawed). Other represented families include Ursidae (Sloth Bear, Andean Bear, Polar Bear), Ailluridae (Red Panda), Pinnipedia (Grey Seal), Hyenidae (Spotted Hyena), Herpestidae (Meerkat). The area of the zoo with the most carnivorans is Deserts of the World, home to seven carnivore species. Another five species can be found in Journey Through Africa, five in South America (incl. jaguars for a second time), three in Islands, four in Wild Asia, two in Wilds of Europe, three in Arctic Circle, and two in North American Riverways.

The second most represented order of mammals is Artiodactyla, represented by 27 species, or a total of 25.2% of the zoo's mammal collection. Out of these twenty-seven species, the majority are antelope, with ten antelope species present at the zoo (Klipspringer, Impala, Springbok, Greater Kudu, Gemsbok, Speke's and Soemmering's Gazelle, Gerenuk, Blue and Red-Flanked Duikers). Another four species are pigs or peccaries (Chacoan Peccary, Red River Hog, Babirusa, Visayan Warty Pig), four of the species are Caprids (Takin, Markhor, Goral, Urial), five are Cervids (White-Lipped Deer, Eld's Deer, Reeve's Muntjac, Tufted Deer, Chevrotain), one is a wild cattle species (Lowland Anoa), and the others are Masai Giraffe, Okapi, and Hippopotamus. Looking at the zoo regionally, most of the Artiodactyls can be found in Journey Through Africa, which is home to thirteen species. Another eight species can be found in Wild Asia, with four species in the Islands exhibit, and two species in the Deserts of the World Building.

The third most represented order of mammals, comprising 21.5% of the total mammal collection, is primates, with a total of 23 species at the zoo. Out of these 23 species, three of them are apes (Orangutan, Bonobo, Javan Gibbon), five are prosimians (Ring-Tailed, Black-and-White Ruffed, Crowned, and Grey Mouse Lemurs plus Aye-Aye), eight are Afro-Eurasian monkeys (Gelada, Japanese Macaque, Francois' and Silvered Leaf Langurs, Patas Monkeys, Schmidt's Guenon, Allen's Swamp Monkey, Angolan Colobus), and the remaining seven species are Neotropical monkeys (Golden Lion, Pied, and Bearded Emperor Tamarins, Goeldi's Monkey, Bolivian Grey Titi Monkey, Black-and-Gold Howler Monkey, Pale-faced Saki). The area of the zoo with the largest primate collection is Islands, featuring nine species. Other areas of the zoo to feature primates are South America (seven species), Journey Through Africa (six species), and Wild Asia (one species).

While these three orders do make up the vast majority of the zoo's mammal collection, it is worth mentioning other orders of mammals the zoo exhibits. Collectively, there are eleven orders of mammal on exhibit.
The fourth most common mammal order at the zoo is Diprotodontia. Eight species from this order are on exhibit at the zoo, with one in the Islands exhibit (Matschie's Tree Kangaroo), and another seven in Australia (Feathertail Glider, Queensland Koala, Red and Grey Kangaroos, three Wallaby species). Represented by six species is the most speciose mammal order, Rodentia. Representing this order at the zoo are the Capybara, Red-Rumped Agouti, Black-Tailed Prairie Dog, Naked Mole Rat, Cape Porcupine, and North American Beaver. Two species each live in the Deserts of the World and South America buildings, with one species in Journey Through Africa and one species in North American Riverways. Five species at the zoo are from the order Perrisodactyla, comprising of the three wild equid species displayed in Journey Through Africa (Somali Wild Ass, Hartmann's Mountain and Grevy's Zebras) along with the Islands' Malayan Tapirs and Wild Asia's Greater One-Horned Rhinos. The other five orders of mammal are all represented by three or less species, and each can only be found in one section of the zoo. South America is where visitors can find Pilosans on display, with Giant Anteater, Southern Tamandua, and Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth. Islands houses two species from Chiroptera, the Malayan Flying Fox and Rodrigues Fruit Bats. Deserts of the World houses one species each from Hyracoidea (Rock Hyrax) and Tubulidentata (Aardvark). Lastly, Journey Through Africa exhibits the African Elephant, from order Probiscidea.

Next up will be looking at the zoo's bird collection, and breaking those down into smaller taxonomic groups. It was very interesting today doing this for mammals, however, as it goes to show how, even within mammals, perhaps the most exhibited order of animals, most of the commonly exhibited zoo animals come from the same few orders.

 

While the number of bird species in the zoo is only marginally larger than the number of mammals, with 111 species, however within the class of birds there is significantly more diversity on display, with a total of 22 orders. While the top three mammal orders made up 75% of the mammals in the zoo, for birds the top three orders make up only 42% of the birds in the zoo.

Making up 20% of the birds in the zoo, the most represented order of birds is the order Anseriformes, or waterfowl. This order is represented at the zoo by 23 species. Out of these species, there are representatives in every major section of the zoo (except for the desert dome), with two species in Journey Through Africa, five species in South America, four species in Islands, two species in Australia, five species in Wild Asia, three species in Wilds of Europe, and two species in North American Riverways. Out of these species, one of them is a swan (coscoroba), five are geese (nene, lesser white-fronted, andean, bar-headed, red-breasted), two are whistling ducks (spotted, white-faced), four are teals (ringed, puna, baikal, madagascar), two are mergansers (scaly-sided, hooded) and the other nine are other ducks (african pygmy goose, chiloe widgeon, philippine duck, white-headed wood duck, smew, north american wood duck, northern pintail, australian wood duck, baer's pochard).

The second most represented order in the zoo is Passeriformes, represented by fifteen species (13.5%). Out of these fifteen, three are corvids (common raven, red-billed blue and azure-winged magpies), five are sturnids (bali mynah, metallic, violet-backed, superb, and golden-breasted starlings), one is a bird-of-paradise (raggiana), one is a tanager (red-crested cardinal), two are weavers (taveta and white-headed buffalo weavers), one is a bulbul (collared finchbill), one is a laughing thrush (blue-crowned), and one is a new world blackbird (yellow-rumped cacique). Out of these fifteen species, two are found in the Deserts of the World, three are found in Journey Through Africa, two area found in South America, three are found in Islands, four are found in Wild Asia, and one is found in Wilds of Europe.

The third most represented order of birds is Psittaciformes, or parrots, being represented by ten species, or 9% of the zoo's bird collection. Out of these nine species, three can be found in Australia (palm cockatoo, eclectus, eastern rosella), two can be found in Deserts of the World (peach-faced lovebird, thick-billed parrot), one can be found in Islands (Kea) and four can be found in South America (hyacinth, green-winged, red-fronted, and blue-throated macaws).

Other orders present in the zoo are:
Columbiformes- seven species (Australian Crested Dove, Victorian Crowned Pigeon, Pheasant Pigeon, Nicobar Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pink-necked Fruit Dove, Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove)
Pelecaniformes- seven species (Madagascar Sacred, Scarlet, and Hadada Ibises, Madagascar Pond and Boat-Billed Herons, Roseate and African Spoonbills)
Accipitriformes- six species (Bald and Steller's Sea Eagles, King, Cinereous, and Lappet-Faced Vultures, Andean Condor)
Galliformes- five species (Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Masked Bobwhite, Blue-Throated Piping Guan, Cabot's Tragopan, Himalayan Monal)
Charadriiformes- five species (Inca Tern, Grey Gull, Spotted Dikkop, Atlantic Puffin, Masked Lapwing)
Sphenisciformes- four species (African, King, Gentoo, Southern Rockhopper Penguins)
Strigiformes- four species (Eurasian Eagle, Burrowing, Snowy, Eastern Screech Owls)
Struthioniformes- four species (Ostrich, Southern Cassowary, Greater Rhea, Northern Brown Kiwi)
Gruiformes- four species (Grey-Crowned, White-Naped, and Red-Crowned Cranes, Giant Wood Rail)
Cuculiformes- three species (Greater Roadrunner, Guira Cuckoo, Crested Coua)
Coraciiformes- three species (White-Fronted and Carmine Bee-eaters, Laughing Kookaburra)
Musophagiformes- two species (Lady Ross' and Great Blue Turacos)
Bucerotiformes- two species (Green Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Ground Hornbilll)
Phoeniciformes- two species (Greater and Chilean Flamingoes)
Cicioniiformes- one species (Yellow-billed Stork)
Eurypygiformes- one species (Sunbittern)
Trogoniformes- one species (Green-Backed Trogon)
Podargiformes- one species (Tawny Frogmouth)
Coliiformes- one species (Speckled Mousebird)

 

Reptiles are the third-most well-represented class at the zoo, albeit with only 58 species there is significantly less reptile diversity at the zoo than either mammals or birds. Reptiles are generally divided into four orders, and barring the tuataras, each of these orders are well-represented at the zoo.

The Squamate Reptiles are represented by 31 species, 53% of all the reptiles in the zoo.
Within squamate reptiles, the zoo exhibits a number of different families, including both lizards and snakes:
Lizards:
Iguanids- 2 species (Chuckwalla, Jamaican Iguana)
Heloderms- 1 species (Gila Monster)
Agamids- 1 species (Uromastyx)
Plated Lizards- 1 species (Giant Plated Lizard)
Teiids- 1 species (Caiman Lizard)
Geckos- 1 species (Henkel's Leaf-tailed Gecko)
Skinks- 2 species (Prehensile-tailed Skink, Blue-Tongued Skink)
Varanids- 1 species (Komodo Dragon)
Shinisaurs- 1 species (Chinese Crocodile Lizard)
Lacertids- 1 species (Jeweled Lacerta)
Anguids- 1 species (Scheltopusik)
Snakes:
Vipers- 8 species (Sidewinder, Western Diamondback, Banded Rock Rattlesnake, South American Bushmaster, Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake, Aruba Island Rattlesnake, Mangshan Pit-viper, Eastern Massassauga)
Boids- 5 species (Rosy Boa, Green Anaconda, Emerald Tree Boa, Madagascar Tree Boa, Jamaican Boa)
Pythons- 3 species (Green Tree Python, Woma Python, Mainland Reticulated Python)
Colubrids- 1 species (Mandarin Ratsnake)
Elapids- 1 species (King Cobra)

The Testudines are represented by 19 species, 33% of all the reptiles in the zoo.
Within testudines, the zoo exhibits a number of different families.
Tortoises- 10 species (Desert, Pancake, African Spurred, Red-Footed, Galapagos Giant, Aldabra Giant, Radiated, Spider, Marginated, Hermann's)
Chelids- 2 species (Matamata, Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle)
Podocnemids- 3 species (Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Yellow-Spotted Amazon River Turtle, Arrau River Turtle)
Carettochelyidae- 1 species (Fly River Turtle)
Geoemydidae- 3 species (Malayan Painted Terrapin, Indochinese and McCord's Box Turtles)
Emyidae- 2 species (Blanding's Turtle, Spotted Turtle)

The Crocodilians are represented by 6 species, 10% of all the reptiles in the zoo.
Within this group, the zoo exhibits all three families.
Crocodiles- 3 species (West African Dwarf, Cuban, Philippine)
Alligators- 2 species (Dwarf Caiman, Chinese Alligator)
Gharials- 1 species (Tomistoma)

As a whole, and rather distinct from many other zoos, the zoo's reptile collection is fairly well spread-out amongst the different sections.
Deserts of the World features a total of ten reptile species, Journey Through Africa features a total of two species, South America features a total of ten species, Islands features a total of nineteen (!) species, Adventure Australia features a total of two species, Wild Asia features a total of eight species, Wilds of Europe displays a total of four species, and North American Riversides features a total of three species.

So overall, while Squamata is the most represented reptile order in the zoo, the most represented family of reptiles is in fact not a member of this order- instead being the tortoises, with a total of ten tortoise species at the zoo. Interestingly enough, while reptiles are no where near as common in the zoo as birds or mammals, the tortoises are the fourth most represented family in the zoo, and features more species than any family other than (and these should surprise no one) Anatidae (all waterfowl except screamers), Bovidae (antelopes, caprids, wild cattle), and Felidae (cats).

It may be a few days until I post again in this thread, but when I do it will be a finalized map of the zoo.

 

I've heard that orangutans don't really mix well with ungulates, so I don't really think this would be the best idea, though the gibbons & langurs would probably mix well with the tapirs & anoas, but I'm not sure about the pigs.

 

Orang/Ungulate mixes have been successful in multiple European zoos. Granted, all mixes depend on individual temperaments, and one of the nice things about the complex I proposed is that it allows for flexibility in mixes. If a certain pairing is unsuccessful, that's okay because then that specific mix could be avoided in the double rotation.