The Indian rhino is 35 year old Xavira. I would not think that they would transfer out an elderly rhino elsewhere. Perhaps, she was recently deceased or just behind the scenes somewhere else? As to the usage of the old Pachyderm House as new Childrens Zoo location. That is a great idea. I suppose it will also open up the old location for new exhibit (perhaps a new African savannah)?
@elephantking: thanks for posting the link to the new map! Philadelphia's children's zoo is arguably one of the worst of any major American zoo so I'm excited to find out what is created where the outdated pachyderm house used to be. Does anyone have any site plans for the kiddie area? The area where the okapi is moving to is not very impressive at all, and does anyone know if the zoo is actually going to overhaul that area?
The Philly Zoo has announced more about what's going on with the new Children's Zoo. I posted the link on a photo on here but I'll put it here too in case anybody missed it. Philadelphia Zoo - The Hamilton Family Children's Zoo & Education Center Under the Video and Photo section there is a video which includes some sketches of the new children's zoo design.
Well it looks promising. They'll still have some of the basic Children Zoo animals, but at least they are making it interactive and engaging for both the animals and the children. I love the goat bridge at the beginning of the exhibit. It reminds me of the story, The Three Billy Goats and I love that whimsical touch to the exhibit.
I know in the past we had a discussion what happened to the Asian rhino. Did she move, was she off exhibit, or did she passed away? Well, I assume she was off exhibit, probably because she wasn't doing too well and unfortunately it looks like she has finally passed away. Here is a link: Philadelphia Zoo's beloved rhino Xavira dead at 35 - NewsTimes
The Treetop Trail opened a couple of days ago, and by the looks of it the trail will provide some outdoor access to the primates that live in the Rare Animal Conservation Center. Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia Zoo Unveils Treetop Trail Also, nice to see that they decided to use my Bolivian Gray Titi Monkey photo!
No, it appears to be a series of mesh tubes/passageways that go around the plaza. Here is a video from youtube:
I hope the old children's zoo will be transformed into a new elephant exhibit (for elderly female African Elephants that are no longer able to breed or - but probably more expensive - for younger African Elephant bulls). The return of the E.'s would draw more visitors to the zoo and the Elephant would perfectly fit to that corner of the zoo (beside the Carnivore Kingdom it would be an African Savannah theme). By the way: Is there a chance that Philadelphia Zoo can get more space? Maybe from areas across the 34th Street?
Elephants eventually moving into the area of the old childrens zoo is exactly what zoo staff informed us of during our recent visit to the zoo. Team Tapir
I visited today and took pics of the new treetop trails along with other aspects of the zoo. I think the new addition is a solid and innovative one. Pics will be up soon.
New jaguar cub going out on exhibit. Since the father is a recent import from Belize, this is good news for the jaguar SSP. Philadelphia Zoo - Jaguar and Snow Leopard Cubs There are also two snow leopard cubs going on exhibit next month. Good time for cat lovers on the east coast. (I also noticed Big Cat Falls has a minor name change as apparently the exhibit is now sponsored by a different bank).
-Philladelphia zoo will be building a parking garage. Philadelphia Zoo receives zoning OK for new parking garage | NJ.com
This is a spectacular idea and we are surprised more zoos don't attempt to get this done.Detroit is the only other zoo we have visited with a parking garage.It frees up so much space especially for landlocked urban zoos like Philly.For example we have often said that a parking garage would be the only hope to expand the elephant enclosure at the Buffalo Zoo.However we realize that city politics can often be a very difficult thing for an institution such as a zoo to deal with, which really is a shame. Team Tapir
