The thing they are doing with their orangutans is almost the exact same thing that Milwaukee did with their bonobos. So, why is their so much hype on this section when they haven't even built the innovative part yet. Is it a because they just announced the cat and bear transfer that has caused such hype for also this section if so I think we have finally unleashed the power of new exhibits on the media. Kudos Philadelphia PR team!!
Well Treetop Trail opened last July, so pretty much the same time. So no pics? As far at Milwaukee's potentially similar exhibit not getting as much attention on here, well there's no pics and it's not a zoo that is well thought of or focused on here so I guess it comes down to the people that visit and/or pay attention to the zoo to mention these things to try to generate discussion on it.
Get to Know Bonobos - YouTube Now it does begin to raise the question: so are the apes now in long linear cages? IS that an improvement?
Personally if these trails are used to connect "pocket" habitats types that are adequately sized for the species that would give the animal a choice of where they want to go I say it would be an improvement. If it is just a long linear loop that is the exihibit I would say that is not an improvement. Thats just my opinion though.
It seems that Philly's trails go over and into guest walkways more so than the Milwaukee one. I think the treetop trail is a big improvement because it allows the primates outdoor access, which they previously didn't have, plus it does have larger spaces around a few trees for the primates to explore. Not sure regarding these other exhibits. They aren't as good as the O-line at the National Zoo imo.
I think these Trails also ad enrichment and exercise for the animals. Whether they can select habitat exhibits to inhabit, they still get to traverse large areas, pass trees and sights and smells. In the greater scheme of zoo design, they are not my preference. But under circumstances such as these I cannot deny their benefits.
I am curious to see the trail design for the hippos, giraffes, and rhinos. Is it for giraffes or zebras? If high in the air they already have the obstacle of making it strong enough to accommodate heavy mammals. But if they also add giraffes, they need to make it tall enough.
Another article about Great Ape Trail, Phase 2 of the exploration trails system. Philadelphia Zoo introduces visitors and the orangutan family to the Great Ape Trail | NJ.com
The zoo is going to debut a $24 million parking garage in spring of 2013. While it is not an animal exhibit I am sure that locals are excited because when I visited this popular zoo in 2010 the parking situation was insane and the zoo will now double the number of its available parking spaces. Philly Zoo's new addition: $24M parking garage - AP State Wire News - The Sacramento Bee
I agree with you snowleopard. another zoo that definitely needs a parking garage in the future is smithsonian national zoo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wXTOI4MRh4g The new maned wolves are in the exhibit that held the painted dog. The reason why i say dog is cause when ive visted the zoo twice, both times only seen a single dog. But i have been told on here that there is more. idk but i like to find out what happen to the single dog or how many they had?
