I am not sure if it was posted here before, but the nocturnal wing of the Small Mammal House is being shut down. When I went, quite a few exhibits were already empty. A keeper told me they plan to move the bats to the main section of the building due to their popularity, but are unsure how they are going to do that with the lighting issue. I got to experience Zoo 360 (Big Cat walkways) earlier this week. This is really a neat experience to see big cats right above you. It gives great vantage points for visitors. The rotation varies, but it helps allow the big cat to switch exhibits for enrichment. On the day I went, they had a snow leopard and Amur tiger in the walkways with no access to the main exhibit (they could not mix with the other big cat in the exhibit). However, I was told that the zookeeper keeps an eye on their behavior so if they seem to get restless, they will be given access to their indoor quarters as well. The zoo is constructing the walkways for the gorillas, which should open later this year. Next year, there will be walkways for the rhino, zebra, and giraffe. They used to have it planned for the hippos and and polar bears, but perhaps those plans got scratched. I'll go ahead and upload the zoo map showing where the trails will be. It looks like in the area where the old children section is, there will be pathways for other animals. I am guessing because of that, the previous plans to bring back elephants to that area will not be happening. But in honesty, I think this will be a better idea. Outside work is being done on the Rare Species building, I think to be more environmental efficient.
WHAT!? The nocturnal section was the best part of that house and it had/has some amazing species! Why are they closing it down? ~Thylo
I am not sure, I wouldn't be surprised if it had to do with a budget cut. She said nothing was to go in its place, not anytime soon anyway.
Kinda a big blow to the collection in me opinion.. I wonder what will become of the Striped Possum, Feathertail Gliders, and echidnas.... ~Thylo
The echidna was still there when I went and I think the striped possum may have been there, I think the feathertail gliders were gone.
Watch the lion cubs enjoying the snow. Watch: Philadelphia Zoo lion cubs enjoy their second snow day | NJ.com
Gorilla Treeway, another elevated trail system, will be unveiled: New 'treeway' allows gorillas to explore the Philly zoo - SFGate
Kayla, a Common Sloth Bear from San Diego Zoo has taken up residence at the Zoo. She is splitting time with their Sri Lankan female.
Is "Common" Sloth Bear suppose to be the nominate? I thought there weren't any left in the US? ~Thylo
Interesting. I was led to believe the US managed the Sri Lankan ssp and Europe managed the Indian (apart from Whipsnade who keep non-breeding Sri Lankan). Also, the zoo's website says she came from the Idaho Falls Zoo, not San Diego. ~Thylo
In anticipation of Pope Francis' visit to the U.S., 60 families from a New Jersey church on a pilgrimage of sorts are sleeping at the Philadelphia Zoo. New Jersey families sleeping at Philadelphia Zoo in hopes of seeing Pope Francis | abc7ny.com
Klondike, the oldest polar bear in the country, has died. Oldest polar bear in U.S. dies at Philadelphia Zoo | NJ.com This leaves Philadelphia with only one polar bear - a female named Coldilocks.
The article is a bit misleading. Ulu at the San Francisco Zoo is actually the oldest polar bear in the United States. She was born in 1979. However, I am sad about this loss. I enjoyed visiting both bears at this zoo.
An interesting article on how Klondike came to live in Philadelphia. Klondike's journey to Phila. Zoo
Two red panda cubs born on June 26th need names. Help Name Philadelphia Zoo's New Red Panda Cubs | NBC 10 Philadelphia
