Their exhibit was "deemed" unsuitable for burrowing animals. I talked to the contractor and he was sure it would be great for them. Outsmarted by the honey badgers. They are off exhibit for now.
According to the 2018 studbook, Obi was transferred to "JOHNSON L", which seems to refer to Larry Johnson, owner of Safari Enterprises, a large animal dealer based in Texas. What happened to him after that is not documented.
I have heard that they are in an exhibit that can be seen on the bus tour. I don't think you will be able to get a very good look at them.
The zoo is currently caring for a confiscated group of Chinese giant salamanders. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10156455492282147
Would I be correct in saying that they are off display at the moment? I wonder if they might go on-display in the future.
That is correct. Personally, I hope a breeding facility is built for them, such as one that the National Zoo has for Japanese giant salamanders. I do not know how many were confiscated, but there were no females of this species present in the US prior to the confiscation. I’m not sure where SDZ would have room to exhibit them, though an outdoor exhibit would be interesting.
The San Diego Zoo has officially stated (via Facebook) that they do hope to display the Chinese Giant Salamanders in the future.
They also say the hope to display their Magnificent BOPs in the future but that's still going to be a 10+ year wait.. ~Thylo
