Please do! I'm interested in what other ecosystems they're going to build after. I think that's the next step in zoo architecture tbh, we've already seen places moving away from "big cat houses" or "ape houses" etc and going more for continental theming. Specific ecosystems is the logical next step.
Discussion Thread #1 - What are your favourite real-life zoos?
- Thread starter Eltanin Casciani
- Start date
Ok, here's the best I can do: I downloaded the PDF, but it's far too big, so I'll just send images of what will be done for Phase 1. Part 1 & 2 of Phase 1 (Pantanal and Wetlands) are done, so here are the next 2 sections:
And now, here's the main goal of the zoo:
(I hope you can read it. I took screenshots of the PDF)
If you notice, the 2 biggest projects are adding to the Africa zone (which so far is just forest animals) and Asia (which will redesign the elephant's enclosure). Also, the Children's Zoo will be redesigned to make it more interactive and feature Texas species (kinda like a continuation of the Texas Wetlands, which I'm actually excited for).
But one of the best of all that's coming up: Madagascar. Lemurs, fossas, and who knows what else they'll have.
For @Eltanin Casciani or anyone else curious, here's some text from the Cincy Zoo's website about the Elephant Trek and Rhino Reserve, which are the last two stages of this master plan. The master plan before this one was the "Africa" master plan which redid the giraffe habitat, added in a huge savannah habitat with tons of hoofstock and birds, added lions, meerkats and ofc, the famous hippos. Anyways:
"From the day it opened, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has led the way in the care and management of elephants. In the interest of maintaining that leadership role, the Zoo will invest in along-term breeding program to contribute to the survival of this species. We envision a multi-generational herd with strong bonds, as elephants would form in the wild. In support of that vision, we will deepen our commitment to enrichment activities that mimic and encourage natural elephant behavior. Elephants will spend most of their day foraging and interacting with one another. Because of the steep expense and vast space needed to care for elephants, we anticipate fewer than a dozen elephant habitats will exist in the US in the next 20 years. Already, zoos in Detroit, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago have phased out their elephant programs, and the Bronx Zoo plans to do so after their last elephant dies.
Elephant Trek will provide a 24-hour experience that meets the Asian elephant’s complex, daily needs – mentally, socially, behaviorally, and physically – supporting a global conservation effort to save this endangered species. The new habitat will be nearly five times the size of our current elephant yards and will include 4 acres of grass and sandy terrain, with trees, plants, rocks, and water features that mimic the Asian elephant’s native habitat. At the center will be a 22,000 square foot Elephant Barn – featuring communal and off-habitat spaces for elephants, as well as areas for visitor viewing, events and staff offices. Identified by experts as a key component of modern elephant programs, the Barn will feature a 10,000square foot communal room with high ceilings for our elephants to congregate, socialize, exercise, and create strong family ties. It will have a full-depth sand bed and enrichment features that simulate natural outdoor environments for animal well-being, with flexibility and keeper access to allow for safe rotation of elephants. Keeper support areas including break rooms, lockers and offices, individual elephant holding rooms, and special maternity dens ensure this building will be on the leading edge of elephant care. The Barn will give Zoo visitors unprecedented, all-season engagement with the herd via an indoor viewing area adjacent to the primary guest path. More viewing opportunities will be on the second floor too, along with staff offices and a permanent indoor large-group event space. With capacity for 225-250 guests, the new space will be the crown jewel of our Group Sales program and a much sought-after venue for corporate meetings, retreats, and weddings. The venue will have a view into the elephant’s communal room, as well as a sweeping view over the entire outdoor habitat."
"Rhino Reserve will be a reimagining of the current African Veldt, to support breeding for critically endangered black rhinos and create mixed species vistas for zebra, bongo, and okapi. Expected completion is in 2025"
"From the day it opened, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has led the way in the care and management of elephants. In the interest of maintaining that leadership role, the Zoo will invest in along-term breeding program to contribute to the survival of this species. We envision a multi-generational herd with strong bonds, as elephants would form in the wild. In support of that vision, we will deepen our commitment to enrichment activities that mimic and encourage natural elephant behavior. Elephants will spend most of their day foraging and interacting with one another. Because of the steep expense and vast space needed to care for elephants, we anticipate fewer than a dozen elephant habitats will exist in the US in the next 20 years. Already, zoos in Detroit, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago have phased out their elephant programs, and the Bronx Zoo plans to do so after their last elephant dies.
Elephant Trek will provide a 24-hour experience that meets the Asian elephant’s complex, daily needs – mentally, socially, behaviorally, and physically – supporting a global conservation effort to save this endangered species. The new habitat will be nearly five times the size of our current elephant yards and will include 4 acres of grass and sandy terrain, with trees, plants, rocks, and water features that mimic the Asian elephant’s native habitat. At the center will be a 22,000 square foot Elephant Barn – featuring communal and off-habitat spaces for elephants, as well as areas for visitor viewing, events and staff offices. Identified by experts as a key component of modern elephant programs, the Barn will feature a 10,000square foot communal room with high ceilings for our elephants to congregate, socialize, exercise, and create strong family ties. It will have a full-depth sand bed and enrichment features that simulate natural outdoor environments for animal well-being, with flexibility and keeper access to allow for safe rotation of elephants. Keeper support areas including break rooms, lockers and offices, individual elephant holding rooms, and special maternity dens ensure this building will be on the leading edge of elephant care. The Barn will give Zoo visitors unprecedented, all-season engagement with the herd via an indoor viewing area adjacent to the primary guest path. More viewing opportunities will be on the second floor too, along with staff offices and a permanent indoor large-group event space. With capacity for 225-250 guests, the new space will be the crown jewel of our Group Sales program and a much sought-after venue for corporate meetings, retreats, and weddings. The venue will have a view into the elephant’s communal room, as well as a sweeping view over the entire outdoor habitat."
"Rhino Reserve will be a reimagining of the current African Veldt, to support breeding for critically endangered black rhinos and create mixed species vistas for zebra, bongo, and okapi. Expected completion is in 2025"
ZooTampa at Lowry Park! Located in Tampa Florida, one of the best parks I've been to!
I don't have any pictures on-hand but my favourite zoo is definitely my local, Orana Wildlife Park. It's nowhere near as flashy as any of the zoos in Europe, but I've been visiting since I was six years old (probably earlier, even) and it's become my "happy place". I get the annual pass every year so I can walk in whenever I want. My favourite parts are the native bird aviary, which is undergoing renovations just now, and the large variety of hoofstock, and also their lion encounter, during which you ride int he back of a truck which has a cage over the bed and the lions will come and jump on top. Nothing quite like getting the meaty drool of a lion on your back. 
The other two zoos in NZ I've visited are more high-budget - Auckland and Wellington. Both are equally wonderful. Wellington Zoo is fairly small but they've really maximised their space, and soon they'll be getting NZ's first snow leopards. I also absolutely loved Edinburgh Zoo when I lived in Scotland; their giant pandas were easily a highlight, as they're my favourite animal. We went on a rainy day once and were the only people there, and we spent hours just watching the female panda sit there and eat.
Then of course there's Singapore Zoo. Just wow.
The other two zoos in NZ I've visited are more high-budget - Auckland and Wellington. Both are equally wonderful. Wellington Zoo is fairly small but they've really maximised their space, and soon they'll be getting NZ's first snow leopards. I also absolutely loved Edinburgh Zoo when I lived in Scotland; their giant pandas were easily a highlight, as they're my favourite animal. We went on a rainy day once and were the only people there, and we spent hours just watching the female panda sit there and eat.
Then of course there's Singapore Zoo. Just wow.
What a brilliant thread.
I haven't been to many zoos but I have some fantastic memories and have being lucky enough to be up close with some amazing animals over the years including when I went on safari in Kenya.
And after more than 20 years I'm finally going back to Chester Zoo next Friday and I can't wait. I was given a penguin adoption for Christmas so I can't wait to see the little cutie. I'll fight the urge to shove it in my rucksack and bring it home.........honest
I haven't been to many zoos but I have some fantastic memories and have being lucky enough to be up close with some amazing animals over the years including when I went on safari in Kenya.
And after more than 20 years I'm finally going back to Chester Zoo next Friday and I can't wait. I was given a penguin adoption for Christmas so I can't wait to see the little cutie. I'll fight the urge to shove it in my rucksack and bring it home.........honest
I'll have to say the Philadelphia Zoo. The first zoo in North America, chartered in 1859 but opening in 1874 (delayed due to the Civil War), with a uniquely Victorian architectural style that give it a much more European feel than other American zoos.
One of their recent innovations is the Zoo360 system, five different systems of mesh tunnels that allow for certain animals to cross between habitats above pathways.
One of the world leaders in endangered animal breeding, the Philadelphia Zoo maintains animals like the Guam kingfisher, which is extinct in the wild.
(I wanted to upload more images, particularly of Zoo360, but the forum isn't being cooperative...)
One of their recent innovations is the Zoo360 system, five different systems of mesh tunnels that allow for certain animals to cross between habitats above pathways.
One of the world leaders in endangered animal breeding, the Philadelphia Zoo maintains animals like the Guam kingfisher, which is extinct in the wild.
(I wanted to upload more images, particularly of Zoo360, but the forum isn't being cooperative...)
Hi Eltanin - little off topic - but it is so nice to see your personal photos of the person who actually works for Frontier and communicates with us in these Forums and such a nice Zoo to boot
Adds a really nice touch to the Forums. Thank you - regards
Leaf YES - we need more attractions and transport - are you still doing the train Mod you were fiddling with - I hope so
It's already out!Leaf YES - we need more attractions and transport - are you still doing the train Mod you were fiddling with - I hope so
It's included in Planet Zoo Plus OMG - really! SO exciting - thanks in advance - you are a legendIt's already out!
They even had Northern White Rhinos at one point, which I was lucky enough to see.
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If they’re trying to repopulate the Kingfishers, shouldn’t they hide from them instead of working on them on a lab table?
It will come as no surprise to anyone who's seen me post that my favourite zoo is London Zoo It's not the best zoo in the world but it's where I grew up and there are still parts of it where you remember that it once was literally the best zoo in the world. I was lucky enough to go when they still had Elephants, Rhinos, every species of big cat, sea lions, giant pandas etc and young enough not to understand the welfare concerns!
The zoo still has an utterly unique mix of architecture from the classic Giraffe House built in 1826 to the beautiful early 20th Century Reptile House, a classic Hagenbeck panorama and Tecton's incredible Penguin Pool (plus their beautiful Round House). Animal-wise these days the highlights are the biggest penguin pool in Europe (or possibly just the UK, I can't recall) a brilliant walk-through Squirrel Monkey enclosure and well-themed Lion & Tiger enclosures.
My other favourites are Yorkshire Wildlife Park which for my money is the best zoo in the UK, Jersey Zoo which is unique and wonderful, Menagerie du Jardin Des Plantes & San Diego Zoo.
It's not the best zoo in the world but it's where I grew up and there are still parts of it where you remember that it once was literally the best zoo in the world. I was lucky enough to go when they still had Elephants, Rhinos, every species of big cat, sea lions, giant pandas etc and young enough not to understand the welfare concerns!The zoo still has an utterly unique mix of architecture from the classic Giraffe House built in 1826 to the beautiful early 20th Century Reptile House, a classic Hagenbeck panorama and Tecton's incredible Penguin Pool (plus their beautiful Round House). Animal-wise these days the highlights are the biggest penguin pool in Europe (or possibly just the UK, I can't recall) a brilliant walk-through Squirrel Monkey enclosure and well-themed Lion & Tiger enclosures.
My other favourites are Yorkshire Wildlife Park which for my money is the best zoo in the UK, Jersey Zoo which is unique and wonderful, Menagerie du Jardin Des Plantes & San Diego Zoo.
What do people in the U.K think of Chester Zoo? When I think about it I think of that historical documentary (BBC produced it I think) called Our Zoo. It was supposed to be one of the first major modern zoos in Europe, heavily influenced by Carl Hagenbeck IIRC. Is it still considered to be top tier?
Bearcat9948
We have a fantastic show on Channel 4 based at Chester Zoo called "The Secret life Of The Zoo" It's amazing. The relationship the staff have with the animals is amazing. They really seem to have a real respect and love for the animals. They also seem to have a really strong conservation ethos. I'm going next Friday. I can't wait.ZSHplays
I live on the North Lincolnshire coast about 40 minutes away from Yorkshire Wildlife Park. I'm such a numpty that i haven't been yet, but they seem to be going from leaps and bounds the last few years. Red Pandas and a full Polar Bear family added recently. They also seem to have a really strong conservation policy.
Woburn safari park is my best experience of a zoo, drive around in your car and see the animals, unless it the rhino enclosure that was terrifying for me, close call with the rhino nearly rip the back end of the car off
Source: https://youtu.be/iCnwlnAm8aw
Mine 100% has to be the North Carolina Zoo, Mainly because I went there every year since I was 2, but here's a little bit of info on it.
The Zoos sign
The North Carolina Zoo is located on wooded 2,600 acres centrally located in the heart of North Carolina, just south of Asheboro in Randolph County. With 500 acres developed, it is the world's largest natural habitat zoo and one of two state-supported zoos. The North Carolina Zoo is an agency of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Zoo's Zebras and Giraffes that are also housed with Ostriches
The North Carolina Zoo grew from an idea initiated by the Raleigh Jaycees in 1967. The Zoo is 75 miles west of Raleigh, 25 miles south of Greensboro and 75 miles northeast of Charlotte. The NC Zoo has more than 1,800 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America. The zoo is open 363 days a year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) and receives more than 900,000 visitors annually. The North Carolina Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. On top of all the the North Carolina Zoo is planning on adding two expansions in the upcoming years, the first being Asia, and Second being Australia.
The Zoo's map
The Zoos sign
The North Carolina Zoo is located on wooded 2,600 acres centrally located in the heart of North Carolina, just south of Asheboro in Randolph County. With 500 acres developed, it is the world's largest natural habitat zoo and one of two state-supported zoos. The North Carolina Zoo is an agency of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Zoo's Zebras and Giraffes that are also housed with Ostriches
The North Carolina Zoo grew from an idea initiated by the Raleigh Jaycees in 1967. The Zoo is 75 miles west of Raleigh, 25 miles south of Greensboro and 75 miles northeast of Charlotte. The NC Zoo has more than 1,800 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America. The zoo is open 363 days a year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) and receives more than 900,000 visitors annually. The North Carolina Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. On top of all the the North Carolina Zoo is planning on adding two expansions in the upcoming years, the first being Asia, and Second being Australia.
The Zoo's map
Zoo from Guadalajara, Mexico. It's the biggest zoo in Latin America.
It's a fantastic place especially when you feed the giraffes.
It's a fantastic place especially when you feed the giraffes.
I strongly prefer zoos where the animals get plenty of space. For this reason I have one stand-out favorite in the Netherlands which is Safari Park Beekse Bergen. The name kind of says it all. It's a safari, so heavily African themed. You can drive through it with your car though the only predator enclosure you can drive through now-a-days are the cheetahs. Some people are just stupid and get out of the car. It's terrifying. My fondest memory of the car safari is probably from when I was a lot younger and you could strill drive through the lion enclosure. There was this lioness with 3 or 4 cubs she was trying to get to one specific location on the left side of our car. The cubs of course would scamper when their mother's back was turned as she was going to get the next cub. We stood there for a good thirty minutes or so as we didn't dare move the car and accidentially hit a cub. It was pure magic. The biggest part of the zoo now-a-days is a walking safari though. Much more like a traditional zoo, but the enclosures are still massive in size. I love it.
Another favorite would be Apenheul a zoo of primarily monkeys and apes. The smaller monkeys are relatively free roaming. You can only enter the zoo with a monkey proof bag as they will climb all over you and have learned how to open bags. It's a very cool experience and the zoo is celebrating it's 50th aniversary this year.
A new contender (though I've only been once and really need to go again before I make any final judgements) is ZooParc Overloon. It's a smaller Dutch zoo and consequentially it doesn't have many big animals. Some lions and tigers, but primarily a lot of smaller species like Kangaroos and penguins. Their first couple of enclosures (penguins, kangaroos) are walkthrough which is really cool. They also have a fossa which I had never seen before in real life. I really liked it.
Unfortunately most of my photos are taken with a semi-professional camera and too big to upload.
Another favorite would be Apenheul a zoo of primarily monkeys and apes. The smaller monkeys are relatively free roaming. You can only enter the zoo with a monkey proof bag as they will climb all over you and have learned how to open bags. It's a very cool experience and the zoo is celebrating it's 50th aniversary this year.
A new contender (though I've only been once and really need to go again before I make any final judgements) is ZooParc Overloon. It's a smaller Dutch zoo and consequentially it doesn't have many big animals. Some lions and tigers, but primarily a lot of smaller species like Kangaroos and penguins. Their first couple of enclosures (penguins, kangaroos) are walkthrough which is really cool. They also have a fossa which I had never seen before in real life. I really liked it.
Unfortunately most of my photos are taken with a semi-professional camera and too big to upload.