Maryland Zoo - Baltimore: Changes Are A Coming! (from July 11)

 So exciting to see the progress on major redesigns and renovations to the larger habitats of the African Journey portion of the zoo.  The changes will significantly affect three of their signature species: African Elephants, African Lions and Reticulated Giraffe.

The Elephant's habitat will nearly triple in size with new water features and the ability to move between outdoor areas.  The barn space will also grow and permit the zoo to increase their heard from the current 4 animals.

The Giraffe's space outside will also increase significantly, but perhaps more importantly will be leveled to better reflect the terrain that these large animals are more comfortable traversing.  There are rainy days now when they do not go outside not because of the water, but because the grass on the slope becomes too slick for them to safely walk on.

And the African lions will find themselves in a space with more room, a fresh water source and increased ability to be seen by guests--not something the Lions particularly care about, but it has been an issue with the zoo for as long as I have been coming.

To accomplish this the former African Penguin habitat was demolished, an area where camel rides were once offered and some underdeveloped land was all appropriated.  Even some of the wooded land on the far side of the current Elephant habitat is being prepared to be included in the final design.

 While the African Elephants and African Lions are all off exhibit during the year and half project, you can still come around from the other side of the work and see the Giraffes.