Some from the Smithsonian National Zoo

ASIAN ELEPHANT - Endangered

GOLDEN LION TAMARIN - Endangered

MANED WOLF - Near Threatened

SUMATRAN TIGER -- Critically Endangered

AMERICAN BISON - Near Threatened

CUBAN CROCODILE - Critically Endangered

AMUR TIGER - Endangered

Animal Moments @ The Smithsonian National Zoo: Intro

This past Saturday with mid-90F temperatures, I decided to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo here in Washington, D.C.  I was not alone.  I've never seen the place more packed with people.  While a wonderful sign of interest in animals all the implications for education regarding the contemporary role of zoos in species survival, ecology and sustainability--it wasn't easy or enjoyable to actually experience the animals...

Although the opportunity to view Great Apes in the Great Ape House was exponentially enhanced!  I even managed to find a Bornean Orangutan among the diverse throng of Homo sapiens sapiens.

Old Friends

Had a lovely reunion with a old friend and her daughter on this past Saturday.  Her 17-year-old spent the previous week in DC attending a Youth Justice Institute sponsored by the ACLU.  How amazing an opportunity for a young women from rural western Michigan.  A mirror of the joy reconnecting with my friend brought to me. 

I don't often get personal on this blog in this way, but I will tell you this: I am a rich man.  My treasure is not in gold or silver or stocks or real estate.  My pearl of great price in my human capital, my friends.

N sought to surprise me with a brunch invite to a DC restaurant called "The Dirty Martini".  The enticement was a weekly Drag Brunch.  Mind you, it's been nearly 20 years since we met in person, and while I am gay, I have no particular fascination with Drag culture (nor any disdain).  As we waited to be seated, the place transformed and cranked up the sound system so loud we couldn't even chat without shouting...  Oh me, oh my--not a good fit.  I suggested another restaurant, and she agreed en toto.  So off to Kramer's Books & Cafe we whisked ourselves.  A much more conducive venue to the parameters of a successful reunion!

Afterward, I walked my friend and her daughter back to there hotel.  Then in a fit of inspiration decided to walk up the National Zoo!  Here's where I encountered the Lion Bridge on Connecticut Avenue, NW that crosses over Rock Creek.  Before reaching the bridge I passed by the equestrian statue of Civil War General McClellan.  My great grandfather was partially named for him.  So many ideas spinning and colliding around me all the time.

Next the lions that guard the Lion Bridge's entrances on Connecticut Avenue.

And the view before walking the Bridge's span...

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 6

The last part of this section is possibly the most newsworthy.  The iconic Mansion House sits atop an enhanced berm with a half-circle arced parking lot and hedgerow that flanks it's most picturesque perspective.  It's like a magnificent beast atop a mound surveying with stoic pride its domain. 

Literally the fulcrum of the Maryland Zoo's administrative hub, the Mansion House's presence in the Druid Hill Park is enhanced by this upgrade.  1) a new arcing plaza with vining plants over loggia, ornamental trees and patio spaces with tables and chairs, and 2) a magnificent stone wall around the perimeter of the extended surface that contains the monumental burnished brass block letters reading "MArYLAND ZOO in BALTIMORE" .  These would be backlight to stand out at night.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 5

The fifth aspect of this area of renovations is both minor and personal.  As a volunteer, access to the zoo is directed toward a non-public entrance; however, the parking is along a public access road without any sense of security or design.  Participants in events at the Mansion House use the same.  this upgrade would create a solution within the newly established security perimeter.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 4

The next closer look in this aspect of my Maryland Zoo fantasy master plan takes in a large area under the zoo's auspices and primarily used for large fundraising events.  The area includes the water feature known as the Boat Lake.  The Boat Lake is the second largest stagnant water feature in the Druid HIll Park.  It includes a 19th century Boat House on its banks.  Historically, the Boat Lake was a large open pond that was even used as an ice skating venue in the winter.  Today, it's very much grown over with underbrush so that the shoreline is inaccessible not simply due the antiquated fencing that surrounds it.  It is a haven for actual wildlife.  My plan does seek to address this, but rather to upgrade the perimeter fencing to match that of the rest being established around the zoo.  There may be a time in the future when addressing the wildness will make sense, or incorporating the Boat Lake into a future animal exhibition will happen.  For now, it's good as it is.  The improved fence helps to reduce the Maryland Zoo's liability regarding unauthorized use of the lake.

As to the rest of this area, key components are added that currently exist in another area of the Maryland Zoo.  Most notably picnic pavilions and an enlarge playground.  Both of these compensate for the anticipated redesign of an area of the zoo that is currently functioning in this manner called "Celebration Hill".  Celebration Hill provides groups a place to stage events like birthdays and reunions.  Moving the facilities to this area of the zoo will increase the number of possibly participants, upgrade the playground to a 21st century, all-children-accessible, play area, and provide access to the newly created, enlarged restroom facilities.  (Current users of the Celebration Hill facilities have a porta-john for their convenience.)

All of these upgrades are placed along the Zoo Plaza entrance perimeter of the larger events space and can be accessed to the enhanced enjoyment of participants in those events.  For example, the new lesser pavilion located among the picnic pavilions can be used by the Animal Ambassador outreach program for interactive and educational experiences during the larger events.  The key piece to this area of the zoo is to capitalize on its ability to monetize events and support the fiscal stability of the zoo, while provided excellence in visitor experiences.

A Messy Week for Cooking!

A mess of yellow squash.

A Mess of Baby Bok Choy

I come from messy people.  We are a people of the mess.  When my father had a craving, he would make a mess of collard greens, or a mess of fresh cress and whipped potatoes, or a mess of ham 'n beans.  It's in the genes; however, I wonder that he would understand how my making of a mess of Baby Bok Choy actually fit into the DNA lineage

!

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 3

Part 3 concerns itself with the front "lawn" of the zoo.  Directly in front of the ticket entrance stands a nineteenth century pavilion that at one time was used to host band concerts.  Today it's just a frame, open and seldom used.  There is a single paved path to the left of the pavilion leading guests from the parking lot to the ticket entrance.

My fantasy design would treat this space as a gem meant to sparkle in the eyes of visitors.  Playing off of the symmetry of the pavilion, I would create a pair of level and straight walkways from the parking lots to the entrance that would pass along either side of the pavilion's foundations.  In between I would create a symmetrical rose garden with a large circular fountain in the middle.  The design would allow guests who choose to celebrate events like weddings an additional venue for capturing photographic memories among other things.

The pavilion itself would remain largely open; however, I would transform it into a permanent exhibition highlighting the history, milestones, programs, mission and future of the zoo.  A series of 10 foot tall panels with widths varying from 8 to 6 feet would tell the story complete with appealing graphics and rich text.  The topics I share here are just ideas.  I offer one draft example to better illustrate the concept. 

I am unaware of any other zoo which offers anything like this as an experience for its guests.  In doing so, the Maryland Zoo would not only establish the possibility of a presidence, but also create a sense of importance to and within the greater community.  There are the sorts of things that foster pride and loyalty among constituents and supporters.

Hot Day, Cool Zoo

Coquerel's Sifaka

Cheetah

Lesser Kudu

Black & White Colobus Monkeys

Saddle-billed Stork

Burchell's Zebra

Maryland Zoo: New Chimp!

On July 5th one of Maryland Zoo's dozen chimpanzees, Bunny, gave birth to a healthy baby girl.  This is Bunny's first successful birth.  She's a special animal.  Brought to the zoo from a research facility when she was very young, she had the unique characteristic of being nearly deaf.  SO the concern centered around her ability to respond to her infant's sound cues.  However, from all indications, she's a magnificent mother.  Caring and completely aware of and tender towards all the newborn's needs.  It is an exciting things to experience new life. 

Due to the hot temps, my education station for volunteering which had been listed at the Farm Yard, was to be changed to an interior location.  I was thrilled to discover that it would be the Chimp Forest, and hoped that Bunny and her daughter would be out in the main area.  I was not disappointed.  Although the best moments eluded my senses to record with a camera, I did manage a few pictures when she was atop one of the "tree" gyms.  I look forward to getting more in the future and watching this beautiful chimpanzee grow up.

Kimchi!

I love Kimchi!  It was a personal revelation when I learned to make it for myself.  Today's latest batch ready to start fermenting.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 2

The next part is also a parking lot.  At the zoo, it's generally used to 1) field trip busses, and 2) overflow on busy days.  My upgrades are really more about defining it so that buses can park easily, as well as, created obvious spaces for chaperone cars.  As an educational resource for Maryland's public schools, the Maryland Zoo is actually obligated by the state to provide access and support, as part of it's in kind response to the state's financial commitment to its general operating budget.  That being a given, why not create a first class experience?

I propose the addition of a small food services operation with an patio and well maintained restrooms for the bus drivers who bring the students and then generally just wait around for them to return.  Arrivals begin around 10 AM and departures usually wrap up by about 2:00-2:30.  Wouldn't it be amazing if drivers knew that when they came to the Maryland Zoo, a reasonable, tasty and healthy lunch option awaited them?  I honestly don't know of any zoo which extends such hospitality.

The other major feature would be an expanded sidewalk area where students could disembark to, organize and wait for their turn to enter the zoo.  This would be a tremendous upgrade in keeping the transition from buses to zoo un-chaotic and safer.

SOME OF THE COMPONENTS to this part of section 1 in greater detail:

A) The Secure Perimeter Fencing would be designed to look a little retro and compliment the historical design elements that remind guests of the zoo's provenance in the later half of the 19th century, only with state-of-the-art security elements embedded.

B) Guard Huts would all be replaced, and the number expended to provide the widest possible range of options when maintain security and guest and animal safety.  Each would also contain a powder room for the convenience of the staff.

E) Restrooms for Bus Drivers would be Mens and Womens and include a covered entrance with a drinking fountain.

G) The Hospitality Hut with its self-serve pre-made lunch options.  Once completed, schools would receive information about the service provided and be asked to convey this information to their bus drivers.  Additional, an announcement would be sent out to all of the regional carriers that routinely handle school field trips.

I) Reunification Pavilion.  Pavilions are found all across Druid Hill Park.  The addition of this pavilion would aesthetically fit in, and would provide the final link to a successful field trip experience by provided groups with an easily recognizable, designation location at which to reunify before departing.