Virginia Zoo: Trail of the Tiger

 One of the things that I really love about a well conceived zoo is the integration of multiple habitats with natural features into one cohesive experience.  "The Maryland Wilderness" at my beloved Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, the "Tropical Rain Forest" habitats at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, the "Kingdoms of Asia" at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in California, and "The Water's Edge" at the Pittsburgh Zoo in Pennsylvania are a few great examples.  When integrations occur around regional themes there is not only the opportunity by the imperative to present an integrated story of history, culture and the environment.  

One of the finest examples of this is the Trail of the Tiger at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.  Generous habitats with state-of-the-art design and holding facilities offer an integrated experience with up to 17 unique species.

LEGEND

A - Siamang 

B - Bornean Orangutan
C - Clouded Leopard (coming soon, replacing the former resident Asian Sun Bear)

D - Small Bird Aviary

      - Chinese Hwamei

      - Laughing Kookaburra

      - Tawny Frogmouth

      - White-crested Laughingthrush

E - Sarus Cranes

F - Red Panda

G - Rhinoceros Hornbill

H - Binturong

I - Southern Carrowary

J - Asian Moon Bear

K - Malayan Tapir

L - White-cheeked Gibbon

   - Asian Small-clawed Otter

M - Malayan Tiger

Now, a few pics from my Monday visit.  It was chilly, ergo some of the more tropical of the animals were in the holding spaces, including the troop of Siamang's, a family of 5 I believe with a new born just this past January.

The zoo is home to two pairs of Bornean Orangutans.  One remained inside nestled in their hammocks, while this couple was soaking up some warmth from the sun and foraging. Lavendar Ground Ivy (Lamium amplexicaule) 

White-crested Laughingthrush

Laughing Kookaburra

Asian Moon Bear

Malayan Tiger