Little Rock Zoo: Multi-habitat Wheels on the Edge

 Again, without geographic reference these areas are basically a Hodge-Podge.  By the time we'd gotten to this part of the zoo, the rain was setting in for a decent little shower.  So perhaps it was a blessing that most of the animals had more sense than us (or me, anyways.  My friend brought umbrellas!)

The first construction was a large circle with 8 separate habitats divided by faux stone to give the effect of a narrowing canyon on each of them.  The first three were labeled for otters, two species: North American River Otter, and African Spotted Otter.  All the water features which included falls, little streams and pools were turned off and dry save the trace moisture from the rain over the past few days and presently.  It was like a zombie apocalypse with the zombies.  We encountered one North American River Otter behind a little faux rock fold going to town on something edible--perhaps a zombie.

Continuing on around the complex, we discovered that the next three empty "Canyons" were identified as home to Sloth Bears.  The final two were marked "Under Renovation and hand areas of unkempt grass.  Apparently, previously home to Bush Dogs if you follow the Zoo Map's indication.

From here it was an easy walk in the rain to a smaller but similarly configured set of habitats.  These were shallower, and taller, and only three-quarters around.  The first one with an animal was home to a beautiful little Gray Fox who was wisely sleeping on a ledge that was shielded from the rain.  On the far end to the right in the last habitat, we encountered a Fossa.  One of the few I've ever seen and no sooner had I gotten one photo, she slipped away inside.  

Turning around to go to the end of the other side, we got the quickest of glimpses of a Chinese Muntjac who, started by us, flew away inside lickety-split!  We took this as a sign and made our own haste to the centrally located sit-down African Cafe.  We found ourselves in the company of a German couple and little child, and the Manager and his pre-teen daughter.  The manager was a super genial fellow who offered to toss in fries at no extra charge, as his daughter enjoyed bringing us our drinks and food.  The space was large but cozy with a roaring fireplace ablaze on the opposite side of the counter and kitchen.  Definitely recommend planning a stop here to refurbish your energy if you ever visit the Little Rock Zoo. 

The Otter/Bear Habitats.

The Third Otter Canyon.

The lone visible inhabitant of "Zombie Island"... a North American River Otter.

The second series of habitats

Cozy little Gray Fox

The elusive Fossa.

This stone placard was embedded in the stone wall of the foyer of the Africa Cafe.  It felt like it had once been ensconced somewhere else.  I love when institutions preserve and make reference to their history.

Africa Cafe