A concept that has grown out of fashion with many zoos. The idea of placing smaller animals together under one roof seemed like a good one when it first appeared. Now, most zoos prefer to keep smaller animals in configurations that reflect their conservation status. As a result, the early 20th century Small Mammal Houses have been disappearing, being repurposed, transformed, or simply razed. I am in the camp that loves to see zoos repurpose and renovate these often well-crafted and historically fascinating buildings.
The Smithsonian National Zoo is doing as well as any zoo in upgrading this building, which also has the advantage of being large with adequate to generous habitats. In addition, as a result of previous upgrades, there are a handful of connected outside clement-weather habitats for some of the species. The building was originally constructed in 1937 using PWA (Public Works Administration) funds provided through President F. D. Roosevelt's New Deal post Great Depression initiatives. In 1983, upgrades were made primarily to the building's aging electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems. In 2010, a more comprehensive renovation designed to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2012 was undertaken. The interior flow and design of habitats was re-imagined and retrofitted. This created many new and larger habitats.
A Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda), native to the region around the Sahara Desert in northern Africa.
A pair of male sibling Collared Lemurs (Eulemur collaris), Bentley and Beemer. The boys are 5-years-old. Collared Lemurs have a life-expectancy of 20 to 25 years in the wild, and up to 36 years under human care. The zoo is also home to colonies of Ring-tailed Lemurs, White and Black Ruffed Lemurs and Red Ruffed Lemurs.
A Red-rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)
Dwarf Mongoose (Helogale parvula)
Slender-tailed Meerkat (Suricata suricatta)
Emperor Tamarin (Sanguinus imperator) Or...as I like to call them the "Lorax" Tamarin!
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