Zoos use lots of principles by which to organize their habitats. Often animals from similar geographic regions like Africa, Asia or North America, or Biomes like Arctic, Desert or Jungle, or species like Amphibians/Reptiles, Birds, or Primates. The Philadelphia zoo's newest habits are placed in a pairing that celebrates Water.
The exhibit features two very long standing and otherwise completely unrelated species, the Red Panda and the African Giant Otter. Even with Water, the connections are elusive. Besides elaborate habitat spaces full of complex design and varied stimulus there are also a series of interactive displays about the importance of water and water conservation. I found these to be extemporaneous to the animals. But I really loved the way the arcing path leads you into a faux canyon with multiple vantage points for viewing the Red Panda--including an overhead habitrail. All three of the spaces dedicated to the African Giant Otters along with the informational placards that gave the history of this species at the Philadelphia Zoo were also impressive and appreciated. Good zoos do good works and good education.
I remember the first species I encountered on my very first visit to the Philadelphia Zoo over 30 years ago. It was the Red Panda. They were housed in a box cage about the size of my dining room. On that occasion they were pacing about in the classic "animal psychosis" model--not saying that it was this affliction that motivated their behavior, but still. I remember it left a very bad impression upon me. Thankfully the zoo remains a work in progress that is constantly evolving with the welfare of the animals at heart.
The exhibit features two very long standing and otherwise completely unrelated species, the Red Panda and the African Giant Otter. Even with Water, the connections are elusive. Besides elaborate habitat spaces full of complex design and varied stimulus there are also a series of interactive displays about the importance of water and water conservation. I found these to be extemporaneous to the animals. But I really loved the way the arcing path leads you into a faux canyon with multiple vantage points for viewing the Red Panda--including an overhead habitrail. All three of the spaces dedicated to the African Giant Otters along with the informational placards that gave the history of this species at the Philadelphia Zoo were also impressive and appreciated. Good zoos do good works and good education.
I remember the first species I encountered on my very first visit to the Philadelphia Zoo over 30 years ago. It was the Red Panda. They were housed in a box cage about the size of my dining room. On that occasion they were pacing about in the classic "animal psychosis" model--not saying that it was this affliction that motivated their behavior, but still. I remember it left a very bad impression upon me. Thankfully the zoo remains a work in progress that is constantly evolving with the welfare of the animals at heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment