This week we step away from the Zoo Director role and view the zoo from a different angle. Sue Chin, Vice President of Planning and Design and Chief Architect for the Bronx Zoo based Wildlife Conservation Society has her hands full overseeing new projects at all 5 New York City WCS institutions. But that didn’t stop her from answering a few questions about her 20 year career in the Big Apple and particularly the new snow leopard exhibit at the Central Park Zoo.
Taking a few notes from Bronx’s excellent Himalayan Highlands, as well as input from the esteemed George Schaller (winner of the 2008 Indianapolis Prize), Sue and her staff did their best to re-create the mountainous misty terrain snow leopards are famous for hiding in. For those, like me, that live too far from NYC to see in person, the internet proves to be a valuable resource. WCS posted a minute long video of the exhibit on You Tube.
Sue also touches on Bronx’s recently LEED Certified 2008 project Madagascar, the budget crisis which included the World of Darkness closing, and future plans at Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium and Queens Zoo.
It is truly amazing that a city, even one as big as NYC can have 5 zoos! What’s even better is that each is entirely unique, ensuring that a visit to one borough’s zoo will be as engaging as the next. That being said, the Bronx is certainly the crown jewel of the city and for many one of the world’s best. Bronx is definitely one of my favorites, if for no other reason than their exhibit design (thanks to Sue and co.) is extremely conducive for photography. Glass glare is limited and most exhibits have open views with beautiful backdrops. Maps for all 5 New York City Zoological Institutions are below, check out for yourself how different they are.
In addition to Brookfield, I had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful St. Louis Zoo last week as well. I went on a photographic safari with a good friend, and we had success – over 1,500 shots between us! It had been 3 years since my last visit, and it was great to be back. St. Louis has an intimate charm around the grounds, mixing the creative architectural structures of Historic Hill with cutting edge habitats like River’s Edge and Penguin/Puffin Coast. The collection is tough to beat, with only an extensive aquarium missing. We had heard about a few zoo babies and weren’t disappointed. Most, like the kudu, takin, and camel were in the Red Rocks area, but the otter, sifaka, prairie dog, and penguin youngsters were just as cute.
Even better was the opportunity to see both of the zoo’s elephant calves – Maliha and Jade. Both contracted the deadly EEHV virus, a mysterious disease of which the origins are unknown and survival rates are dismal. Amazingly, despite past minimal success in zoos, through intense care and antibiotics, both elephants recovered.
Jade has an especially difficult early life, as first time mom Rani refused nursing. Jade is now growing up with grandma Ellie and her daughter Maliha. When the zoo opened, the elephant area of River’s Edge was off limits, so Jade could be re-introduced to the herd. Keepers had set aside 2 hours for them to once again settle together. It took less than 45 minutes for caretakers to allow visitors to view the re-united pair.
No new exhibits opening this year, but a seasonal stingray touch pool is set near the zoo’s center. These touch areas have been a temporary treat at many zoos around the country, but not all offer feeding. Stingrays of Caribbean Cove at St. Louis presents that opportunity and no matter how many times I do it, having a stingray gently suck a shrimp from between my fingers is always exhilarating. Don’t pass it up if you get the chance!
A few photos from the safari:
River's Edge starts off with an energetic quartet of rarely seen bush dogs
Maliha, Jade, and Ellie in the herd yard
The smallest species of bear, the sun bear
The famous 1904 Flight Cage has been renovated into a lush Cypress swamp
Underwater viewing at Hippo Harbor presents intense photographic opportunities
A huge Reticulated python resides in the Reptile House
We caught feeding time for the penguins!
Monsanto Insectarium has one of the best collections of insects and arachnids around.
