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in 1895, a group of wildlife conservationists banded together and formed
the New York Zoological Society (since renamed as the Wildlife
Conservation Park). They put together a master plan which laid the
foundation of one of the most forward-thinking zoos in the world: the 265
acre Bronx Zoo. Though actual construction started in 1898, the original
master plan wasn't fulfilled intol 1912. By then, there were loftier
ambitions and more plans and today the only structure remaining from the
original plan is the exterior of the World of Reptiles.
The Bronx Zoo, with
its 4000+ animals, was one of the first zoos to maintain the animals in
naturalistic habitats rather than the traditional cages. Even today, the
African Plains exhibit has a noticeable impact on visitors gazing of
predators and prey all in the same area (but safely separated by moats).
It is almost like being dropped into the middle of the African Savanna.
Another example of
their forward thinking, assisted by state of the art technology, is the
Congo Gorilla Forest. This 6.5 acre simulated African rain forest habitat
is home to some 400 animals (55 species). It is probably the largest and
most important such breeding ground on the continent. |
Other
features of the Bronx Zoo include:
- Flaherty Learning
Center - provides a broad range of learning opportunities for
children.
- Baboon Reserve - a
simulated archaeological dig where visitors can learn about the
evolution of gelada baboons.
- The Bengali
Express - a two-mile long monorail passing through the habitats of the
elephant, rhino, antelope, and Siberian tiger.
- World of Darkness
- where bats, bush babies, sugar gliders, and other nocturnals animals
may be observed in a night-time setting.
- Reptile House -
habitat of crocodiles, pythons and other reptiles.
- World of Birds -
an aviary populated with an amazing variety of birds.
- Children's Zoo -
more than just a 'petting zoo', children can pretend they are animals
and climb a spider's web, slither like a lizard down a hollow tree or
crawl through a prairie dog's tunnel, and much, much more.
For more
information, phone 718-367-1010 or visit:
http://wcs.org/home/zoos/bronxzoo |
