An Excellent South American Zoo Concept

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 6: Gran Chaco
The Gran Chaco is a dry scrub land located mainly in Paraguay and neighboring countries. This is a region that was little known to the outside world until recently due to its inhospitable terrain. It is home to one of the most exciting zoological discoveries of the past 100 years, the Chacoan Peccary, an animal known before only from fossils, but found alive in 1972. The Chaco is also the evolutionary home of the armadillo. No zoo exhibit has ever tried to reproduce this area of South America.

The exhibit for VtSA consists of three animal exhibits with a possible fourth. The main three areas are for the Chacoan Peccary, a species of Armadillo, and Geoffroy's Cat.

• Chacoan Peccary: Being the most important species known from the Chaco, it is important to showcase this endemic species here. There is a major push from the Pig, Peccary, and Hippo TAG to find more holders for this species.
• Armadillo: As armadillos are abundant and diverse in this region it is a great opportunity to show them off here. More species of Armadillos are known from the Gran Chaco than anywhere else.
• Geoffroy's Cat: This is a small cat found throughout the southern plains of South America, and it quite prevalent in the Gran Chaco. While not held in many collections, it is widely available and makes a wonderful addition to this area.
• Seriema: This is an optional exhibit that would be located on top of the Chaco/Pampas prey barn. If cost and construction prohibits it can easily be deleted and the Seriema can be moved to another aviary throughout the exhibit (Pantanal aviary or monkey exhibit preferably).

The total area of the Armadillo exhibit is 140 square feet. The total area of the Geoffroy's Cat exhibit is 510 square feet. The total area of the holding space for Armadillos and Geoffroy's Cats is 160 square feet. The total area of the Chacoan Peccary exhibit is 3,250 square feet. The total area of the (optional) Seriema exhibit is 1,600 square feet. The total area of the Gran Chaco holding space (shared with the Pampas exhibit) is 1,700 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 7: The Cerrado
The Cerrado is the vast savanna of eastern Brazil. At one time, it was the largest expanse of grasslands in South America. This region is known for such animals as Marsh and Pampas Deer, Rheas, Giant and Lesser Anteaters, and Maned Wolves. Two of these, the Maned Wolf and the Giant Anteater can be exhibited together and an exciting mixed species exhibit that involves a predator. Most zoos confuse the Cerrado with the Pampas and mislabel it as such. This would be a wonderful opportunity to correct this error.

The VtSA exhibit consists of a single enclosure primarily designed for Maned Wolves and Giant Anteaters, however, it has also been designed so that the animals that inhabit the nearby large Pantanal exhibit can be rotated to give all of the species more space and a varied environment.

The real Cerrado is littered with termite mounds of varying sizes and this should be recreated in the exhibit not only to give a sense of realism but to also give the animals some needed enrichment. Some of these termite mounds, if not all of them, can be built with small, green LED lights in them to simulate the bio-luminous beetle larvae that live in them. This can make for unique lighting for night events. A simple shallow water feature will give not only a barrier to the public, but will also tie into the water features in the Chaco and the Pantanal.

Holding is done in a large barn that will serve both the Cerrado and the large Pantanal exhibit as well as the Brocket Deer/Howler Monkey exhibit. The barn will also have several outdoor holding yards. This barn has two levels. The upper level is for monkey and bird holding as well as a small office and keeper space.

The total area of the Cerrado exhibit is 9,000 square feet. The total area of the Cerrado/Pantanal barn (lower level) is 5,000 square feet. The total area of the Cerrado/Pantanal holding yards is 1,400 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 8: The Pantanal
The Pantanal is the world's largest wetlands and is located in southern Brazil. It is adjacent to the Cerrado and together with it forms a vast grassland. The Pantanal is one of the most diverse areas of South America and home to many exciting animals. Many tall grasses and palm trees make up the landscape of the Pantanal, which should be easily recreated here. The VtSA Pantanal exhibit consists of five exhibits plus viewing into a sixth. All major vertebrae categories are represented except amphibians.

• Large Pantanal Exhibit: 1. Large Pantanal exhibit – This exhibit is the largest exhibit in the Pantanal. It is a mixed species exhibit primarily for Lowland Tapirs and Capybara. All of the species in the Pantanal can be rotated with the species in the Cerrado. A water feature will be a key element of this exhibit as it needs to recreate a swampy environment. Multiple water fowl can also be included in the exhibit. Holding for this exhibit is in the large Cerrado/Pantanal barn and is accessible to the exhibit via a tunnel under the visitor pathway. Behind the exhibit, but technically not in the Pantanal area is a view into the Jaguar exhibit. This will give the effect of it being a predator/prey style exhibit. Also, as the Jaguar exhibit is located in the Amazon section, and should be densely planted, it will give the illusion that this part of the Pantanal is at the edge of the forest. Species include: Lowland Tapir, Capybara, White-Faced Whistling Duck, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Ringed Teal, Rosybill, Crested Screamer, and Maguari Stork.
• Black Howler Monkeys and Red Brocket Deer: This is a smaller, netted in exhibit across from the main Pantanal exhibit. Brocket Deer are rarely displayed despite being a PMP species from the Cervid TAG. This could make a highly entertaining mixed species exhibit as primates and hoofstock are rarely displayed together, but can co-mingle well. This will also utilize multiple levels of the exhibit with the deer on the ground while the monkeys are in the trees. Holding for the exhibit is from the large Cerrado/Pantanal barn. Monkeys would be held in a second level of the barn which would also hold office/storage space. Also several birds can be housed in this exhibit. Species – Black Howler Monkey, Red Brocket Deer, Toco Tucan, Sunbittern, Wattled Jacana.
• Filtration: Behind the Howler Monkey/Brocket Deer exhibit is the pumps and filtration for the Pantanal, Cerrado, Chaco, and Amazon Jaguar exhibits. This can either consist of underground vaults or above ground facilities. This would be determined by the water features department as to what works the best, is safest, and most user friendly.
• Jaguars: While their exhibit is not technically part of the Pantanal exhibit, the Jaguars will be visible from multiple points in the Pantanal. The will first be seen behind the large Pantanal exhibit in a predator/prey relationship. The main viewing will be through a window/training area just past the large Pantanal exhibit. Also, since the Jaguars and Pumas can be rotated, it is possible that the Pumas will be seen from here as well.
• Aviary: The bird life in the Pantanal is of extreme importance. Of significant note is the Hyacinth Macaw found primarily in the Pantanal. The aviary will sit on top of two large aquariua/terraria. This will utilize the maximum about of vertical space available. Aviary species – Hyacinth Macaw, Roseate Spoonbill, Boat-billed Heron.
• Green Anaconda: The Pantanal is home to a large population of Anacondas, the world's heaviest and second longest snake. The exhibit would be situated below the Pantanal Aviary and would be visible in a semi-tunnel that is somewhat darkened. The exhibit should be large enough to house several Anacondas. Should also house several fish species as well. Suggested species – Green Anaconda, Neon Tetra, Discus Fish, Freshwater Stingray.
• Red Bellied Piranha: This feared fish is abundant in the Pantanal. Like the Anacondas, the Piranhas will be seen in an aquarium placed underneath the Pantanal Aviary. Also like the Anacondas, it will be viewed in a semi-tunnel. Again, other fish can be displayed along with the Piranhas (tetras, etc.).
• Caiman Exhibit: The major aquatic predator of the Pantanal is the caiman. Several species exist, but the primary species is the Yacare Caiman. It is theoretically possible to keep this species in a mixed species exhibit assuming that a suitable species can be found, most likely a turtle species. Also possible for inclusion is the Broad-Snouted Caiman which shares much of its range with the Yacare Caiman and can be housed in the same exhibit. A pair of each species could easily be housed in the exhibit. There is a small holding/filtration building for the caimans if weather/temperature dictates.
• Small Exhibits: There are several smaller areas not designated for animal use but could be utilized to hold immature caimans or turtles.
• PLAYa Pantanal: This is a water play area for kids. The name is a play on the word play, and the Spanish word playa, which translates as beach. This area can include water fountains, small splash ponds, and streams. Across one of the streams is a rope bridge for those adventurous enough to cross it. Lots of sandy areas are available for kids to make their own sand castles.

The total area of the large Pantanal exhibit is 9,400 square feet. The total area of the Monkey and Deer exhibit is 1,350 square feet. The total area of the Cerrado/Pantanal holding space (including the second level) is 7,100 square feet. The total area of the filtration area is 880 square feet (only including the above ground section). The total area of the aviary is 1,300 square feet. The total area of the Caiman exhibit is 820 square feet. The total area of the caiman holding and filtration space is 270 square feet. The total area of PLAYa Pantanal is 3,000 square feet. The total area of the first small exhibit (for immature caimans) is 160 square feet. The total area of the second small exhibit (for turtles) is 70 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 9: The Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest expanse of rainforest. The Amazon River is the world's longest river (recent discoveries of a new source higher up in the Andes has pushed it past the Nile). It has the world's largest watershed. With all of these superlatives, the Amazon must also be one of the greatest homes of wildlife in existence. The Amazon area of VtSA rightfully reflects this diversity. Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Amphibians, Fish, Insects, and Arachnids are all to be present in the Amazon.

Due to several issues the Amazon section is to be built indoors. This serves several very important purposes. The construction of this building need not be a complex, multi-level rainforest like many others, but can be a simple path through various large mixed species enclosures. Enclosures for this exhibit have been designed to give the animals copious space and not feel cramped like many other indoor rainforest exhibits. The concept of the entire Amazon area is to feel like a trip both upstream and up into the canopy. The building will consist of seven main areas, plus a few smaller ones.

1. The River - fish
2. Aquatic Reptiles - caimans and caiman lizards
3. Small Predators - small cats, tayra, and bush dogs
4. The Cave - bats, insects, and reptiles/amphibians
5. Tamarins/Marmosets/Sloth
6. Larger Monkeys
7. Birds

In addition to these, smaller reptile and amphibian exhibits will be scattered along the trail. Birds of all sorts can be mixed in with some of the monkey species.

• Theater: After exiting the Pantanal, the guest will enter into a 50-100 seat movie theater. The theater will show a short (5-7 minute) film on the Amazon (or South America in general, conservation or any number of topics). This space can also be used as an after hours event center for parties, sleep-overs, meetings, etc. Seating should be removable for this purpose. Throughout the duration of the film, the guest will be unaware of the theater's exit. The exit will be revealed as the film is ending and curtains are pulled back to reveal a large fish tank with a walk-through tunnel.
• Amazon Fish: The tank is large enough to hold many species. Primary species should include Arapaima, Pacu, Red-Tailed Catfish, Freshwater Stingrays, and Arowanas. Various turtle species can also be included. Due to the large size it is possible that either Amazonian Manatees or River Dolphins could be housed in the exhibit in the unlikely event that either species becomes available.
• Aquatic Reptiles: After leaving the river tunnel, the guest enters an area for large aquatic reptiles. The primary exhibit here is for a large crocodilian. Two options exist, the Orinoco Crocodile and the Black Caiman. The Black Caiman is preferred for this exhibit for several reasons. Unlike the Orinoco Crocodile, it is actually found in the Amazon basin. Also, very few zoos worldwide display this species. Being the largest caiman, a mature specimen would be a sight to see. A third option that is geographically incorrect, but only slightly, is the American Crocodile. Two smaller exhibits are along side the large crocodilian exhibit. One would be primarily for Caiman Lizard. This exhibit could easily house other species as well (fish, birds, and other reptiles). The second exhibit is for Dwarf Caiman. Either species of Dwarf Caiman (Cuvier's or Smooth Fronted) would fit into this exhibit.
• Small Predators: After the aquatic reptiles are five exhibits for small predators. All of these exhibits are flexible for their occupants. Up to five species can be housed in them, but if needed multiple animals of the same species can be given two or more exhibits. The two largest exhibit can be divided down the middle via netting (Invisinet) so as to house two conspecific animals (male/female/non-breeding) seemingly in the same exhibit while still meeting their needs for privacy/solitude. Preferred species – Ocelot, Margay, Jaguarundi, Bush Dog, and Tayra. Other possible species include Giant Otter, Oncilla, Grison, etc.
• Jaguar Research Station: Amid the small predator enclosures is the Jaguar Research Station. This is an interpretive area that overlooks the large Amazon Jaguar exhibit. The exhibit itself is entirely outdoors, and is the larger of the two primary Jaguar exhibits. As it is part of a three-exhibit rotational exhibit, Pumas might also be viewed from this area. This exhibit's primary view will be from the JRS, but can also be viewed from the Pantanal both as a predator/prey style exhibit behind the large Pantanal exhibit and through a training window. The exhibit should resemble a lush valley filled with trees (real and artificial) and a pool for the animals to swim. This area would need to be staffed with an interpreter (either zoo staff or volunteer). Biofacts from Jaguars and other Amazonian animals need to be present. Also, this area would be perfect to have demonstrations from small animals like Kinkajou, Tamandua, and Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. Looping videos and interactive games like in Base Camp are to be used. For after hours events the JRS can be used as an event center for parties, sleep-overs, meetings, etc.
• The Cave: The cave is a small area primarily for bats. Preferably, Vampire Bats should be featured in this exhibit, but any South American bat species can be housed here according to need. Also here are several small exhibits for insects, amphibians, and reptiles. The collection demands for these exhibits and their ultimate design should be done by the Reptile Curator and Department.
• Tamarins/Marmosets: Five small exhibits are clustered together after the cave and are intended for small monkey species. Each exhibit can hold one species of Tamarin or Marmoset or several depending on species compatibility (i.e. Golden Lion Tamarins mixed with Pygmy Marmosets). If desired, a separating wall between two of the exhibits can be removed creating a larger exhibit space. In addition to small monkeys other species can be housed in these exhibits. Small ground dwelling mammals (Paca, Agouti, etc.) and various birds (Aracaris, Guans, Currasows, etc.) can easily be housed with the small monkeys. Adjacent to this area is an exhibit designated for sloths, however, this are can be merged into the monkey exhibits if the sloth can be mixed with the small monkeys. Any thoughts on the exact collection should be reviewed by both the Bird and Mammal Departments.
• Larger Monkeys: Three exhibits are designed to house larger species of monkeys. The first exhibit is designated for a mixed exhibit of White-Faced Saki and Gray Titi Monkeys. Appropriate birds and small mammals can also be mixed in this exhibit. The largest exhibit in this area, and one of the largest exhibits in the amazon building is designated for Spider Monkeys. As the monkeys are largely arboreal this leaves the floor of the exhibit open for a terrestrial animal. The space is large enough to keep a small group of Collared Peccaries (or White-Lipped Peccaries if some could be sourced) and would make an exciting mixed species exhibit. The final larger monkey exhibit is intended for Squirrel Monkeys. Other compatible species (birds) can be kept with the Squirrel Monkeys at the discretion of the curators.
• Birds: In addition to the various birds that can be housed in some of the smaller exhibits (Caiman Lizard, Tamarins, etc) there are three exhibits devoted entirely to birds. One is a large exhibit solely for the Ornate Hawk Eagle. Another is a small exhibit for any number of species to be determined by collection need. The final exhibit of the Amazon is a large walk-through aviary. The exhibit is large enough to hold many species. Exact collection should be determined by the Bird Department. It is possible to have this exhibit be an interactive one with feeding like Bird's Landing in the Children's Zoo.
• Other Exhibits: Throughout the whole Amazon building there are small to medium sized exhibits designed to house reptiles and amphibians. Collection is to be determined by the staff.
• Holding and Service: The building is designed so that animal holding and service areas are easily accessible to zoo staff. Each exhibit has access to a different holding facility or the large off exhibit corridors. Various service doors exist throughout the facility to link visitor paths to the off exhibit facilities. Off exhibit corridors have enough space for small offices for the keepers. When not accessible to the off exhibit corridors, animal holding has been provided (primarily for the small predators).

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 9: The Amazon (Part 2)
The total area of the large fish tank is 2,600 square feet. The total area of the large Caiman/Crocodile exhibit is 1,250 square feet. The total area of the Dwarf Caiman exhibit is 430 square feet. The total area of the Caiman Lizard exhibit is 240 square feet. The total area of the first Small Predator exhibit is 1,050 square feet. The total area of the second and third Small Predator exhibits is 1,500 square feet (each). The total area of the fourth Small Predator exhibit is 830 square feet. The total area of the fifth Small Predator exhibit is 670 square feet. The total area of the Bat exhibit is 360 square feet. The total area of the first Tamarin exhibit is 52 square feet. The total area of the second Tamarin exhibit is 70 square feet. The total area of the third Tamarin exhibit is 145 square feet. The total area of the fourth Tamarin exhibit is 150 square feet. The total area of the fifth Tamarin exhibit is 220 square feet. The total area of the Sloth exhibit is 130 square feet. The total area of the Saki/Titi Monkey exhibit is 860 square feet. The total area of the Spider Monkey/Collared Peccary exhibit is 1,500 square feet. The total area of the Squirrel Monkey exhibit is 400 square feet. The total area of the Ornate Hawk Eagle exhibit is 580 square feet. The total area of the small bird exhibit is 60 square feet. The total area of the walk-through aviary is 2,400 square feet. The total area of the Amazon Jaguar exhibit is 10,700 square feet. The total area of the Theater is 2,500 square feet. The total area of the Jaguar Research Station is 1,900 square feet. The total area of all of the off-exhibit space is 12,700 square feet.

The total area of the space used for animals is 25,300 square feet. The total area of the entire building is around 36,000 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 10: The Llanos
The Llanos is the grasslands and savannas of Venezuela and Columbia. This is a land that is drained by the Orinoco River and is sometimes known as Orinoquia. In some ways, the Llanos is like the Pantanal, for at times it too can become a flooded plain, but its proximity to North America makes it quite different.

The Llanos exhibit in VtSA consists of 3 separate exhibits for Jaguar, Harpy Eagle, and a large mixed species exhibit featuring King Vulture and White-Tailed Deer.

• Fallen Log: As the guests exit from the Amazon, they enter into a vast, hollow, fallen tree that serves as a tunnel and viewing for two exhibits. On the right hand side is the Harpy Eagle exhibit, while on the left is viewing into the Llanos Jaguar exhibit.
• Harpy Eagle: This exhibit is viewed both from the Fallen Log and from the main visitor path. Ideally it should have a mated pair of birds. Housing for the Eagles will be simple boxes like currently exist in the Wings of Wonder exhibit.
• Llanos Jaguar: This is the second Jaguar exhibit and a bit smaller in size than the Amazon exhibit. Viewing is done from inside the Fallen Log, through a training window on the main path, and behind the mixed species exhibit in a predator/prey style exhibit. Outside of the Fallen Log the guest will view the Jaguars pool up close and will be able to see these cats swimming. The training window, like its counterpart in the Pantanal, can be used for daily scheduled training sessions with the cats. As the exhibit is part of a three-exhibit rotational exhibit Pumas might also be see in this area.
• Mixed Species Exhibit: This exhibit highlights a species not commonly thought of as coming from South America, the White-Tailed Deer. As this species is common in Texas, and many rescued animals are needing homes, it would be a great opportunity to showcase this species. Many species from the region can be mixed with the deer. This netted in enclosure is also home to the King Vulture, Scarlet Ibis, Scarlet Macaw, and Capuchin Monkeys. If desired, Collared Peccaries can also be added to this exhibit if they are not housed in the Amazon building. Holding for this exhibit will be underneath the rockwork for the Spectacled Bear exhibit.

The total area of the Harpy Eagle exhibit is 960 square feet. The total area of the Llanos Jaguar exhibit is 7,000 square feet. The total area of the Llanos Mixed Species exhibit is 5,500 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 11: The Tepui
Tepuis are fantastical formations in the highlands of Venezuela and Columbia, and are often found towering above the Llanos. These highlands are the inspiration for such works as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World and the Pixar movie Up. The world's highest water fall, Angel Falls, is found on a large Tepui. These remote uplands are sometimes referred to as the Galápagos of the mainland due to their unique fauna and flora found nowhere else. Many of these unique species are not available to zoos, so to honor the Tepui, VtSA has created a cafe and event center themed around the region.

Outside of Cafe Tepui, there is space for two small aviaries of species to be determined. The cafe itself will be a two level space. The lower level will house the kitchen and dining/event space. One major feature of the lower level indoor seating is a view into the Amazon walk-through aviary through a glass wall. The upper level will house the bulk of the seating and will be all open air. Access will be via a large staircase inside on the lower level. Rockwork surrounding the building recreate geologic features encompassing the upper level should be designed to recreate some of the more fantastical formations seen in a real Tepui. Also a small recreation of Angel Falls should be incorporated and flow into the Harpy Eagle exhibit. The view from the upper level of the cafe will look out into the Llanos exhibits, just as you would on a real Tepui.

Adjacent to the cafe are public restrooms. These are the only large public restrooms in VtSA.

Interpretation
Graphics and videos of the real Tepui should be shown inside of the cafe.

The total area of the first small aviary is 190 square feet. The total area of the second small aviary is 240 square feet. The total area of the lower level of the Cafe is 5,570 square feet. The total area of the upper level of the Cafe is 3,970 square feet. The total area of the restrooms is 800 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Maps
The first map is of the Gran Chaco exhibit. 1 is the Peccary exhibit, 2 is the Geoffroy's Cat exhibit, 3 is the Armadillo exhibit, 4 and 5 is the Seriema exhibit (with Peccary and Bird holding underneath), and 6 is the Cat and Armadillo holding space.
The second map is of the Cerrado exhibit. 1 is the Cerrado exhibit, 2 is the Cerrado and Pantanal barn, and 3 is the holding yards.
The third map is of the Pantanal exhibit. 1 is the large Pantanal exhibit, 2 is the Pantanal and Cerrado barn, 3 is the Howler Monkey and Brocket Deer exhibit, 4 is the filtration, 5 is the Jaguar training window, 6 is the PLAYa Pantanal, 7 is the PLAYa Pantanal Rope Bridge, 8 is the Caiman exhibit, 9 is the Aviary, 10 is the Anaconda exhibit (underneath the aviary), 11 is the Piranha exhibit (underneath the aviary), and 12 is the (optional) juvenile Caiman exhibit.
The fourth map is of the Amazon exhibit building. 1 is the theater, 2 is the walk-through Amazon tank, 3 is the Black Caiman exhibit, 4 is the Caiman Lizard exhibit, 5 is the Dwarf Caiman exhibit, 6 is the Small Predator exhibits, 7 is the Jaguar Research Station, 8 is the Amazon Jaguar exhibit, 9 is the Small Herp exhibits, 10 is the Cave, 11 is the Tamarin/Marmoset exhibits, 12 is the Sloth exhibit, 13 is the Saki/Titi Monkey exhibit, 14 is the Spider Monkey/Peccary exhibit, 15 is the Squirrel Monkey exhibit, 16 is the Ornate Hawk Eagle exhibit, 17 is the small aviary, and 18 is the walk-through aviary.
The fifth map is of the Llanos exhibit. 1 is the Harpy Eagle exhibit, 2 is the Fallen Log, 3 is the Jaguar exhibit, and 4 is the mixed species exhibit.
The sixth map is of the Tepui exhibit/cafe.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 12: The Andean Cloud Forest
The Andean Cloud Forest is a forest located high in the Andes on the Amazonian side (eastern side) of the range. It has high enough elevation, and is dry enough to not qualify as a rainforest. Because of its elevation many parts are covered in a thick fog of low lying clouds. This forest is home to one of South America's rarities, the Spectacled Bear. This is the only species of bear found in South America. Also the Cloud Forest has space for two other species the Ring-Tailed Coati and the Pudu.

• Spectacled Bear and Ring-Tailed Coati Exhibit: This large sloping exhibit should easily house a breeding pair of bears (1.1 or 1.2, or even 2.2) plus a colony of coati. Several zoos in Europe have successfully mixed these two species that also share ranges in the wild. Housing for both species is in the large predator barn that also serves for the Pumas and Jaguars. A training window hidden in a small cave will allow for keeper/animal interaction. If needed for this species, a small cubbing den can be added with indoor viewing.
• Pudu Exhibit: This small exhibit next to the bears will house the world's smallest species of deer. While it is technically not found in the same forests as the Spectacled Bear, it is found in the Andean forests further south, and some of the planting should address this fact.
• Holding: The holding for the bears and the coati will be in the large predator barn. Several outdoor yards are provided for the predators that are not on display. The Pudu holding will be adjacent to the predator barn but in a separate building attached to the Galápagos Research Station.

The Andean Cloud Forest and the Altiplano are the only two exhibits in all of VtSA that can be seen at the same time. This was done purposefully. The Cloud Forest is meant to show the wet (east) side of the Andes, while the Altiplano is meant to show the dry (west) side of the Andes. Their positions in the exhibit are correct from a direction perspective.

A misting or fog system should be employed in the exhibit to give the illusion of being enveloped in a cloud. This system does not need to be used at all times, but rather as a special effect.

The total area of the Spectacled Bear/Coati exhibit is 11,700 square feet. The total area of the Predator barn is 4,500 square feet. The total area of the Coati holding yards is 135 square feet. The total area of the Pudu exhibit is 790 square feet. The total area of the indoor Pudu holding space is 250 square feet. The total area of the outdoor Pudu holding yards is 220 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 13: The Altiplano
The Altiplano is the high dry plains in the central Andes. It is the home of the ancient Incan and Tiwanaku cultures. This area is home to several features that are superlatives. The Atacama Desert is the world's driest desert, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, and La Paz, Bolivia is the world's highest capital city. Some of the animals from the region are well known such as the Andean Condor and the South American camels (Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña).

The Altiplano exhibit is designed in a two-level fashion. On the upper level is a large aviary for a breeding group of Andean Condors and an adventure area for the guests, while the lower level houses exhibits for Guanacos, Chilean Flamingos, and Viscacha or Chinchilla. Smaller aviaries for raptors are placed alongside one end of the exhibit.

• Guanaco Exhibit: This is the largest exhibit in the Altiplano and will be home to a group of Guanacos. These wild camels are the ancestor of the Llama and the Alpaca. Guanacos have been chosen over the Llama and the Alpaca as they are wild animals whereas the others are domesticated and more suited for a farm exhibit or a children's zoo. The exhibit is large enough to house other species if a suitable, region representative species can be found. A large herd of about 10 or more Guanaco is preferred. Other possibilities can be the Vicuña and the Huemal (Andean Deer) however due to import regulations both of these species will be hard or impossible to obtain.
• Viscacha Exhibit: This is a small exhibit near the visitor pathway that will consist of small rocky outcroppings and house either Viscacha or Chinchilla. Exhibit should be designed in such a way as to blend into the neighboring exhibits without being able to see the boundaries.
• Chilean Flamingo Exhibit: In the great salt lakes of the Andes are three species of flamingo, the Chilean, the Andean, and the James' Flamingo. While the later two species are not represented in North American collections, the Chilean is abundant. If desired the Flamingo and the Guanaco exhibits can be made into a single exhibit if the animals can be housed successfully together. In addition to the Chilean Flamingos, Coscoroba Swan and Speckled Teal can be housed here.
• Andean Condor Exhibit: The large condor aviary is situated behind and above the three aforementioned exhibits. It is large enough to be split in half and house 2 pairs of breeding condors. Housing for the condors will be simple boxes like currently exist in the Wings of Wonder exhibit.
• Smaller Raptor Aviaries: Alongside the Guanaco exhibit are two smaller aviaries. These can house any number of smaller raptors, but preferably they are intended for Crested Caracara and Black or Turkey Vulture. Like the condors, housing will be in small heated boxes.
• Steps of Machu Pichu and El Condor Pasa: The Steps of Machu Pichu are a series of Incan style steps that lead to the top of the mountain and affords views over the whole of the Andes exhibit and get up close views of the Condors. These steps lead up to an adventure area where the guests can do a rock climb or ride on a zip line. The rock climb will be built into the mountain and be supervised by zoo staff. The zip line will soar above the Altiplano and lead back to the ship that is at the entrance/exit of VtSA. Both of these feature will cost extra. Suggested prices would be $3.00 for the rock climb and $5.00 for the zip line. A combo ticket for both may be purchased as well for a discount. Tickets for these features would be sold in a small both at the bottom of the stairs in the main visitor area. Three to four guest services employees would be needed to man this area (cashier, rock climb assistant, and two zip line assistants). Zip line length is approximately 350 ft.
• Housing: The main housing for the lower level exhibits (Guanaco and Flamingo) is underneath the rockwork for the condor aviary. Also housed here will be the flamingo filtration and the Sea Lion holding.

The total area of the Guanaco exhibit is 11,000 square feet. The total area of the Viscacha exhibit is 430 square feet. The total area of the Flamingo exhibit is 3,150 square feet. The total area of the Condor aviary is 7,900 square feet. The total area of the first Raptor aviary is 1,200 square feet. The total area of the second Raptor aviary is 1,000 square feet. The total area of the El Condor Pasa exhibit is 1,050 square feet.