An Excellent South American Zoo Concept

[Oompa Loompa]

Area 14: The Galápagos Islands
The final spot on our explorer's voyage are the mysterious and enchanting Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. These islands, and their inhabitants, are well known for having inspired Charles Darwin in the development of his Theory of Natural Selection. The Galápagos Islands of today are a land where conservation is of the utmost priority, and thus will lend itself well to the whole of VtSA's final message of conservation.

Only two exhibits will be in the Galápagos Islands exhibit. One is for the Galápagos Tortoise and the other is for Sea Lion. In addition to these animal exhibits is the Galápagos Field Research Station. Due to strict export laws, no additional animals from the Galápagos can be housed in this exhibit.

• Galápagos Field Research Station: The GFRS is the main entry into the Galápagos Island exhibit. This building will house videos, biofacts, and interpretive materials about the Galápagos. Due to its size, no interpreter should be required. The GFRS will be designed after a real field research station showing what goes on in the Galápagos to monitor the wildlife there. Also this building will serve as the indoor holding for the colony of Galápagos Tortoises. This will give the visitor a chance to see the tortoises both inside and outside in any weather. If so desired, guests can bypass this building entirely.
• Galápagos Tortoise Exhibit: This large grassy grazing area will house the zoo's current resident tortoises. The advantages to the new exhibit over the old one is the indoor facility which will allow easier mobility for the tortoises to their indoor holding. Currently, the tortoises are only moved indoor and outdoors once a year as the weather dictates. This facility would allow for easier shifting that can happen on a more regular basis.
• Sea Lion Exhibit: Yet another all-time zoo favorite is the Sea Lion. The Sea Lions that live in the Galápagos Islands are very closely related to those found in California (in fact some scientists consider both populations to be only subspecies of the same species). The animals housed in this exhibit are most likely going to be rescued animals from the Pacific coast that cannot be released back into the wild. The exhibit is designed in such a fashion that quite a few visitors can watch the Sea Lions at one time. This is done so that regular Sea Lion shows can take place throughout the day. These show are not intended to demean the animals, but rather to show off natural behaviors and explain various aspects of their husbandry. Most of the exhibit will be viewed from above the water level, but as the path begins to decline towards the Ship, there will be a small area where the waterline will dictate underwater viewing. The main underwater viewing of the Sea Lions will be inside the ship just before the guest leaves VtSA. Rockwork of the exhibit should resemble that of the Galápagos coast line and should look as little like a backyard swimming pool as possible. If possible, kelp should be planted in the pool, or have simulated kelp near the underwater viewing. Holding for the Sea Lions, when required, will be underneath the rockwork of the Andean Condor aviary.
• Ship Top Access: The primary access to the ship top will be via a ramp or staircase in the Galápagos Islands exhibit.

The total area of the Galápagos Field Research Station is 600 square feet. The total area of the Tortoise holding space is 650 square feet. The total area of the Tortoise exhibit is 1,900 square feet. The total area of the Sea Lion exhibit is 6.450 square feet.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Rotational Habitats

1. Predator Complex: The VtSA Predator complex consists of four exhibits for four species of predators. One exhibit will be solely for the combination of Spectacled Bear and Ring-Tailed Coati while the other three can house Jaguars or Pumas. A central holding barn and holding yards will house all of the species. Yellow and orange arrows show exhibits accessible for Pumas and Jaguars, while the black arrow shows the area accessible to the Spectacled Bears and Coati.
2. Cerrado/Pantanal: As the real Cerrado and Pantanal form a continuous plain, so should the exhibits in VtSA form a single exhibit. All of the animals, with the exception for the birds, can be housed in either of the two exhibits. The reason the birds cannot be housed with all of the animals is due to the predatory nature of the Maned Wolf which will attack the birds, but not the Tapirs or Giant Anteaters. Black arrows show access for the Maned Wolves, Lowland Tapirs, Giant Anteaters, and Capybara while the red arrow shows access for the Pantanal birds. Access from the barn to the Pantanal will be through a bridge underneath the visitor pathway.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Adventure Areas
To meet the needs of children of all ages, four adventure areas have been incorporated into VtSA. These areas are meant to be fun and exciting for visitors of all levels.

• Maze of Ischigaulasto: The maze is intended to stimulate the minds of people ages 5 and up, and anyone who has a love of dinosaurs. The narrow passages will give guests a feel that they are really climbing through the rocks of the Valley of the Moon.
• PLAYa Pantanal: The water play area in the Pantanal is designed for use by younger children (ages 10 and lower) and their families. They will have the chance to play in the water, try and catch a water fountain, build a sand castle, and even try their hand as fishing for piranhas.
• El Condor Pasa: This area is for older children and adults. It features a zip line that soars over the Altiplano and a rock climb that tests the guests endurance. The zip line is approximately 350 feet, or the length of a football field from goalpost to goalpost. Suggested ages are 12 and up.
• The Ship Top: The top of the entry/exit ship will feature a playground that can stimulate guests of all ages. You can turn the ships wheel to safety, climb the rope rigging, watch for pirates from the crow's nest, and search for land through the telescopes.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Daily Training and Keeper Talk Schedule
10:00 Penguin talk and feeding (Falklands or Tierra del Fuego)
10:15 Chacoan Peccary training (Gran Chaco)
10:30 Maned Wolf training (Cerrado)
10:45 Jaguar training (Pantanal)
11:00 Piranha feeding (Pantanal)
11:15 Tank divers (Amazon)
11:30 Small Predator talk (Amazon)
11:45 Monkey Talk (Amazon)
12:00 Harpy Eagle talk (Llanos)
12:15 Jaguar Training (Llanos)
12:30 Spectacled Bear Training (Andean Cloud Forest)
12:45 Guanaco talk (Altiplano)
1:00 Sea Lion Show (Galápagos)
1:00 Penguin talk and feeding (Falklands or Tierra del Fuego)
1:15 Chacoan Peccary training (Gran Chaco)
1:30 Maned Wolf training (Cerrado)
1:45 Jaguar training (Pantanal)
2:00 Yacare Caiman feeding (Pantanal)
2:15 Tank divers (Amazon)
2:30 Small Predator talk (Amazon)
2:45 Monkey Talk (Amazon)
3:00 Harpy Eagle talk (Llanos)
3:15 Jaguar Training (Llanos)
3:30 Spectacled Bear Training (Andean Cloud Forest)
3:45 Guanaco talk (Altiplano)
4:00 Sea Lion Show (Galápagos)

This schedule allows for the visitor to follow the scheduled keeper talk and demonstrations in an orderly fashion. If followed this would mean around a 3.5 hour tour around VtSA. This amount of time is close to what some visitors spend in the entire zoo. Starting at 10:00, there is just enough time during the day to have two cycles of keeper talks. The morning versus the the afternoon talks can be differentiated. For instance, in the Pantanal have Piranha feeding in the morning and Caiman feeding in the afternoon. In the Amazon building there can be a keeper talk at any one of the small predator or monkey exhibits. The penguin feeding can be done by having the Falklands feeding in the morning and the Tierra del Fuego feeding in the afternoon. Additional keeper talks can be added throughout the day at the keepers discretion.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

The Symphonic Aspect of Zoo Exhibit Design
While it is not immediately evident, both great zoo exhibits and great symphonies share much in common. A symphony is an orchestral work that follows a certain structure. Just like a symphony, a zoo exhibit is all about time. The symphony unlike many other works of art, must be performed over a period of time, where as art such as painting or sculpture can be taken in in an instant. So to a zoo exhibit must be taken in over a period of time. The difference here is that the time to view a zoo exhibit is dictated not by the conductor but by the visitor. The composer sets out the guidelines of the piece and the orchestra and conductor interpret its meaning. In a zoo exhibit, the architect is the composer and each guest is their own conductor. The guest has the ability to make the music of the zoo come alive.

In a symphony, the composer starts out with a simple basic theme and develops the work around that theme. Here in VtSA, that theme is South America itself. Every aspect of the exhibit is built on that simple theme. It is developed, embellished, and expounded upon but the theme is always present.

A symphony cannot be just a series of “wow” moments. Moments of awe must be juxtaposed against moments of quite reverence. So too has VtSA tried to accomplish this. There are several wow moments for the visitor such as the unveiling of the Amazon river tank or seeing the entire Andes exhibits for the first time, but the majority of the visitors experiences are smaller and more intimate moments. The more you bring down the tone, the more effective the bigger moments can be. If around every corner is something that takes your breath away, soon the effect will be diminished. Only by building up to your climax gradually can you have the biggest impact.

Just as any symphony must have form and structure, so to must a great exhibit. The form chosen to portray South America is called the arch form. In the arch form parallel sections from the beginning and the end of the piece mirror one another. The beginning and end are mirrors, the second and penultimate section are mirrors, and so on and so forth. The middle section is the key to the piece, like the keystone in the arch. Without the keystone the whole structure collapses.

Symphonic arch form

• A
• B
• C
• D
• C'
• B' (E)
• A'

VtSA follows this structure, although it may not be obvious to the visitor.

• A = Islands (Falklands and Tierra del Fuego)
• B = Grasslands (Pampas, Gran Chaco, Cerrado)
• C = Flooded Plains (Pantanal)
• D = Rainforest (Amazon)
• C' = Flooded Plains (Llanos)
• E = Mountains (Altiplano and Cloud Forest)
• A' = Islands (Galápagos)

By viewing the structure in this light, it is clear that the visitor both starts and ends in the islands (A and A'). The Amazon (D) is the keystone of the exhibit and indeed of South America as a whole. The flooded plains sections (C and C') parallel each other. The grasslands and the mountains (B and E) compliment each other in that they are polar opposites.

Each one of these seven sections has a different mood to it due not only to geography and landscape, but also the animals found there.. For instance the Amazon is dark and brooding place full of mystery. The Andes is full of grandeur and awe. The Galápagos is playful and exciting.

Very few zoo exhibits have ever taken this approach to exhibit design, but by concentrating on the form in which an exhibit is created it can greatly enhance the visitors over all experience.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Horticulture
Much of the flora of South America can be easily represented in this exhibit. Each eco-region has plants that make it unique. VtSA has tried to replicate each of the eco-regions with a carefully thought out plant selection and plant recreation.

Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are a windswept desolate area, and the vegetation consists largely of bunch grasses. As this is an indoor exhibit, maintaining live grasses would be difficult, but they can be reasonably interpreted using artificial plants. These grasses should be placed in planters built into the rockwork of the exhibit and out of the way of the penguins. No trees are needed for the exhibit as few are found on the islands.

Tierra del Fuego
The flora of Tierra del Fuego will be one of the hardest landscapes to recreate accurately in the Texas climate. The forests of Tierra del Fuego are dominated with Southern Beech (Nothofagus sp.) and Pilgerodendron. As neither of these species are available they can be reasonably simulated with European Beech (***us sylvatica) and Junipers (Juniperus sp.). The forest floor is littered with ferns and herbaceous plants such as wild strawberry (Frageria chiloensis). Another feature of the forests of Tierra del Fuego are moss covered trees and rocks. The most practical solution to a moss covering is to use replica moss strategically placed out of reach of the animals. High quality silk moss is available from commercial suppliers. Various amounts of dead trees placed along the ground can serve to give the penguins shelter and give the feeling of being in an ancient forest. It is possible to create the look of the trees shaped by the strong winds of Tierra del Fuego by either creating them out of concrete or selecting appropriately shaped branches and mocking them up as dead trees.

Pampas
The Pampas is a more or less tree-less temperate plain with vegetation consisting almost completely of grasses. As it is very similar to areas of west Texas it will be relatively easy to recreate. Grass species with appropriate characteristics include Pampas Grass (Cordateria selloana), Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum), and Orchard Grass (Dactylus glomerata). Small shrubs could include the Darwin Barberry (Berberis darwinii). Any number of species of mesquite trees (Prosopis sp.) can be used. The so-called Ombu tree (Phytolacca dioica) is one of the largest plants in the pampas, but is not a true tree, instead it is the world's largest shrub. The larger prey exhibit should be relatively free of trees, while the smaller predator exhibit should have plenty of trees available for the Pumas or Jaguars to hide. Also the predator exhibit should have a large amount of dead trees for the cats to climb on.

Ischigaulasto
If planting is done in the maze, it should only be done on top of the maze's rockwork, and be similar to the plantings done in the Pampas and Chaco (preferably mesquite trees).

Gran Chaco
Much like the Big Bend area of Texas, the Gran Chaco is characterized by thorny shrubs, small trees, and cacti. A variety of cactus species such as those in the genera Opuntia, Echinocereus and Echinocactus can represent those found in the Chaco. A mixture of mesquite trees (Prosopis sp.), palm trees (Washingtonia sp. and Copernicia sp.), and trumpet trees (Tabebuia sp.) will make up the larger plants for the Chaco. Trees in the peccary exhibit should be guarded by hot grass/hot wire in order to protect them from being destroyed. The peccary exhibit should also have no ground cover to give the animals ample mud to wallow and due to their destructive nature. Various planters in the rockwork should also be present above the animals level to add more vegetation. Dead trees can be added to the peccary and cat exhibits to provide enrichment for the animals.

Cerrado
As the Cerrado is a mostly treeless plain, only grasses [Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana), Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), and Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata)] will make up the majority of the landscape. Many other grasses can also be used. Along the back, to serve as a natural vegetation buffer will be Palm (Washingtonia sp.) and Jacaranda (Jacaranda sp.) trees. Small mesquite trees (Prosopis sp.) can also be used. Tree use should be very limited. The main feature will be many artificial termite mounds that can provide enrichment and shade for the animals.

Pantanal
The vast wetlands of the Pantanal should bridge the gap between the plains and the rainforest. Ground cover can be kept at a minimum as sandy banks are the norm. When ground cover is used a combination of turf sod and ornamental bamboo (Chusquea sp. and Phyllostachys sp.) can be used. In and around the water features the common water plant Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia sp.) can be used as it is actually a native plant to the Pantanal. For larger plants various climate suited palm trees will be used. In the aviary dead trees can be used for bird perching. The feeling of the whole exhibit should be a mixture of swamp and forest. Various other plants can be used as needed.

Amazon
As most of the Amazon exhibit is indoors, the majority of the planting will be plants suited for indoor use. The best plan of action here is to let the horticulture department make the final decisions on what plants to use in the indoor exhibits. The only outdoor exhibit in the Amazon is the Jaguar exhibit. Large trees are a necessity here and any suitable tropical looking tree can be used here. Dead trees suitable for climbing should also be used in the Jaguar exhibit.

Llanos
The landscape of the Llanos is very similar to many regions of Texas, with the exception of palm trees. Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) is a common sight. Both Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and Fan Palms (Copernicia sp.) are found in the region, but suitable Texas friendly palms can be substituted. Another common tree is the Mimosa (Mimosa sp.) which is also common in Texas. On the ground, various ornamental grasses are found as well as Agave plants. Taller grasses should be planted in the Jaguar exhibit to help hide the animals. In the mixed species exhibit and the Harpy Eagle exhibit there should be ample perching opportunities for the birds and climbing opportunities for the monkeys. There should be many planters along the walls of the eagle and mixed species exhibits. Dead trees can be placed in the Jaguar exhibit for enrichment and climbing.

Tepui
No major horticulture need to be done in the Tepui as it is only a restaurant. In some of the rockwork on the upper level dining area there can be some planters for small decorative plants.

Andean Cloud Forest
Along with the Falkland Islands, a realistic recreation of the Andean Cloud Forest will be among the hardest exhibits to pull off from a horticulture stand point. Various species of Puya can be grown here, but only a few are hardy enough to survive in Texas. If possible Puya raimondi should be used and planted in planters around the exhibit. Various species of tree ferns (Dicksonia sp.) are also recommended. One of the most characteristic trees of the Andean forests is the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana). This ancient tree is bizarrely prehistoric looking and is suited for growing in Texas. Also, the Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis) is known from this region and grows quite well in Texas. Due to the nature of the Spectacled Bear, it is highly suggested that many dead trees be used in this exhibit for climbing purposes. Various species of bromeliads are also recommended and can be placed in planters around the exhibit.

Altiplano
The Altiplano is a largely treeless plain. As such, larger plants should be kept to a minimum. Various ornamental grasses should be used throughout the exhibit, particularly as a ground cover in the Guanaco exhibit. Where possible large cacti (Pachycereus sp. or similar looking cacti) should be used. Around the flamingo pond, various tall reeds (Phragmites sp.) should be used. These reeds can also hide any unsightly barriers. In the three aviaries, rockwork and large cacti (either real or simulated) should be sufficient to provide bird perching.

Galápagos Islands
The planting for the Galápagos Islands exhibit will be rather simple compared to some of the other exhibits. Due to the destructive nature of the tortoises, the main substrate in the tortoise exhibit is best suited by hardy turd sod. In planters around the tortoise exhibit will be cactus (Opuntia sp.), Passion Flower (Passiflora sp.), and bunch grass (Festuca sp.). Similar planters will be found around the Sea Lion exhibit. No major planting, other than these planters, will be done in the rocky Sea Lion exhibit. Underwater in the Sea Lion exhibit should be either real Kelp or artificial Kelp.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Complete Species List for Voyage to South America
This list shows the confirmed species in the zoo. There are other species that will be decided upon and this is not the final list.

Falkland Islands

• Gentoo Penguin
• Rockhopper Penguin
• King Penguin

Tierra del Fuego

• Magellanic Penguin
• Macaroni Penguin
• Chilöe Widgeon

Pampas

• Greater Rhea
• Black-Necked Swan
• Nutria
• Patagonia Cavy
• Puma

Gran Chaco

• Chacoan Peccary
• Armadillo
• Geoffroy's Cat
• Red-Legged Seriema

Cerrado

• Giant Anteater
• Maned Wolf

Pantanal

• Lowland Tapir
• Capybara
• Magauri Stork
• Rosybill
• White-Faced Whistling Duck
• Fulvous Whistling Duck
• Ringed Teal
• Crested Screamer
• Black Howler Monkey
• Red Brocket Deer
• Sunbittern
• Wattled Jacana
• Toco Toucan
• Green Anaconda
• Neon Tetra
• Discus Fish
• Red-Bellied Piranha
• Hyacinth Macaw
• Roseate Spoonbill
• Boat-Billed Heron
• Yacare Caiman
• Broad-Snouted Caiman

Amazon

• Arapaima
• Black Pacu
• Red Tailed Catfish
• Silver Arowana
• Freshwater Stingray
• Black Caiman
• Caiman Lizard
• Dwarf Caiman
• Ocelot
• Jaguarundi
• Tayra
• Bush Dog
• Margay
• Golden Lion Tamarin
• Cotton-Top Tamarin
• Pygmy Marmoset
• Goeldi's Monkey
• Geoffroy's Marmoset
• Two-Toed Sloth
• Gray Titi Monkey
• White-Faced Saki Monkey
• Black-Handed Spider Monkey
• Squirrel Monkey
• Collared Peccary
• Ornate Hawk Eagle

Llanos

• Jaguar
• Harpy Eagle
• White-Tailed Deer
• King Vulture
• Scarlet Ibis
• Hyacinth Macaw
• Capuchin Monkey

Andean Cloud Forest

• Spectacled Bear
• Ring-Tailed Coati
• Southern Pudu

Altiplano

• Guanaco
• Andean Condor
• Black Vulture
• Crested Caracara
• Viscacha
• Chilean Flamingo
• Coscoroba Swan
• Speckled Teal

Galápagos Islands

• Galápagos Tortoise
• California Sea Lion

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Maps
The first map shows the Andean Cloud Forest exhibit. 1 is the Bear exhibit, 2 is the Pudu exhibit, 3 is the Predator holding space, 4 is the Pudu holding space, and 5 is the holding yards.
The second map shows the Altiplano exhibit. 1 and 2 are the Raptor aviaries, 3 is the El Condor Pasa area, 4 is the ticket booth, 5 is the Condor aviary, 6 is the Guanaco exhibit, 7 is the Viscacha exhibit, and 8 is the Flamingo exhibit.
The third map shows the Galápagos Islands exhibit. 1 is the GRFS, 2 is the Tortoise holding space, 3 is the Tortoise exhibit, 4 is the Sea Lion exhibit, 5 is the ramp and stairs to the top of the ship, and 6 is the top of the ship.
The fourth map shows the Cerrado/Pantanal rotational path. Yellow and orange arrows show the path accessible to Pantanal birds, and black arrows show the path accessible to Maned Wolf, Lowland Tapir, Giant Anteater, and Capybara.
The fifth map shows the Predatory Complex rotational path. Black arrows show the path accessible to Spectacled Bears and Coati, and the red arrow shows the path accessible by Pumas and Jaguars.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Alright, this is everything. Hope you enjoyed, feel free to ask questions!

 

[Thekid]

Alright, this is everything. Hope you enjoyed, feel free to ask questions!

Why'd you post this? Is this another idea you had in your head and decided to day dream about? What are you on to think that an average Joe could pull this off? Where can I get some?

Frank Castle check this one out.