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RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

There are a few signs around some of the animal encounters in the area telling you to go to "BGW.com" for more information. Yes, really.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

A beautiful Eagle Owl chillin' on a cold day. See how she puffs up her feathers to stay warm...

 
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RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

As I've mentioned before, we had a cabana for Pass Member Preview Day, so we were based right in the middle of the Wild Reserve. The park did an amazing job with the animal exhibits, in my opinion. I think we managed to see them all, because of our periodic treks back to the cabana. The serval and lemurs were a huge highlight for me on Saturday. But all of the birds and even the rat they had out were great, as well. The serval's personal story will make you very angry, however. (We spent a fair amount of time talking with the trainer at his exhibit.)

I have mentioned in the past that BGW needs to add more animal exhibits, and I think maybe this year they are moving in that direction. Once the Irish Setters are old enough to be in the show, the Collies will be back at the stables, according to the trainer we were talking to Saturday morning. And if the other rumors are true, it sounds as if there will be several more animal exhibits, as well.

I for one am very excited to see more animals at BGW.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Heres the thing, I have made it clear earlier on, I really despise having many animal exhibits. I mean I personally feel like they break the theme, unless it is of course animals that fit into the hamlet. For example, the Wild Reserve kills me because it has nothing to do with Europe. It's technically not in Ireland and it's not in France. It is a hamlet based on being a zoo. That is one thing that sets BGW apart from the rest of the parks. It does not need to rely on animals and if anything it shouldn't. SeaWorld and BGT's themes naturally lend themselves to having animals. BGW's European theme does not.

With that said, there are animals they can incorporate into the theme like the Scottish Cattle, Irish Setters, Caribou or Reindeer (I'd really like to see these last two). Those are animals that can fit into the theme and everything flows. But adding animals for the sake of having animals is going to turn the park into a zoo rather than keeping it a theme park about Europe.

Personally, like I said, I don't like the Wild Reserve theme. It just doesn't fit with the park. The only reason I tolerate it and I can find joy in the Wild Reserve is because it gives a chance for the park to advertise their conservation message and image.

With that, I still would rather see something else fit into that area, with better signage throughout the park and animal exhibits that fit into the village themes. For example, why not put the wolves over by Curse of DarKastle? Having a wolf exhibit across from a wolf-based dark ride would fit better. There is plenty of space for an exhibit next to Der Marketplatz across from the Airbrush Studio.

I know I am one to challenge the theme of many things, but I am sure there are others that fully agree with me on this. You can fight and argue, call me a hypocrite but this is something that is just too much looseness for me. I don't want to see animals just because their cute and cuddly. I want to see animals that fit their hamlet themes. Also, I am there for rides and shows, not animals. The park is not a zoo.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Alright Nic, I'm gonna have to ask. You can answer wherever you want, but what's with all the hate for the shows? ;)
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

I wouldn't describe Celtic Fyre as "cheesy."
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

I don't expect y'all to agree with me. Arts are subjective. My experience at BG shows are universally negative.

Why does it matter? I'm not on a mission to have them stopped. In fact, I rarely comment on the show discussions, because I have nothing positive to add. I just don't spend my time at the park at the shows. I have fun doing other things, like chatting with the serval trainer.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

As that is a personal question, I suggest taking it to PM. This is a topic for Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Oh no, you're fine. I was genuinely curious. I respect that opinion, Nic. I hope you didn't think I was trying to argue with you or anything.

With that said, do you watch the animal shows (i.e. Pets Shenanigans, Secret Life of Predators)? They're really more of just really unique animal encounters.
 
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RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

I like the Wolf show. My favorite animal experiences are the tours.

Edit: I also love feeding the lories. (To get this thread back on track)
 
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RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

The park used to have a petting zoo, back when the theme was truly important to the owners, in case it has been forgotten. I think the animals fit with the conservation theme which is what seaworld parks are now known for. Plus Europe does have many animals of it's own and exotic animals have a history in Europe dating back to antiquity due to Europe's proximity to Africa.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

I love Busch Gardens' animal habitats. They're so enjoyable, and serene, but aren't "in your face" so much. I don't believe animal exhibits take away from the theme, I believe they can be integrated into the current areas. The Wild Reserve is the perfect animal hamlet, it doesn't conflict with existing areas, and is really the perfect fit for the area. It also brings 2 wonderful family oriented shows, it really is great. In fact animal exhibits in regular areas of the park don't take away from the theming at all, in fact I would say they add to it. I mean just look at the Clydesdales, a very nice encounter exhibit, that also adds to theme of the Heatherdowns area. It also adds to the laid back feel of the area.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

I'm not saying animals do not have a place in the park, they do. But just adding animals with no relation to the European theme just destroys the park's theme. The conservation theme is not a theme, but more of a goal in the company. You do not need to have animals just for the sake of having them. Yes, you can have some animals to help promote the goal of conservation and those animals can help promote the theme of the park. I do not want to see lions in Scotland just because they feel they need to have lions. I do not want to see animals placed in areas that does not support the overall park theme.

As I said before, animals are not the main attraction to the park, they should not take over the park. They are a supporting factor that should be used in moderation existing to help support the main park theme.

And for extra emphasis, conservation is not a theme it is a company goal. Those are two totally different things and should not be confused upon. The theme for BGW is Europe not how to save animals. If you can use one to support the other, that is great. If not, there is no reason to add it as it will break the theme.

Matthew that is what I am saying! Animals should be used to promote the theme. I am not against animal exhibits so long as they follow the theme. Scottish Cattle should be in Scotland. African Lions should not be in the park period.
 
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RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Party Rocker said:
As I said before, animals are not the main attraction to the park, they should not take over the park. They are a supporting factor that should be used in moderation existing to help support the main park theme.

OK. I really have been trying to sidestep a debate here, but I really need to say something.

PR: aren't you the one who is advocating the position that the park is in the middle of a metamorphosis, reflective of the new management? I don't know how many other Sea World parks you have visited, but animals ARE the central theme of the rest of the non-water parks. BGT is classified as a zoo. Sea World is an aquarium. Even the water parks have animal links. Discovery Cove is entirely about animal encounters; even Aquatica emphasizes its dolphins.

If the new management is in fact trying to update BGW to reflect its corporate values, then maybe the introduction of more animals and the development of an animal theme is legitimate.

Would we all prefer "European" animals? Sure. But zoos in Europe don't limit themselves to bears and deer either.

The biggest reason I prefer Sea World parks to Cedar Fair parks, is the combination of rides and animals. And I know many people who share that preference. It is also why I spend more time at the Florida parks: more animal interactions.

I get the sense from your posts that you are at best indifferent to animals. You come across as someone who doesn't like animals, in fact. Regardless, it isn't reasonable to generalize from yourself to the majority of park goers. I don't like the shows, but I don't post long explanations for why the park shouldn't have them. I know I am a minority, and I am happy for BGW to have a wide variety of attractions for a wide variety of tastes.

Edit: PR, aren't you the who says that a show doesn't have to match the theme of the hamlet, as long as it is inside? How is the Wild Reserve any different? It is pretty, well-landscaped, fairly hidden (in some places) area, dedicated to animals. It doesn't overflow into either Ireland or France. What is the problem? Your example of lions in entirely fallacious.
 
RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Oh an African swallow may-be....but na- a European swallow.

Edit...Seriously, I think the all European animal idea is a bit much. The area is for kids anyway.(for the most part) The kids don't care what country the wolf is from. Maybe the wolves ARE from Europe. Would they look so much different than the ones we have? The theming is not at the top of the BGW list anymore anyway.(there are butterflies in Germany and snails to boot.)
 
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RE: Jack Hanna's Wild Reserve

Since AC has those disgusting murals depicting the Roman Coliseum, can we put the lions there?
 
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