A Wild New World

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horsesboy

horsesboy

Big Bad Wolf hunter
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Jun 16, 2013
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I had this thought in my head bare with me cause it's just a very ruff outline and not a full concept at this point. But I like many others here have been saddened by the decline and current state of our zoological department so here is my idea on how to try an fix it. This idea is also probably completely beyond the budget not possible.

I wouldn't take any of the stuff from Tampa and try to duplicate it up here so how about an animal area themed to the New World as a tie into the Old Country theme. It would feature wild animals from right here in North America and could also tie in with the colonial tourism in the area in general. Maybe feature things like Black Bears, Mustangs, Racoons, Bison, Maybe even Grizzly Bear and other species. Maybe put it on the other side of the train tracks by the current boneyard and run it around the back of the park so that you entered from New France as tie in to the current park.

They could work with rehabbers and take in animals that are non releasable like they done with the Eagles to fill the exabits. This would also possibly help them to rehab their image in the public eye and allow them to do lots of relevant conservation education.
 
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If they worked with AZA (as they should) They might even be able to do some breeding.

I am always in favor of more Zoo. In fact, and I am sure I will get slammed for this, I would be okay, if it were nessisary, with ride removal for more zoo. Tempesto seems like a good place to start.
 
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The old petting zoo was amazing and we would always stop in to see the bears and goats and sometimes even feed them, the area was always packed. I dont however think we will ever see anything like that come back strictly for the fact its a year round cost for them to care for the animals. The animals they have now I think they keep strictly for the fact that they wont have to hear people complain and if the horses did go what would they do with the barn. If the park was a year round operation I think things may be diffrent.
 
Now what I think would be a winning idea for them is if they could add animals in a way that they could keep that portion open all year long. Build a small zoo operation on a outer portion of the park much like Zoo America and in the off season have it operate as a seperate admission that way its a money maker year round. Then when the park is open its included with admission. You wouldnt bring in massive crowds but if the price is reasonable parents in the winter would probably go to get the kids out of the house. It wouldnt need to be planned as a day but more like they could stop in for a hour and pet the goats, plus the animals get some love and attention year round as well without the staff haveing to do it all.
 
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WDWRLD said:
The old petting zoo was amazing and we would always stop in to see the bears and goats and sometimes even feed them, the area was always packed. I dont however think we will ever see anything like that come back strictly for the fact its a year round cost for them to care for the animals. The animals they have now I think they keep strictly for the fact that they wont have to hear people complain and if the horses did go what would they do with the barn. If the park was a year round operation I think things may be diffrent.
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My understanding was that the petting zoo used leased animals that were removed during the off season I could be wrong on that as it was before my time but I thought I read that some where.
 
I thought the petting zoo went away because of hoof and mouth disease concerns?
 
IMHO. As preservation is part of the mission statement, revenue is not a high priority. Species preservation should be the emphisis.
Petting zoos are not high on my list as the animals can be injured. Most keepers I know do not like them either. Polling my local keeper the comment was, "sometimes they are necessary to keep the lights on, but the animals need to have a way to walk away and then should only be used with domestic farm animals." (goats, rabbits, alpacas, cows, et al.)

By definition these are not species in need of preservation.

I would much rather a large AZA approved habitat for whatever they feel is necessary. (incidentally AZA largely makes these determinations with the zoo)
 
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Zimmy said:
IMHO. As preservation is part of the mission statement, revenue is not a high priority. Species preservation should be the emphisis.
Petting zoos are not high on my list as the animals can be injured. Most keepers I know do not like them either. Polling my local keeper the comment was, "sometimes they are necessary to keep the lights on, but the animals need to have a way to walk away and then should only be used with domestic farm animals." (goats, rabbits, alpacas, cows, et al.)

By definition these are not species in need of preservation.

I would much rather a large AZA approved habitat for whatever they feel is necessary. (incidentally AZA largely makes these determinations with the zoo)
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That was actually more what I Invisioned in the zoo expansion not a petting zoo.
 
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