While I understand that the Emperor Valley Zoo’s purported role includes conservation of certain species, rescue and protection of animals that were victims of the wildlife trade, it still does not make it easy to consider or see magnificent creatures existing in cramped or inadequate enclosures.
Note: I am saying this having not visited the zoo in decades (by choice, as I do not like zoos).
My concept of the animals being in "cramped/inadequate" living quarters comes from comments made by those who have visited the zoo in recent times, social media video clips and from my awareness of the fact that zoo enclosures are not, and never will be, the size of a savannah, jungle or natural wild habitat.
According to Wikipedia, the Emperor Valley Zoo houses 2,300 animals from over 200 species, on 7.2 acres. This brings to mind 50 people living in a tiny one-bedroom apartment.
Recent media coverage has drawn public attention to Udecott’s $56 million Improvement and Expansion Works Project for the Emperor Valley Zoo, mandated by Cabinet.
Far from involving expanded wildlife spaces, the new, two-storey structure – The Discovery building – will cover 8,550 square feet and, according to one article, contain “an exhibition centre, cinema/theatre, restaurant, ice cream parlour, cutters bar, conference/meeting room, offices/information centre, shops, kiosks and outdoor dining, amphitheatre, and children’s play area. There will also be a multi-storey car park.”
The building, designed in the shape of a butterfly gives a patronisingly industrialised nod to the Blue Emperor butterfly which apparently was once prolific in that valley – that is, clearly when more vegetation existed.
The "once used to" of that butterfly concept captures a sad reality – that because "developers" in TT are generally fixed on building concrete/urban monstrosities, man-made materials inevitably and eventually replace natural habitats and humans invade where wildlife once thrived. Only humans destroy wilderness and wildlife to replace it with concrete, then try to recreate and re-capture it to satisfy a bizarre homo sapien thirst for entertainment and enjoyment of "nature."
On a social media post, Udecott touts the expansion project as "a master plan for the development and enhancement of the Emperor Valley Zoo."
What, if any, aspects of these expansion, development and enhancement plans include the actual animals and their enclosures?
I have not seen such mention in the media.
A quick google of what "zoo expansion" means in some other parts of the world revealed the following examples:
1. Reid Park Zoo’s promises to be "a national leader in animal care and conservation" where patrons can be "transported around the world" with thematic habitats, adventure areas for learning through play, and opportunities to get up close and personal with certain animals through the recreation of authentic wilderness paths, underwater viewing areas and all-round improved habitats.
2. Fort Worth Zoo’s A Wilder Vision expansion project focuses on and
