Memphis Zoo

Once we found our way to the zoo the experience was very pleasant. The zoo seeks corporate sponsorship within all the exhibits. A new exhibit called Northwest Passage is presently under construction. More construction is planned for the near future including a new hippo exhibit. Primate country was very interesting although lacking in gorillas (only one on exhibit at a time 2 silverbacks). An interaction we saw between an orangutan and a simang (both females) was very interesting. They seemed to have bonded and became pals. Our interest in this pair led a to a conversation with some docents who were walking past. We found out the animals were not kids like we thought but 26 and 23 year old adults. The animals were put together about four months ago because they had both lost their mates. The orangutan did not get along with the male orangutan and his mate who were in the same exhibit. The mated pair were up in a structure and the orangutan and siamang were on the ground. When the Memphis Zoo docents found out we were Brookfield Zoo docents they offered us a tour around the park and an invitation to share in their pass the plate lunch they had made.

The docents asked how Bubba is doing, we told them his name is now Makonnen. They were pleased. The docents did not think Bubba was a very good name for him either.

The Panda exhibit is very well done. A strong emphasis is placed on ecology and cooperation between the Memphis Zoo and the Chinese government.

The zoo is laid out well and easy to get around. The exhibit of Komodo Dragons is very interesting we do not get the opportunity to see them very often. Most of the animals had outdoor facilities without indoor viewing. If there is inclement weather there is not an opportunity to see the animals indoors. Cat Country is very well done in naturalistic setting with easy viewing. At present there are not any bears in the zoo. Bears will be exhibited in the new Northwest Passage. Overall the experience in the zoo was very nice however getting around town was a nightmare.