Trunkline Magazine (Louisville Zoo) September 2018 | Page 4

Putting TOGETHER THE PIECES:
Building Homes for animals
I
f you've visited the Zoo this
spring or summer, you're
probably wondering, "What's
happening with that tall fenc-
ing next to African Outpost and
Tiger Tundra?" While passing
Glacier Run, you may have
noticed a large building be-
ing erected in the distance,
or witnessed the steel beams
rising from the ground near the
African Outpost. These are the
construction sites of our newest
exhibits — Snow Leopard Pass
and Colobus Crossing — slated
to open early next spring, and
designed to give you a glimpse
into the coastal forests of Kenya
and the mountainous regions of
Nepal. The stunning black and
white colobus monkeys and the
elusive and beautiful snow leopards
will be the ambassadors for these
vibrant, unique ecosystems.
Are you wondering why those
species, why new multi-million
dollar exhibits and why now? The
4 • Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Fall 2018
Zoo's recent master plan that was
completed in 2016, plus a collec-
tion plan focused on animals and
species that will benefit most from
our Zoo's support, guide the Zoo's
major decisions. This includes the
choice of species, areas of the Zoo
to develop and when, the basic
goal and story behind new and
renovated exhibits, as well as guest
engagement innovations, educa-
tion programs and more. (See our
current master plan at LouisvilleZoo.
org/masterplan.) We also take into
account the particular talents and
expertise of our staff, our poten-
tial conservation partners and the
fundraising climate. And, if we are
considering bringing new species
and animals to the Zoo, we must
determine if there are individual ani-
mals available within the Associa-
tion of Zoos and Aquariums Species
Survival Plans that would benefit
from being moved to a new habitat
or family group in Louisville. Then,
there are scenarios when animals
(like our grizzly bears) need sanctu-
ary or rescued sea lions need a new