The Brandywine Zoo, located in Wilmington Delaware, is about to finish construction on its new Madagascar exhibit. The exhibit will be the first of many expansions to the zoo and include multiple animals such as three species of lemurs, radiated tortoises, and guineafowl.
Zoo Director Brint Spencer said that conservation was a major element incorporated into the exhibit, “We have conservation messaging we want to get out there, educational messaging we’d like to get out there, and then just the wonder of animals.”
Four of the species in the exhibit are endangered. Spencer hopes to draw attention to issues in Madagascar such as deforestation due to vanilla and coffee groves, along with illegal sapphire mining. The exhibit will feature multiple viewing levels and incorporate interactive elements into its design.
“Zoos are supposed to be positive recreational experiences and given the climate we’ve got in the world right now, people want safe, interesting, and fun places to go. That’s what we want the zoo to be,” said Spencer.
Other additions in the works include a new animal health center, re-designed entryway, and multiple exhibits based on different geographical regions. The Madagascar exhibit will be opening soon.
Article Written by Matthew Marsilii