Scripps Aviary in 1927 above, and Scripps Aviary today "immersed" in Gorilla Tropics. Opened for San Diego's 75th Anniversary in 1991, at a cost of $11.5 million, and shows how far the zoo has come since acquiring its first pair of gorillas 60 years ago. The exhibit gives the animals five times the space of their old enclosure and simulates an African rain forest, right down to the recorded rumbles of their natural habitat (a jungle chorus that comes from 144 speakers hidden throughout the 2 1/2 acres.) 
This is a brilliant, rehab/reuse of an antiquated zoo structure in San Diego. The 2 1/2 acres now allotted to the gorilla's is wonderful, but you can't convince me that the "jungle chorus that comes from 144 speakers, simulating the rumbles of their natural habitat in an African Rainforest" is any thing more then PR BS that comes from having way to much money to spend, and not knowing what to spend it on."
Sunday, September 26, 2010
DH--Scripps Aviary in Gorilla Tropics--San Diego Zoo
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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1 comment:
For some reason gazrob's comment did not post, so I am reposting it for him:
The enclosure does look amazing Wade. I wonder if the inclusion of 'piped audio' is becoming a trend? On a recent visit to a UK animal park, I seemed to be greeted by a variety of jungle inhabitant roars or screams around every other tree.
I found this totally unnecessary, given the spectacular 'live' vocals of the gibbon troupe. I also imagine this could be somewhat frightening for younger visitors!!
gazrob,
I totally agree with you. I think the addition of "noises/sounds" to an exhibit are nonsense, probably suggested by a publicist or education coordinator for no other reason then it seemed like a cute idea. Now, when you used to walk into the old lion houses, and the rafters shook when they roared, that was the real deal. But when you are standing at one of these "immersion exhibits", there should be a mandatory "noise law", or at least insist on the same silence that would be standard at a cathedral. Just shut your mouth, open your eyes, and LISTEN. The sound of a gasp or deep breath is acceptable, as that is expected and nobody should be able to control that.
Wade
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