HIMALAYA

A NATURAL ZOOLUTION

With the departure of African wild dogs, their former 900 m² heavily wooded enclosure on the edge of Aalborg Zoo was available for new development. Utilising the existing ecology of the beech wood and the calmer, more forested location, the decision was made to move the red pandas to this better-suited location and build an attraction around them.

WORKING WITH THE FOREST

Working around the existing mature beech and oak trees, as well as the existing landscape constructions, the enclosure simulates a lowland mountain forest on the Chinese side of the Himalayas. The landscape is lush and spectacular with a special focus on seasonality, combing sturdy evergreens, vibrant spring blossom and dazzling autumn colours.

Visitors observe red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) roaming in the trees above the pathway while japanese cranes (Grus japonensis) forage along the edge of a small pond and tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) move around the forest floor. The animals can be encountered from several different types of viewing points at different levels, contributing to a diverse and varied experience.

KEEPING THEM IN, KEEPING THEM THRIVING

As with any mixed-species housing, special attention had to be given to the outer barriers and internal divisions of the enclosure. While the cranes can utilise the pond, the pandas have access to trees beyond the reach of the bigger animals, even above the heads of the visitors.

The exhibit can be divided into three parts, depending on the husbandry situation, or remain combined to one enclosure. A new shelter for the cranes was added, as well as an aviary behind the scenes to house either cranes or red pandas if needed.