From now until early November, there will be a flurry of activity in our outdoor animal exhibit area!

Thanks to a generous donor, we’re able to create a larger, brand-new exhibit space in place of our former raccoon exhibit. The expanded urban animal exhibit will be able to house a number of species like the raccoon, fox, or badger – all on a rotating basis. In the new exhibit, animals could even share the space – one occupying it in the morning with another inhabiting it in the afternoon – or possibly even at the same time. The large, changing space will offer a larger space in which they can explore, exercise, and play.

Demolition of the old raccoon habitat

The versatile space will include ledges for hanging branches, providing similar climbing opportunities animals would have in the wild. It will feature a shallow water play area, additional den areas, and a large skylight to pull in more natural light. The new design will also include an automatic feeder that encourages food foraging behavior by depositing snacks into the exhibit at various times throughout the day.

Our raccoon looking pretty comfortable

During this time, our raccoon will be inhabiting the former Channel Island fox exhibit. Our fox will be taking some time off exhibit and residing in our animal building.

Stay tuned for progress and updates. In the meantime, enjoy watching the new exhibit take shape during your visit!