Wild Africa at Binder Park Zoo (1999) | Exhibit Tours Ep. 16

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

Wild Africa Fun Facts: 1. Considering Wild Africa’s size, the zoo was able to build it very cheaply by building in house using inexpensive methods and employing local high school and college students to help with the project. They also did not include super expensive animals like Elephants and Gorillas. 2. Originally Wild Africa was going to include White Rhinos (my favorite animal!), but like the lions they got cut. If only! 3. Former species that have lived on the Savanna include: Greater Kudu, Impala, Thompson’s Gazelle, Roan Antelope and African Crowned Cranes. 4. My mom, brother and grandma actually went to the grand opening of Wild Africa. I, alas, was not quite born yet. 5. Here’s the story of the Lion Footage in this video: I’ve worked at Binder Park in a few different roles over the past few summers. This particular day I was helping with a school program and was sent up to Africa to wait for the kids by Al. However, the kids weren’t due to arrive for a little while yet, so I was completely alone with the Lions, who had just gone on exhibit for the day.

[@jacksonseyl1063]

First, maybe they should try white rhinos next, Second, do you have any plans of the original Wild Africa? If so, please post them. And Finally, you know what would make this park perfect? A Wild Asia section set in Indonesia.

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

@@jacksonseyl1063 First, that would be great! Don't believe there's any plans for rhinos right now though. Second, the closest thing I have to original plans is a 2004 map, that shows Wild Africa when it was 5 years old. To be honest it hasn't changed a whole lot since it opened, other than the addition of the newer Lion and Painted Dog exhibits in the wooded section, and the changing of species here and there. Finally, it would be nice to see the East Side get some more theming. They've started that a little bit with the small North America section, and we'll see what the future holds.

[@jacksonseyl1063]

@@DereksZooVideos0118 Yeah, Just Imagine a Wild Asia. I was thinking about getting to it via the International Depot tram just like Wild Africa. It could be themed to a Indonesian village and have Tigers, Komodo Dragons and Water Buffalo.

[@theboyscout0156]

@@DereksZooVideos0118are there any plans for the gold mine or forest farm in Africa? Or the swamp trail in NA?

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

@@theboyscout0156 None that I'm aware of. I don't personally expect the swamp trail to reopen. The forest farm area it makes sense to do something with, but what it will be and if/when it will happen I don't know.

[@aliahnicole4316]

That was a great video! Probably my favorite so far. I didn’t realize how natural everything is at this zoo! It’s awesome!

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

I don't have a special question of the video for this one, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on Binder Park's Wild Africa.

[@josesalinasmorales5332]

The reticulated giraffe is recently classified as its own species.

[@JacobFiveash]

I love your tours! By the way, will there be any new zoos next year?

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

There will definitely be some new ones next year! I'm planning on making a community post at the start of the year talking about my plans, which will include a list of possible new zoos.

[@JacobFiveash]

@@DereksZooVideos0118 Speaking of which, what exhibits have you always wanted to showcase on your tours?

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

@@JacobFiveash In terms of stuff I haven't even filmed yet, just about every major area at the Columbus Zoo would make a great video. Heart of Africa would be the cliché answer, but I'll go with Asia Quest. Excellent theming and design, and it has some rarer Asian species like the Markhor.

[@JacobFiveash]

@@DereksZooVideos0118 Awesome! As for me, I would have also have to go with the Columbus Zoo, but I would start with Voyage to Australia and the Islands because they have Tasmanian devils and koalas. I would also consider doing Zoo Atlanta’s Asian Forest because it has giant pandas and a few other rarities. It also has America’s largest orangutan troop.

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

@@JacobFiveash I'd love to see you cover Atlanta's Asian Forest as that is not a place I've made it to yet!

[@ejgrunch]

If you ever get a chance, you should visit Zoo Tampa in Tampa Florida. They have a great African section which includes elephants and okapi

[@johnsonfamilyfarm5672]

Great video of my home zoo also hoping they add the rhino’s soon ,ps maybe one day I’ll see you at binder

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

Thank you! And as cool as it would be, I don't think there's any current plans involving rhinos. Maybe someday though!

[@johnsonfamilyfarm5672]

I heard they will be adding more animals probably next season

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

@@johnsonfamilyfarm5672 Hopefully!