Zoo Tours: The Indianapolis Zoo Did It Again....

[@ZooTours]

*It's finally happening...* I don't care if you watch the entire thing, at the very least skip to the end of the video to get a preview of the next episode. You won't regret it! *Question of the Episode:* What is the weirdest zoo exhibit you have ever seen? Despite what you just watched in this video, and with the existence of the International Orangutan Center, even four years after it opened the Columbus Zoo's Adventure Cove is still an oddity that I can't wrap my head around. Nothing beats the quirky designs that puts a hornbill in 'someone's backyard', a skunk in a courtyard, a kinkajou in a smoothie truck, or sand cats in a fruit stand. Not only is it the weirdest exhibit I've ever seen but it's also the biggest "swing and a miss conceptual" attraction at a zoo I've ever come across. *International Chimpanzee Complex Mini Review:* - *Positives:* Um... the graphics are some of the best I've ever seen and for the first time ever I was inspired to read all of them. I also thought it was cool that you could get so close to the apes... although, it comes with a cost. - *Negatives:* There's no excuse for an AZA zoo in 2024 to build brutalist style attractions. You are just giving anti-zoo people a good argument and it's also counterproductive from a conservation standpoint. One of the ICC's messages brings up deforestation... You're literally telling visitors how bad it is to cut down trees in chimpanzee territory and warn of their disappearing habitat while (mostly) simultaneously giving them an ecosystem of metal and concrete. This is the first time since my last visit to Milwaukee 5 years ago where I couldn't help but think of an exhibit as "heartbreaking".

[@kharitheblueanteater9592]

What was the heartbreaking exhibit in Milwaukee?

[@ZooTours]

Nearly everything

[@kharitheblueanteater9592]

@@ZooTours oh. I thought you liked the Milwaukee Zoo?

[@ZooTours]

@kharitheblueanteater9592 That was due to bias as it was the only Zoo I had access to for a whole year. It was also due to the fact that I had not visited other zoos around the country to see that Milwaukee (overall) does not have modern standards.

[@kharitheblueanteater9592]

@@ZooTours ah now I see

[@TheZooForge]

I cannot stand the Indianapolis Zoo’s primate enclosures. I was really excited to see what I thought of the Orangutan center when I went in 2022, but it just filled me with this unique sense of dread that I had never felt in a zoo before. I am so glad that this is good for the chimpanzees as that’s the most important thing but I think that exhibits like this do a disservice to the guests by reinforcing the idea that zoos are just “animals in cages.” There’s something to be said about the philosophy of “naturalistic enclosures” helping to tear down negative thoughts about zoos and helping the education about conservation shine. Aside from the fact that the enclosures at Indianapolis are not my favorite, it cost $75 for my wife and I to go even WITH our AZA reciprocal admission. It was absolutely insane.

[@III-b6v]

I’m so glad that the Indianapolis Zoo is getting attention. I loved this zoo ever since I was a little kid.

[@SillyTismLad]

same bro glad the main zoo of our home state is getting the attention it rightfully deserved

[@wildandmagicalworldofflori8032]

This habitat was unique for sure. As much as I love seeing a more natural looking habitat, like what we'll be seeing next time, what really counts is that the meet the animal's needs and focuses on conservation and education; which can defiantly be seen here. Thanks again for a great tour, Zac! See ya in the next one.

[@thedecidueyeguy9146]

What makes The Indianapolis Zoo unique with their apes exhibits unlike most zoos instead having them in a jungle, it's about the animal's intelligence and ability, pretty interesting?

[@cheese-x3m]

I agree, they have totally taken the function over form route.

[@cheese-x3m]

and also, at least there is more natural stuff in this one.

[@jellojoe00]

Seems a bit sterile and cruel. Why are those one chimps stuck in a steel box forced to play video games

[@panoken2130]

While it is very aesthetically unpleasing to look at, my main takeaway is that it is clearly large, and highly enriching. Primates, especially our fellow great apes, are prone to boredom and benefit from being provided with adequate space and mental stimulation. This enclosure seems to take a function over form approach, which I am not opposed to. Being able to see beyond the walls of their enclosure (even outside the zoo itself), means there will always be something new for the chimps to look at/interact with, and the "lab" section clearly provides great mental stimulation, adhering to their puzzle and problem solving abilities. Assuming they get some kind of reward for completing these games successfully, as I've seen with similar setups, that is. Not to mention the wide variety of choices provided for the chimps, on how they wish to interact with their environment as a whole. I don't deny that it is the opposite of immersive, and frankly it's quite ugly. However, it's not essential for it to be naturalistic in order to be educational, and they clearly lean heavily into the education aspect. As for anti-zoo ppl, while the appearance of this enclosure does provide them with a foothold to complain, from my experience they're often entitled to their opinion and would find reasons to complain regardless, despite the obvious benefits many quality zoos provide. In conclusion, I'm not particularly concerned with what people think of the enclosure in terms of looks. In my opinion, what's most important is that the animals inside are living comfortable, enriched lives, and I believe this provides that. The chimps probably aren't really going to care what it looks like, as long as they are happy and healthy, and all their needs are being met. Especially if these are ex lab chimps, as mentioned, it seems like a good way to provide them with a fuller life, without stressing them with too much environmental change. Edit: I would like to mention this is my first time hearing about this zoo, and this enclosure, thus I have a very unbiased opinion. There's a solid chance I'm missing something which would make my opinion more negative, or vice versa.

[@alextepe4309]

First of all Zack, thankyou for all the zoo videos you’ve made. I am unable to travel great distances, so seeing videos like this is the next best thing to actually seeing these exhibits in person. And I can see why this chimp exhibit would be a bit controversial. On the one hand, its nice that the Chimps can go to different locations and are provided with cognitive enrichment activities. But on the other hand, it would have been nice if the exhibit had a more naturalistic look to it. But it looks like the animals are well taken care of, and to me that is what’s most important.

[@JangoFettFan9563]

That exhibit is awesome! Well done Indianapolis!!

[@stuffyclub4002]

Nuh uh

[@JangoFettFan9563]

@@stuffyclub4002why say that?

[@zackattack29]

Congo Gorilla Forest next episode LETS GO !!!! I have always wanted to see a tour (or any really good pictures) of this exhibit, and I know that this is the channel and you are the best person to do this exhibit justice ! My thoughts about this exhibit are pretty cut and dry. First being, I do appreciate Indy giving chimps an whole attraction to themselves instead of being a part of a larger African exhibit, like in Houston for example. I also understand how for some its not visually appealing, but if it allows them to move and be how their bodies and minds are designed too, then whats the harm ? Anyways, keep up the great work !

[@Nissanghmohanbabu]

The weirdest exhibit I've ever seen is JungleWorld. I like how they made it so that you're in an actual rainforest. Also, Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx Zoo is coming next.

[@danalexander6049]

Wow, this is a very unusual exhibit. The aesthetic reminds me a little of stylized architecture from the 1960s. I've only ever been to the Indianapolis Zoo when it opened in 1988. I think the Culture Center part used to be the building that housed a domestic animal exhibit featuring characters from the new-at-the-time Jim Davis comic strip "U.S. Acres" (starring Orson the Pig, and featured on the Garfield and Friends animated series---you could even meet an Orson mascot character here). The overhead trails are interesting, though my first thought was to question if the chimpanzees will throw their feces at human zoo visitors. It is pretty neat that the chimpanzees get so much room to explore.

[@austinhughes1924]

The next time I go to the Indianapolis Zoo.I’m definitely going to see this exhibit!

[@Hecuba107]

It does seem awful for the chimps to look at screens of wild chimps in the jungle, when they are stuck in such a minimalist enclosure.

[@mariedufore8795]

There turning into iPad Chimps

[@TedH71]

They don't know because they were born in captivity.

[@Hecuba107]

@@TedH71 I mean that specifically at 4:22 and 4:24, there are screens inside the center that show wild chimps.

[@raymiemiller1455]

This actually looks really nice and cool, I'm somewhat surprised.

[@zacharywilliams7639]

Weirdest exhibit is Elephant Odyssey in San Diego with its pre-California animal variety mix...

[@VideoTraxxFanaticRules2004]

I'm looking at the next episode. The next location is Congo at the Bronx Zoo.

[@zoomac92]

I like the trail concept, the ability of the chimps to observe different animals as they pass, and the different living spaces spread out around the complex. The layout seems like a good way to encourage the chimps to explore and remain active and choose their own hangout spots with their friends as they would in nature. I also like that their climbing structure is really tall so they get some variety in their vantage points. But I hate the aesthetic. Some trees and grass and rocks would go a long way towards making it look more natural. Way too much metal everywhere. There's such a missed opportunity with this layout to do a whole immersive African forest section and have the chimps walking past okapis and bongo and red river hogs on their trail, and then put the visitors in the middle of that simulated environment. Swap out some materials and plant some more vegetation and I think it could be successful. The layout really is something special, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

[@TheMuppyOtter]

I hope nobody ever shoots one of them from the parking lot The tool display and mining education is badass

[@lesliechu8879]

Ooh-ooh-aah-aah! Try visiting the San Francisco Zoo soon, Zak, because they have the Great Ape Passage exhibit! Plus, here are 2 zoo trivia questions for you & your girlfriend... 1) What year did the California Academy Of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium originally breed red-bellied piranhas? 2) How many years ago did the Oakland Zoo have once housed a bobcat before the renovation of the new cotton top tamarin & coatimundi exhibit? And the weirdest animal exhibit I've seen is the San Francisco Zoo's old grey seal exhibit!

[@DereksZooVideos0118]

I actually quite enjoy some aspects of the International Orangutan Center (mostly the Hutan Trail), but I struggled to find anything I liked about the International Chimpanzee Complex. The signage is good, like you mentioned, and there definitely is a chance for up close, personal encounters with the Chimps but that's about it. Won't stop me from making my own tour of the complex of course.

[@natesvideos7339]

Idk if this is weird per say but I remember when I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, there was an open top spider enclosure. How does it not escape?

[@Discussr]

Maybe the enclosure was surrounded by barriers?

[@stevens7421]

The weirdest exhibit I had been to was the reptile house in the Cheyenne mountain zoo. It has changed some , but it used to be an art display showing reptiles as art.

[@raymiemiller1455]

The weirdest zoo exhibit I've ever seen in "Jackass Flats" at Doc's Zoo, a bar-themed Domestic Donkey exhibit.

[@mariedufore8795]

The weirdest zoo exhibit I’ve seen is the Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx Zoo because it is so trippy but very cool

[@StarGiraffinum]

Also I love how the title isn't "The Indianapolis Zoo Chimpanzee Complex", but rather "The Indianapolis Zoo Did It AGAIN".

[@steliosstanis2125]

Wow, Looks Good!!! 🐵🌴 + 😉👍

[@JAGzilla-ur3lh]

It seems fine? The sprawling and complex layout with the trail system is fantastic. I agree that some more naturalistic materials and substrates here are there would have been nice, but the chimps aren't stupid enough to be fooled into believing that they're in a real jungle. The exhibit design focuses on giving them lots of space and activities to keep them stimulated. I think it achieves that more effectively than a basic "grass and climbing structures" setup would have.

[@ZooTours]

Not sure where people are coming up with the idea this gives them a lot of space. I've haven't seen a great ape complex this small in a long time. The total space is about the size of the zoo's own macaque habitat. When winter hits, they'll be stuck inside concrete, concrete, and more concrete and even less space.

[@JAGzilla-ur3lh]

@@ZooTours Well, okay, their indoor areas alone are pretty cramped and dismal. There's a lot to see and do outside, but you're right that it doesn't do them much good in the winter. Also, I haven't seen this exhibit up close, and it's hard to judge from this video alone.

[@jsmoothd654]

Houston has a much better Chimp enclosure

[@samuelb66]

Based. Houstons Gorilla Enclosure is also top tier. Right up there with the best like Bronx, Atlanta and Dallas

[@Omaklymsn]

"Tamarind monkeys. In the bathroom."

[@anthonynapolitano6593]

Coming Up Next: Congo Gorilla Forest at the Bronx Zoo

[@StarGiraffinum]

Would you consider this worse than Columbus Zoo's Adventure Cove?

[@ZooTours]

That's a tough one for me to answer. Neither are or even try to be natural looking. It's a decision between concrete and metal vs. suburban civilization. Adventure Cove may not be as depressing to look at, but I think the concept fails far more than the ICC.

[@matthewzito6130]

Mixed feelings on this one ... On one hand, it looks a lot like a modern prison and does nothing to help people understand chimps' place in nature. However, it does seem to provide a lot of space for the chimps along with many opportunities for enrichment, plus they seem to at least be moving toward keeping chimps in larger social groups, which is admirable (if sometimes difficult).

[@aaaydenwetsell]

6:11 the all star dog challenge arena? what's that?

[@jamespayoute5336]

When the Malagasy stork attacked the crested crane in Paris zoological park

[@Shrock568]

I think the giant tunnels that let the apes travel is such a good idea. It’s just sad to see how unnatural and bad this exhibit is when it could have been amazing. Hopefully someone makes an exhibit with a similar idea except the enclosures are giant, filled with lush plants, and outside.

[@The-Lonely-Lighthouse]

I made a few comments on the last one, but with every decision Dr. Rob Shumaker has made as president and CEO of the zoo has been kind of mind boggling and chaotic as such. From the Orangutan Center (10 years old already?) that dominated the center of the zoo to the Flights of Fancy when they erected that massive pavillion that the birds were supposed to fly to every day even though in my entire time I've been there I've never seen them there. On top of this, it just boggles my mind that someone who's been to actual primate habitats for conservation and the like would approve these stark construction focused exhibits to sacrifice the naturalistic looks of habitats the zoo was once known for. I know there's been some jokes about gorillas in the comments here but I'm genuinely worried that they'll take out the desert dome that's starting to show it's age and has been losing a lot of it's opening animals and replacing them with more common animals being gutted and built up as a "Fully indoor gorilla habitat." I do think you gave this a much fairer shake than it needed, and I do appreciate that. But honestly I'm thinking of getting a membership to one of the other zoos in the home state for the reciprocal AZA benefits, which Indianapolis Zoo isn't even a member of. I've been doing plenty of travel to other zoos lately and I think it'd be a better use of membership to support one of the smaller zoos like Mesker Park or even Fort Wayne's Children Zoo at this rate.

[@darthader3507]

I doubt they would get rid of the desert dome. Indy zoo recently acquired more land. Additionally, they added a new snake, meerkats, and the desert sand cat within recent years.

[@The-Lonely-Lighthouse]

@@darthader3507 That's fair, wasn't aware of the new land purchase. Sand cat and the snake renovations are newer but scaled back renovations that could easily be done. Meerkats have been there pre-orangutans, and the orangutan center is celebrating it's 10 year anniversary this year.

[@FamilyFunGamingTime]

Are you gonna Do the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio African Savannah video Soon Please Zoo tours

[@Ywabag]

6:30 Say WHAT???

[@drewluczynski9609]

While I do like the ways of showing the Chimps behavior and intelligence, I can’t in good conscience support the idea of giving them more lab like enclosures than forest like. This isn’t an exhibit from the 1900s, they have no excuse for this

[@NicoFrenkel-ci9dc]

So sad....

[@MarcoAnguloistheGOAT]

Weirdest exhibit ive seen is probably the alligators and crocodiles the fight to survive or whatever in indy. The animals are cool but the exhibit itself kinda sucks

[@joshuazerbel2495]

As much as I hate to say it this is probably the worst chimp exhibit I’ve ever seen in a U.S. zoo so far and it’s frustrating because they had the budget to make a great one what is Indianapolis thinking with these decisions? Anyways on a more positive note can’t wait for the next tour which will be a fantastic one. Have a great day Zach!

[@superhenrybrother7359]

Mojo jojo

[@TheRoadrunnerFromHell]

God I hate this exhibit and how ugly it is. Its not without its positives, but they could still make it look vaguely like a forest or add green paint, or just added substrate to the indoor exhibits, just give those kab chimps chimps a taste. I don't know how it promotes natural behaviour. EDIT: Best case scanario in my book would have been to repurpose the bear exhibit. What's next, a new gorilla exhibit wthat looks like a school?

[@TheZooForge]

My guess is that a Indianapolis Gorilla enclosure would look like an Oil Rig!

[@StarGiraffinum]

I was just about to say that! Imagine if they do this again but with gorillas!

[@MultiChippymunks]

I like how long the trails are and i am sure the chimps enjoy looking at the other animals. But man, it really does look like something out of the 50s. Depressing

[@MM-sh2uj]

Indianapolis Zoo in the 1980s = we are the world’s first cageless zoo promoting biomes and natural habitats. Indianapolis Zoo today = let’s make our habitats look as much like industrial cages as possible. What a pathetic exhibit. Everyone involved in this should be utterly ashamed. What the hell happened to this zoo?

[@wyatt-andrews-workshop22]

I simply cannot call an exhibit that tends to an animal’s every want and need in an enormous complex, depressing. Just like Elephant Odyssey and this zoo’s orangutan complex, zoo animals have no concept of the wild, so they will not judge their living quarters by how closely they resemble said wild. The top priority for every complex containing animals, from a national park to a fishbowl, must absolutely be welfare. And you’d be hard pressed to find a place anywhere else besides the wild that gives chimps a more stimulating environment, both physically and mentally. Would this discussion be happening if the concrete on the walls was sculpted to look like rock? Or the metal frames were replaced with wood? Let’s not be so quick to put humans and their taste first in a setting where animal welfare takes top priority.

[@x213la]

Wyatt why don’t you make a new video I thought you were going to do a Southeast Asian exhibit.Please make a new episode.😭

[@wyatt-andrews-workshop22]

@@x213la Hi! I’m currently not subscribed to my editing software because it’s too expensive to pay every month, so hopefully the videos return when I’m a little more financially stable haha

[@ZooTours]

They could have made this as natural looking as possible but the fact still remains the total outdoor space is puny. It's smaller than the one macaque enclosure, which wouldn't be appropriate for even a few Chimps.

[@wyatt-andrews-workshop22]

@@x213la there’s a new episode out!

[@thomashollingshead015]

I said it in the previous video, and I’ll say it again. I like the concept of this exhibit, but hate the execution. Why did the zoo make it look so industrial and lacking in greenery? I love zoos, but can’t stand it when exhibits like these that lack any kind of natural elements.

[@samuelazzaro]

Look I'm just gonna say it......why couldn't they have done the same thing but mocked up the environments to make them feel more natural

[@taylorc146]

This is so funny cuz we literally went yesterday. The first thing my 4 year old said was they look sad. He was looking at one of the older males named Ben.

[@Das_Lloß]

The Chimp and Orang Utan "enclosures" just look awful

[@bradbrad9561]

Its too bad they didn't spend that money on their other exhibits. The place looks run down and out of date.

[@graphite2786]

Probably an unpopular opinion but i like the concept but not the execution. I think the walkways are a terrific way of enrichment but the pods/enclosures aren't at all suitable. I could understand one fully indoor pod but the metal climbing structures and platforms are just horrible. How much nicer would it have been with an open savannah enclosure in the African part, a walkway to a big enclosed forest enclosure and a climate controlled area with vines, tree trunks and natural platforms.

[@MM-sh2uj]

It’s just amazing they decided to make the walkways look as much like industrial cages as possible instead of going with a softer/more natural looking overhead walkway system.

[@TedH71]

The thing is the chimps would throughly thrash their surroundings in short order because in the wild they travel MILES and sleep in different nests each night. Being contained inside means it's best to keep things easier to clean. Chimps are super fond of throwing their poop at guests. They think it's hilarious or trying to show their dominance.