[EXH] Fynbos Highlight

What' s a fynbos?

A fynbos is a unique ecosystem found on the western cape of south africa. It has dry, sandy soil with no trees and periodic burns, but it is mainly identified by the plants. In terms of plant diversity, the place is more species rich than even the Amazon rainforest, and many of those species are endemic (found nowhere else).

How do you recreate a fynbos in a zoo?

Our horticulture team has worked for years to source plants from this very specific region, many of which are not widely available. They had to work with landscaping consultants to establish the drainage conditions needed to keep these extreme low-rainfall species happy. Luckily we had a spot with no trees and sandy soil that lent itself to such a purpose. Many of these species only germinate after a fire, so we have small scale controlled burns every few years to allow the plants to continue to thrive.

Won't the animals eat the plants?

Yes! The exhibit was designed with large raised planters in and around the exhibit. This gives the guests a good view of the plants and shows the animals in the context of their natural ecosystem. However, the raised planting areas are surrounded by a fenced buffer zone, so the animals can nibble on plants located in the buffer zone but can't reach the main planting beds. Of course any plants that sprout in the buffer zone or in the main exhibit are fair game for the animals and usually do get snacked on pretty quickly.

Giving the animals large areas to graze and supplemental feed reduces the pressure on the plants growing in the enclosure and allows them to recover from the nibbling.

Submitted By bovidaeloony for Exhibiting Exhibits ・ View Favorites
Submitted: 2 weeks ago ・ Last Updated: 2 weeks ago