Trader’s Alley Opens at Zoo Atlanta
Friday, June 11, 2010
New exhibits feature sun bears, a long-awaited homecoming for tigers, and more
ATLANTA – June 11, 2010 – Trader’s Alley: Wildlife’s Fading Footprints, an exciting new series of exhibits at Zoo Atlanta, opened on Friday, June 11, 2010. The result of more than a year of planning and construction, Trader’s Alley features brand-new animals, returning favorites and a compelling global theme addressing one of the 21st century’s most pressing conservation issues.
First in the lineup are Xander and Sabah, a pair of Malayan sun bears from the Columbus Zoo. Named for the yellow markings on their chests, sun bears are a tropical species further distinguished by their specialized claws and long tongues. Prior to their exhibit debut, the pair has recently been observed breeding, and staff is hopeful for offspring in the future.
Also new to Trader’s Alley are Betelgeus and Zelda, a pair of wreathed hornbills. Friday’s debut marks the first time Members and guests were able to see these magnificent birds at Zoo Atlanta for nearly a decade; until now, the birds resided in an off-exhibit aviary.
The hornbills' neighbors are some of Atlanta’s favorite felines. At long last, Sumatran tigers Chelsea and Kavi and clouded leopard Moby are back at Zoo Atlanta. Big cat fans can again look forward to spotting the elusive Moby patrolling his forest habitat, while Chelsea or Kavi can be seen prowling the borders of Trader’s Alley from two new vantage points: one a ground-level look through a creative barrier simulating a bamboo thicket; the other from a treetop terrace observatory featuring panoramic views of both sun bears and tigers.
“We’re excited about being able to introduce new animals that haven’t been seen in Atlanta in many years, as well as those that our visitors have missed during the past several months of construction,” said Raymond King, President and CEO. “With all of these elements combined, it’s going to be an exciting summer at Zoo Atlanta.”
To highlight the global problem of the wildlife trade, Trader’s Alley also features eye-catching vignettes designed to evoke the feel of a traditional Asian market. Three Asian tortoise species, each of which is affected by overharvesting for lucrative international animal trafficking, can also be observed roaming new habitats along the path.
“Conservation and education are as critical to Zoo Atlanta’s mission as providing a great family experience,” said King. “With Trader’s Alley, we’ve taken a fresh and creative approach that we hope will inspire our Members and guests to learn more about the problems facing wildlife today.”
Trader’s Alley is open now; visit zooatlanta.org for tickets and Zoo information.
