The African Adventure Begins

Fresno, CA- Fresno Chaffee Zoo had their “African Adventure” groundbreaking Monday morning. Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board of Directors Chair, John Valentino said, “This is a long awaited day.” as he addressed the crowd of dignitaries and zoo supporters. The 18-acre “African Adventures” exhibit, which will bring a little piece of Africa into Fresno.  Lions, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, Africa elephants and more will just be some of the animals that will call the area home.  “African Adventures” will be updated in the future with animals like hippos and gorillas, which have been left out of the current plan because of cost.

In 1965, Dr. Paul Chaffee was hired as the first Director of the Roeding Park Zoo.  Responsibility for management of all aspects of the Zoo shifted from the Zoological Society to the Zoo Director.  With the addition of Dr. Chaffee, new programs of nutrition, quarantine, treatment, and education were established to meet the growing professional standards of zoos.

During the 1960’s many of the Zoo’s exhibits were improved for the comfort of the animals, including the addition of heating in many of the primate quarters.  The large bird-of-prey exhibit was constructed under the direction of the Parks Division in 1967.  The first Zoo master plan was drafted in 1968 to guide the future development of the Zoo.

Now with the Measure Z , which was approved by voters in 2004 and was expected to generate $100 million for the zoo over a period of 10 years, has been the driving force in enhancing the experience for zoo-goers.  Sea Lion Cove, a $10 million exhibit with a 200,000-gallon pool with rock features.  It opened last year and currently holds three sea lions, two harbor seals and two brown pelicans.  There is also a special underwater viewing area, where visitors can see the animals much like how they are in the wild.

Sunday evening, the zoo welcomed the birth of four baby Malayan tigers. The four newborns make up 1% of the Malayan tigers in the world’s population, according to Fresno Chaffee Zoo Director; Scott Barton.