Phoenix Zoo patrons have a cool new reason to visit. Phoenix's scorching summers make any form of respite valuable, and now, even the zoo's big cats have their own means to beat the heat with a habitat featuring large swimming pools designed specifically for their needs. These recent additions are part of a larger project known as 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness,' reportedly costing $5.3 million and aiming to enrich the lives of the zoo's jaguars and mountain lions. The habitat, also looking to provide visitors with a unique viewing experience, opened earlier this April, as KTAR News documented.
Stretching the capabilities of pool construction, the folks over at Overflow Pools faced unusual challenges when designing these cat-friendly pools. They had to adhere to strict guidelines provided by the zoo, ensuring the safety and comfort of the jaguars and lions, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Dane Palmero from Overflow Pools illustrated the point, saying, "The zoo taught us a lot, saying, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,’ or ‘Make sure this works this way,’ because we have to consider the animals." With the pools opened, these large felines now have a space to not only cool down but also exhibit natural behaviors that are a draw for those coming to observe them.
In addition to providing the zoo's jaguars, Caipora and Saban, with enhanced living spaces, the habitat also extends its hands to two mountain lion sisters, Sierra and Mystic. Moved into a space reportedly five times larger than before, they too benefit from this expansive project. Notably, the initiative is also educational, "Mountain lions and jaguars are vital parts of Arizona’s ecosystem, yet they are rarely seen in the wild. This new habitat will allow us to educate the public about their historical ranges and the importance of conserving these species for future generations," Bert Castro, President and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, shared in a press release covered by KTAR News.
The physical alterations to the pool layout involved more than just size and depth. Matthew Tenuta from Overflow Pools pointed out modifications such as recessing the skimmer 2 feet back to prevent the cats' claws from potential harm, and careful placement of boulders and pool elevations to ensure viewing angles for visitors remained optimal. "We weren't in a backyard; we were here in the Phoenix Zoo doing something for an animal that's going to enjoy this space like a family member would," Tenuta told FOX 10 Phoenix. Consequently, the project not only provides a more stimulating environment for its main residents but also enhances human interaction with these elusive creatures.
While the big cats bask in their new watery haven, visitors can now also enjoy an overhead catwalk added to the exhibit, providing a delightful vantage point. This feature, alluding to the extensive planning involved, means that guests can witness the majestic stride of these predators from a fresh perspective. This integration of form, function, and education makes the 'Big Cats of Arizona' habitat a groundbreaking addition to the Phoenix Zoo and a significant stride in conservation efforts.
