Friday, May 22, 1998
Two Florida manatees would have been the highest-profile residents of the Tropical Rivers - Manatee Springs exhibit damaged in Wednesday's fire. But they wouldn't have been the only ones, according to Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden director Ed Maruska.
The exhibit would also include:
- An alligator, housed in a simulated swamp.
- Gar, a fresh water fish growing to about 6 feet.
- A species of American crocodile.
- About 100 freshwater fish, including giant bass, and assorted species of frogs.
- Exotic butterflies.
- Interactive areas geared toward environmental and conservation education.
- Facilities for overnight stays by church, school and scout groups.
The exhibit, now delayed at least six months, is the first Cincinnati zoo exhibit stocked entirely with native U.S. animals.
The manatees were to be housed in a 123,000 gallon tank.
Manatee Springs, Mr. Maruska said, is the first of a three-phase tropical rivers exhibit: Phases two and three will focus on Central and South American rivers. There is no timetable for their construction.
