May 06, 2015

Philly Zoo's Big Cat Crossing named 'Best Zoo Exhibit': USA Today

By Christina LoBrutto
PhillyVoice Contributor

@phillyzoo/Twitter

A leopard walks above zoo visitors in the Philadelphia Zoo's Zoo360 Big Cat Crossing.

The Philadelphia Zoo's Big Cat Crossing exhibit was named "Best Zoo Exhibit" of the year by a USA Today and 10Best readers' poll.

After the initial 20 nominees were chosen by experts, the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

Big Cat Crossing is part of the zoo's Zoo360 plan, a campus-wide system of trails that allows animals more freedom to roam around and above zoo grounds.

Big Cat Crossing is a 330-foot mesh overhead passageway that extends above the main visitor path. The trail encourages the zoo's large felines — lions, tigers, pumas, jaguars and more — to explore.

Best Zoo Exhibit Top 10:

Big Cat Crossing - Philadelphia Zoo
Arctic Ring of Life - Detroit Zoo
Giants of the Savanna - Dallas Zoo
Museum of Living Art - Fort Worth Zoo
Russia’s Grizzly Coast - Minnesota Zoo
Sea Lion Sound - St. Louis Zoo
Congo Gorilla Forest - Bronx Zoo
Desert Loop Trail - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
African Elephant Crossing - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Animal Care Center - Busch Gardens Tampa

On March 4, the Philadelphia Art Commission unanimously approved the concept for the Philadelphia Zoo’s African Plains project, which will expand the existing exhibits.