Nature

Dallas Zoo to Close Cat Row: Oldest Exhibit Which Began in the 1930s

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Saying goodbye to one of its oldest exhibits, the Dallas Zoo will be closing what is known as Cat Row. Opening in the 1930s, funding for the cat habitat had been provided by the Federal Works Project Administration (FWPA) as well as Centennial bond money. The exhibit has seen a number of renovations since, however, zoo officials have decided it’s time for a change.

Dallas Zoo to Close Cat Row: Oldest Exhibit Which Began in the 1930s

Photo: Facebook/Big Cat Rescue

This coming weekend (September 30 and October 1), the zoo will host a farewell event for the exhibit, identifying that it no longer reflects their vision of progress animal care. With that determination, bobcats, cougars, and ocelots will be moved to new homes throughout the U.S. In an article posted by NBC DFW, Dallas Zoo’s Vice President of Animal Operations and Welfare, Harrison Edell, was quoted saying, “We want nothing more than for our guests to fall in love with wildlife in the right setting, and to support us as we find ways to create a better world for animals.”

Dallas Zoo to Close Cat Row: Oldest Exhibit Which Began in the 1930s

Photo: Facebook/Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

The six Texas cats in total (two bobcats, two ocelots, and two cougars) that are presently housed on Cat Row will be relocated to their new homes within the next month according to zoo officials. The Dallas Zoo intends to renew and reuse the exhibit space as an extension to the outdoor event area that it has in the immediate vicinity.