Fresno Zoo rr

Added Attractions

Visitors Leave Givilization At The Entrance

It ISITORS entering the Fresno, U CalifomiaZoo(ChaffeeZoological Gardens) soon become part of a primitive culture, sensing distant native drums and the echoing roar of lions. The main entrance gives them their first taste of this instant transport to a distant land and time. A 6,000 sq. ft. openstructure, the entrance soars above them like a giant native hut with a complex series of roofs at six different angles. The center pole where the roof peaks is 50 feet high and is covered withpalm fronds, handwoven by Mexican Indians.

The entrance structure and roof rafters are made entirely of Douglas fir and Lodge Pole pine treated with Chemonite, an environmentally-acceptable wood preservative treatment. Chemonite was specified by the architect, Edwin S. Darden Associates of Ftesno, because of its proven resistance to the most severe conditions of decay and wood-destroying insects, as wellas its long life and cost efficiency. The architects, however, were especially pleased with the visually appealing, greenish-brown color of the Chemonite treated poles, which complement the rough, natural design of the zoo.

The entrance is just a part of the authenticity of a masterplan developed for the zoo to create natural environs for the animals.

Another authentic touch undemeath and around the entrance is 10,000 sq. ft. of Bomanite concrete, with pattems of river rock and sandstone interwoven to replicate an arid plain across which once coursed a river long gone dry. A series of thatch-covered umbrellas line the entrance and further add to the primitive appearance. And a 300 ft. long Chemonite treated pole fence extending from the entry structure to the existing fence, at staggered heights of 8 to 15 ft., again achieves the rough, primitive look.

In another part of the zoo, a 60 ft. high, mesh-covered tropical rainforest, supported by Chemonite treated poles, is a natural bird sanctuarv in which people can walkamidstfree fl ying birds. Open year round, the zoo is inside Fresno's Roeding Park and covers approximately 25 aqes.