Fresno 2oo rr Added Attractions

Visitors Leave Civilization At The Entrance

ISITORS entering the Fresno, California Zoo (Chaffee Zoological 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. open structure, 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 with palm 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 envitonmentally-acceptable wood preservative treatment. Chemonite was specified by the architect, Edwin S. Darden Associates of Fresno, because of its proven resistance to the most severe conditions of decay and wood-destroying insects, as well as its long life and cost efficiency. The architects, howevet, 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 underneath and around the entrance is 10,fiD sq. ft. of Bomanite concrete, with patterns 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 sanctuary in which peoplecan walkamidstfree flyingbirds. Open year round, the zoo is inside Fresno's Roeding Park and covers approximately 25 acres.