The Bronx Zoo in New York has reopened its World of Darkness exhibit for 25 nocturnal species after a 16-year hiatus.
In the World of Darkness, guests can explore a nocturnal world with more than 20 diverse habitats, including tropical forests, wetlands, deserts, caves, and subterranean environments.
Some of the featured species residing in the exhibit include sloths, pygmy slow loris, broad-snouted caiman, aye-aye, sand cats, naked mole rats and vampire bats.
The World of Darkness first opened to the public in June 1969 as the first major zoo exhibit to use a reverse light cycle, an innovation that made it possible for visitors to see the nocturnal creatures during their active period.
For the updated exhibit, the Bronx Zoo has built on its original concept, adding new features like programmable LED lighting systems that simulate natural day-to-night transition.
Nocturnal species on view at Bronx Zoo
Jim Breheny, the Bronx Zoo’s director, said: “The opening of the new World of Darkness will once again provide Bronx Zoo visitors with a unique immersion experience to observe amazing creatures that have evolved to live and thrive in darkness.
“Many New Yorkers have great memories of the exhibit which originally opened in 1969.”
He added: “We have updated all aspects of the experience to ensure an amazing opportunity to enter a shadowy world rarely seen.”
Located on 265 acres of hardwood forest, the Bronx Zoo opened in November 1899. It’s home to more than 10,000 animals from over 700 species
It is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which manages a network of attractions, including Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium.
Images courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
