Bear Moat

The Bear Moat was an exhibit of various species of bears at the Birmingham Zoo.

The exhibit opened in 1957 and was located west of the original big cat exhibit and Monkey Island, the linear structure was built entirely of concrete. It featured four pens, typically each featuring a different type of bear including Asian black bears and polar bears. A large, open pit separated the bears from visitors, with waist-high fencing on the visitor side.

The exhibit was demolished in February 2004 when it was no longer practical to repair it. One of the final bears on display there was Handsome. The Butterfly Encounter exhibit was built in its place.

References

• Bryant, Walter. (February 25, 2004). "Zoo demolishing 1950s exhibit with eye toward future habitat." '"The Birmingham News. Page 1-C.
• Thornton, William (September 24, 2009) "Birmingham Zoo to level Monkey Island, last original exhibit". Birmingham News