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October 8, 2007

Tortoise Pond at the Birmingham Zoo

Considering a late summer trip to the Birmingham Zoo? If so, then make sure to stop by and see one of their newest additions. It is a Tortoise Pond and it was donated by Vought Water Gardens. The exhibit officially opened to the public on Sunday, July 29th. News from one veterinarian at the zoo is that the tortoises are loving their new habitat and pond feature.

The pond has a three-foot high waterfall cascading into a shallow holding pool. It also has a short stream and constructed wetland. The wetland serves as the pond's filter. This pond was built with ten tons of rocks and boulders, five tons of gravel and river pebbles, and has a 6,000 gallons per hour flow rate.

The previous tortoise enclosure had to be serviced daily. The new one is an ecosystem that processes the very demanding waste load of the tortoises. Plants grow in the water and serve as the tortoise's constant forage. The new tortoise pond serves the Birmingham Zoo in the following ways:

  • Naturalistic and beautiful display
  • Lower maintenance for the zoo keepers
  • Educational tool for students and teachers

So, plan your trip to the zoo and let us know what you think of this new Tortoise exhibit. Check out the Birmingham Zoo's hours, events and ticket prices at www.birminghamzoo.com or call the zoo at 205-879-0409.

Ask us how we can build a low maintenance feature incorporating the exciting technology we used at the Tortoise Pond.

© 2007 Vought Water Gardens, P.O. Box 184, Decatur, AL 35602