Mixed-species exhibit

What a mixed-species exhibit is

A mixed-species exhibit is a zoo habitat shared by two or more species. Instead of seeing each animal on its own, visitors see a small community, much as they might in the wild.

The idea is not new. When Carl Hagenbeck opened his zoo in Hamburg, Germany, in 1907, he used open, moated habitats instead of cages and set up mixed-species exhibits arranged by geography rather than by animal group.

Common examples

• African savanna habitats with giraffes, zebras, antelope, ostriches and sometimes rhinos
• Walk-through aviaries with many bird species sharing one space
• Rainforest buildings with birds, small primates, sloths and reptiles
• Large aquarium tanks holding dozens of fish species, sharks and rays
• Primate habitats where, for example, ring-tailed lemurs share space with other lemur species

Why zoos mix species

Done well, a shared habitat can benefit the animals:

• More space, since several species share one large area instead of several small ones
• Social enrichment, with new sights, sounds and interactions every day
• More natural behavior, as animals react to each other the way they might in the wild
• Better education, since visitors see how species fit together in an ecosystem

A 2023 study comparing African hoofed animals in the wild with those in a large mixed-species habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park found that animals in both settings spent about half their time in mixed-species groups.

The challenges

Mixing species takes careful planning. Researchers and zoo staff point to risks such as:

• Aggression between species, or between individuals
• Competition for food, which can leave shy animals underfed
• Chronic stress if an animal can't get away from another
• Disease passing between species
• Unwanted breeding between closely related species

Zoos manage these risks by choosing species that naturally live together, providing separate feeding stations and escape routes, introducing animals gradually, and monitoring behavior closely. Many animals are also brought into separate night quarters where each species gets its own diet and care. That daily routine is part of good animal husbandry.

What to look for on your visit

In a mixed habitat, watch how the species use the space. You may see antelope keeping their distance from rhinos, birds perching on larger animals, or several species gathering at the same feeding spot. For more ideas, read our tips for a family day at the zoo.