I’ve done many animal exhibits both interior and exterior and it is important to add natural elements in the exhibit for a variety of reasons. Curators and handlers have the animals concern at heart and all exhibits have a holding paddock for the animals, this allows the exhibit to be maintained, cleaned and hidey holes refurbished with food. It’s sort of like dressing a set, you have to get it ready each day! This is true with aquariums as well.
Sadly people litter the exhibits and throw things, sometimes dangerous things inside that need to be removed daily. Sometimes people themselves go in! Natural logs and rocks are necessary for a believable exhibit. Artificial is required to hide doors, heater, coolers and other man made elements required for longevity of the animal and high visibility. A realistic exhibit fosters breeding and teaches viewers about the species. I could go on and on but you get the point. Nice work by the way, who is that in there? You go girl!
