The Project:
The new Primate Park needed to be substantially larger and higher than its predecessor to provide a natural habitat experience for the variety of species sharing it. The structure was fit into position adjacent to the zoo building and public courtyard, evolving into a twelve-sided ellipse, supported by four steel masts. This unique structure shape relies upon a tension ring and spokes to resist the snow and ice loads imposed on the stainless steel mesh which encloses the exhibit, eliminating the exterior guylines utilized by other zoo exhibits of this type. The exhibit offers a natural habitat of trees, rocks, and climbing opportunities. Heated Gunite rocks provide a warm sitting spot for the primates in cold weather. A Gunite rock outcropping surrounds the windows of a viewing tunnel, which penetrates into the interior of the exhibit, and provides a small natural drinking pool.
Client:
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Completed:
2010
Budget:
$1,400,000
Photos ©Don Cochran Photography
