Once the home to a popular polar bear, this outdoor exhibit space provided the perfect setting for two black bear orphans, Smokey and Bubba, acquired by the Stone Zoo. Commodore engaged with the Zoo in a design-build effort to create a new outdoor exhibit and indoor holding area, compliant with rigorous safety standards and complete with pool and waterfalls.
Commodore partnered with the zoo early in the construction process to set realistic budget expectations for an educational and intimate exhibit experience. Meticulous up-front planning was essential for the well-being of the bears and the success of the project, since unexpected scope changes can compromise animal and viewer safety.
During the three-month project, the pre-existing moat was filled in. This created twice the real estate for playtime and an up-close viewing experience for visitors. A glass wall 1.5 inches thick separates the two 280-pound bears from viewers. The setting is natural with intricate rock-work, trees and waterfalls that spill into a pool and create a brook. Specialty habitat elements were created by A thru Z. Nevin Lash and the Commodore teamed worked collaboratively to realize the designer’s vision. The over-head netting technique that Commodore perfected during the gorilla exhibit renovation was duplicated here at the bear exhibit to secure the enclosure with the highest level of safety.
When the bears arrived from Georgia, they spent a brief time in quarantine at the Franklin Park Zoo. Their welfare required zero tolerance for construction delays at their new home. Retrofitting one large polar bear den into three separate dens finished ahead of schedule. The grand opening of the exhibit and the bears’ debut took place as planned on Memorial Day, with construction completed early enough for Smokey and Bubba to get a sneak peak at their new home before the crowds arrived.
|
