At Epsten Group, sustainability isn’t just about constructing new spaces—it’s about reimagining and revitalizing existing ones to better serve the environment, the community, and the inhabitants within. Our recent renovation of the African lion habitat at Zoo Atlanta, in collaboration with Breedlove Land Planning, who led the master planning and landscape architecture effort, exemplifies this […]
The Zoo Atlanta African Lions’ habitat renovation highlights our focus on the visitor’s experience as well as the skillful design process when repurposing materials. This extensive 12,500 square foot project introduces a range of new features aimed at both the comfort of the lions and the enjoyment of our guests. Visitors can now enjoy enhanced
Zoo Atlanta, Lion Habitat Read More »
Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears, are the only bear species native to South America, inhabiting the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains. These elusive, tree-climbing mammals play a vital role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers, yet they face increasing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Recognizing the importance of conservation,
Where Conservation Meets Design: Salisbury Zoo’s Andean Bear Exhibit Read More »
Epsten Group transformed the existing holding building at the Toronto Zoo with a modern, efficient, enlarged management center for red pandas. Our team integrated existing structures with modern facilities, created flexible housing systems and naturalistic habitats. Our design incorporated public viewing areas, off-exhibit spaces, and ADA-accessible pathways, balancing animal welfare with visitor engagement. Our
Toronto Zoo, Red Panda Exhibit Read More »
Epsten Group and Ursa International are partnered to provide design services for Salisbury Zoo for their new Andean Bear exhibit. The goal of the design is to mimic the natural habitat of the Andean Bear in the forest of Ecuador including climbing structures, elevated hammocks and platforms, dens, and pools that encourage the natural behavior
Salisbury Zoo, Andean Bear Exhibit Read More »
In the world of zoo and wildlife sanctuary design, every project is a thrilling adventure – whether it’s large or small! At Epsten Group, we are committed to supporting zoos and wildlife sanctuaries of all sizes, offering our expertise to ensure that every animal and facility benefits from our innovative, holistic design approach. Our work
Wildly Innovative: How We Help Zoos and Sanctuaries of all Sizes Thrive Read More »
Studies released in late 2022 revealed an alarming change in the landscape of the AEC industry: construction costs had risen by nearly 30% since 2019, and by 17.5% alone from just 2020 to 2021: the largest spike in this data from year-to-year since 1970 (x). While models project costs returning to close to typical levels
Lessons Learned in Value Engineering and Intuitive Zoo Design Read More »
Epsten Group, in partnership with Ursa International, has been fortunate to have worked with Oklahoma City Zoo since 2016, collaborating on several projects ranging from Master Plan services to habitat design for many of the Zoo’s diverse inhabitants. Epsten Group has worked since 1991 as pioneers of sustainability in the built environment across a myriad
The relationship between zoos and the local communities they serve is a complex one that has changed and evolved drastically in the past few decades. With a more intent focus on conservation, rehabilitation, and education, zoos across the world have grown in their missions to better serve animals, extending this mission to include stewarding members
How Conscious Zoo Design Encourages Community Connection Read More »
An Overview of the Philosophy Shaping Zoological Design and Animal Practices Management
The Wellness-Focused Zoo Read More »