Zoo and Habitat Design

Zoo Atlanta, Lion Habitat

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 […]

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Toronto Zoo, Red Panda Exhibit

In collaboration with Coolearth Architecture, the Architect of Record, Epsten Group contributed detailed design development and execution support for the Toronto Zoo’s Red Panda Exhibit. Together, we transformed the existing holding building into a modern, efficient management center designed specifically for red pandas. Together, we built the conceptual design, integrating naturalistic habitats, visitor viewing zones,

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Earthfire Institute Wildlife Sanctuary, Bear Habitats

The existing bear habitats are to be re-imagined in order to meet current standards for animal habitats in human care. The new habitats and care quarters are intended to fit within Earthfire’s master plan and consider the animal wellness concepts of comfort, companionship, challenge, and choice in their design. They are being designed to maximize

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How Conscious Zoo Design Encourages Community Connection

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

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Zoo Atlanta Savanna Hall

Zoo Atlanta, Savanna Hall Renovation

The historic transformation of Savanna Hall creates a game-changing opportunity for Zoo Atlanta. With expansive windows and natural daylighting, this iconic gem brings the visitor experience up close and personal to the wild with sweeping views overlooking the African Savanna landscape. The renovation involved the conversion of the historic Grant Park Cyclorama into a new

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The Gorilla Foundation, Ape Sanctuary

Epsten Group was the zoo design form contracted by partner Ursa International (Ursa) to provide visualization services for renovations to the existing Gorilla Foundation campus in Woodside, California.  The project involved providing 3D renderings and a walkthrough animation for an expanded 7,000 square foot great ape habitat, 1,100 square foot gorilla clubhouse, exploration chutes, and

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Riverside Discovery Center, Grizzly Bear Exhibit and Bear Bluffs Center

Located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the Riverside Discovery Center engaged zoo design firm Epsten Group to convert an existing zebra yard into the new Grizzly Brothers exhibit for two orphaned grizzly bear cubs who were brought to the center from a nearby national park. Linking to the history of the region, Epsten Group’s conceptual design included

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