PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, has announced it is working on Expedition Africa – the largest habitat expansion project for Oklahoma City Zoo in its 120-year history.
The first phase of the African savannah region is ongoing in a spacious 14-acre site in the heart of the Zoo. Guests will experience a welcoming entry, providing a beautiful viewpoint over the new savannah. The project, estimated to cost $25 million, is the fruition of years of planning.
The renovated space will provide an extended and more immersive habitat for species native to Africa including giraffes, elands, okapis, ostriches, painted dogs, cheetahs, red river hogs, and lemurs.
Executive director and CEO for Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Dr Dwight Lawson says “Less than one-tenth of one percent of all Americans will ever visit the African continent. Expedition Africa is designed to immerse visitors into a space where guests can connect with the wildlife of Africa in an unforgettable way and be inspired to help them thrive.”
From old to new
Expedition Africa will also feature a state-of-the-art giraffe barn, providing indoor viewing areas for guests year-round. The existing pachyderm habitat building, a historical and architectural asset for the Zoo, will be transformed into a new multipurpose event space, small animal habitat space, and children’s play zone.
PGAV Destinations Architectural Designer, Dexter Hansen says “Repurposing this historic building from a home for elephants and rhinos to a guest event space along with giraffe feeding, savannah viewing, small animal exhibits, and children’s play zone has kept the team creatively challenged.
“The design reimagines the spaces while retaining the features that will be nostalgic for long-time zoo-goers.”
The design team worked on-site to repurpose as much material as possible, from the existing grades to site features. The Zoo felt it was crucial to retain as many trees as possible, a selection of which are award-winning and have historical significance.
The site design, therefore, minimises tree removal by working outside of tree canopies and administering extensive tree protection to support their survival. In the case of any trees that had to be removed, their trunks and limbs will be positioned within habitats as climbing structures and environmental enrichment devices for the wildlife.
Expedition Africa is scheduled to open in Spring 2023.
Last month, PGAV Destinations revealed it was selected to create a new online experience for children’s retailer Build-A-Bear Workshop.