The Lost Kingdom to bring new home for tigers, elephants, snow leopards, and Komodo dragons!
The Tulsa Zoo has approved PGAV Destinations to proceed with schematic design of one of their newest additions, The Lost Kingdom. The new attraction will feature Malayan tigers, elephants, snow leopards, and komodo dragons, and is slated for groundbreaking early next year.
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The Lost Kingdom will be designed in a fashion to appear as if structures and relics have been lost to the wilderness through the centuries, highlighting rare and elusive animals from throughout Asia. The design thus far has been inspired by ancient Asian cultures, and will leverage thick and lush gardens 
alongside theming that reinforces conservation messaging and awareness-building around the animals’ current habitat loss. The Lost Kingdom will be realized through the renovation of existing buildings, repurposing of current structures, and the construction of all-new facilities.
On January 1, 2011, the City of Tulsa transferred Zoo ownership to privatized management, currently overseen by Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. In spring 2011, the Tulsa Zoo hired PGAV Destinations to help develop a 20-year master plan, which included a two-year research program that led to multiple, detailed recommendations including proposed new exhibits, new guest amenities, support facilities, and strategic improvements to the Zoo’s operations.
“The ultimate goal of this master plan is to provide guests a comfortable, repeatable experience within an immersive, story-based setting that connects guests to animals and the Zoo to ultimately inspire guests to take action, ” says Terri Correll, Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. president and CEO.
The Zoo’s greatest strengths lie in its large market, beautiful setting, diversity of experiences and programming, and high quality staff which allow the Zoo to provide excellent experiences at great value. “What our research showed is that there are a number of achievable opportunities for the Tulsa Zoo that can greatly improve the visitor experience, ” says John Kemper, PGAV Destinations VP and project lead. “From exhibits, to food, to retail, to pathways and more, this master plan has helped provide strategic vision for the Zoo to enhance its offerings throughout the next couple of decades to a world-class level, and we’re excited to be getting underway with The Lost Kingdom.”
In March, the Tulsa Zoo broke ground on the first exhibit from the master plan, the Mary K. Chapman Rhinoceros Exhibit, and The Lost Kingdom is slated to complete the construction documents by the end of the year.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the St. Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
