Longhorn Organics, a creator of high-quality filtration systems, announces ongoing collaboration with the Fort Worth Zoo on two expanded exhibits: Hunters of Africa and Asian Predators. Flowing pools and waterfalls will punctuate the lush habitats, due to open spring 2022.
Practical solutions
The redesigned habitats for the Fort Worth Zoo will house big cats and other skilled predators of Africa and Asia. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs will populate Hunters while striped hyenas, tigers, and clouded leopards will live in Predators.
The existing exhibit areas are difficult to service and clean owing to rocky, sloped sites and water quality. Hence, the Zoo chose Longhorn Organics as the design build contractor because they are known for improving water quality with innovative and practical solutions.
“Longhorn is very pleased to be continuing our relationship with the Fort Worth Zoo,” says Jeff Faucett, BIM Supervisor Longhorn Organics. “We believe in the work they do regarding animal well-being as well as educating the public on our natural world, and the Zoo believes in Longhorn’s ability to provide exceptional service and solutions to help them achieve these goals.”
Using innovative tech
Longhorn Organics specializes in aquatic design, development, and construction—above and below the ground. The Texas-based company takes a technical approach, employing biological system specialists, and 3-D modellers that work closely with zoo staff.
Using 3-D laser mapping, the team created a “point cloud” to form an image of the actual space. Each of the millions of points provide GPS data for pinpoint precision in modelling, which ultimately saves time and costs.
In addition to precision engineering, the company is serious about maintaining the highest standards for animal health. Longhorn is designing and building both of the main life support systems (LSS) to have automation and easy maintenance.
Faucett says, “Our ultimate goal is to have every project be the absolute best it can be, to provide the utmost in animal well-being and to make the keeper’s jobs be simpler and more enjoyable.” Accordingly, the Longhorn team ensures Zoo staff are trained on the operation and maintenance of all systems, providing support as needed.
“This project will be a fond memory for Longhorn because it is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to our craft,” says Faucett. “The Zoo has recognized our unique approach and quality of work to have tangible benefits.”
Recently, Zoo Knoxville’s new $18 million Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus (ARC) opened in April of 2021 with the help of Longhorn Organics and Denark Construction.
