PGAV celebrates project openings from 2025

PGAV, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, worked on several projects that launched last year, from immersive zoo and marine experiences to water park firsts and an innovative aviation museum master plan.

As the team gears up for another successful year in 2026, it is looking back at some of the highlights from the last 12 months.

This includes Tiger Forest at Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Florida. Here, elevated trails, glass viewing, and memorable “nose-to-nose” encounters allow guests to get closer to tigers than ever before.

Engaging storytelling and interactive learning highlight global conservation efforts and the importance of protected habitats. This experience helps deepen guest empathy and emphasises tiger wellbeing.

Meanwhile, the team also delivered a strategic vision and master plan for Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan. PGAV’s detailed master plan outlines the future development of the Air Zoo’s 50-acre campus, paving the way for expansion, innovation, and memorable guest experiences.

With over 100 rare aircraft and more than 100,000 artefacts, this Smithsonian-affiliated attraction is set to thrive for many years.

Zoos, theme parks and more

At California's SeaWorld San Diego, the company helped deliver Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. This 360° experience captivates guests with glowing jellyfish, vibrant colour environments, and innovative interactives.

In three galleries, visitors explore the surreal and learn about the fragile ocean ecosystems that these creatures help sustain.

In China, Chimelong Guangzhou Water Park opened a significant expansion.

This featured two world-first attractions from ProSlide: the world’s first Launched HydroMAGNETIC LIM Mammoth Coaster, featuring Asia’s first FlyingSAUCER 60, and the world’s first HIVE 35 family tower complex, anchored by an industry-first Double TORNADO 60.

Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania unveiled Flamingo Cove in 2025. This lush walkthrough habitat immerses visitors in a vibrant wetland environment shared by Caribbean and African greater flamingos.

Philadelphia Zoo

The expanded space fosters natural social behaviours while emphasising wetland conservation efforts.

For the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, 2025 saw the opening of North America Trek, its most ambitious expansion in decades. Guests explore landscapes inspired by Smoky Mountain forests, western canyons, and northern wetlands.

Key features include large habitats for animals such as black bears, Mexican wolves, bald eagles, and river otters—many of which are rescued or rehabilitated.

The Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation highlights local species and restoration efforts, and the design emphasises sustainability with accessible paths, reused materials, rescued trees, natural rockwork, and green roofs.

Designed by PGAV Destinations and built by Pepper Construction, this eight-acre realm reconnects guests with the wild heart of North America.

Looking ahead

San Antonio Zoo in Texas celebrated two new projects in 2025. Congo Falls is a two-acre, modern habitat for eight western lowland gorillas, including a 60-foot climbing tower and engaging, enrichment-focused terrain.

Created to emphasise animal agency, it provides immersive views of gorilla behaviour, conservation efforts, and the issues confronting wild habitats today.

San Antonio Zoo

Overlooking the new Congo Falls habitat, The Ralston is a skyline-facing event venue with views into a two-acre gorilla habitat, making every gathering memorable and unique.

Other project openings in 2025 included St. Louis Adventure Park, Busch Gardens Tampa's meerkats, Celebration Key, Grandfather Mountain, the Journey of Flight master plan, and multiple campus plans.

“We love to celebrate the opening of remarkable landmark projects, and it allows us to also look ahead—to the next stories we’ll help tell, the next guests we’ll inspire, and the next opportunities to elevate experiences around the world," says Emily Howard, PGAV principal.

"Each completed attraction reflects years of collaboration, innovation, and trust, and each one lays the groundwork for what comes next.

"With new projects already underway and bold ideas in development, PGAV remains committed to shaping the future of destinations through thoughtful design leadership, immersive storytelling, and a relentless focus on the guest experience into 2026 and beyond.”

During 2025, PGAV also celebrated 60 years of creating unforgettable experiences across themed entertainment, zoos and aquariums, and museums and cultural destinations.