ZOO & SANCTUARY DESIGN
Bringing the functional complexity of the wild to managed animals
DIFFERENT BY DESIGN
We are not architects. We are designers who work with architects; yours or ours, on so much more than "zoos". For generations, countless architects have designed beautiful "enclosures" that fail animals, and the current emphasis on a natural aesthetic, hasn't eliminated this. Using a deep understanding of behavioural ecology and applied welfare science, combined with extensive practical animal management experience, we design habitats that are functionally natural, rather simply being aesthetically naturalistic. We start by establishing animal based performance criteria using the AWPIS methodology as the foundation of our design process, which we seamlessly integrate with institutional requirements and visitor engagement opportunities.
IMPACTFUL
Our own peer reviewed research has demonstrated visitors to wildlife attractions are able to assess animal welfare with a degree of accuracy they hadn't been credited with. The same research shows that visitor perceptions of welfare profoundly affect their enjoyment levels. Our award winning track-record backs this, our innovative approach to welfare by design, has consistently enhanced visitor engagement and income generation. Good animal welfare is more than an obligation or a "cost" of doing business, it's an opportunity.
FUTURE-PROOFED
Fashions change and so do zoos; throughout their history of zoos, there have been trends in zoo design which have seen facilities become redundant, or in need of major redevelopment well within their operational life-cycle. Underpinned by the proven AWPIS process, we design habitats and facilities around the fundamental needs of species which, outside of evolutionary changes over many millennia, are fixed. As public and legislative interest in animal welfare grow, the rate of obsolescence in zoo habitats is set to increase. Care for the Rare build to standards that exceed best practice, were are about more than compliance, we are about excellence.
EXPERIENCED
With over two decades of facility management, development and design experience across four continents, we have been responsible for the growth in both impact and income of some of Europe and North America’s largest wild animal facilities. Innovations we established in the design and management of elephants, giraffe, rhino, hoofstock, large carnivores and primates have become international benchmarks for best practice in terms of welfare and visitor engagement. We are also as experienced in the development of sustainable sanctuary and rescue centres as we are zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks.
