Los Angeles Zoo
Los Angeles, CA
A renovation of two older habitats into a single, new 9,500 SF exhibit designed for animal activity and spectacular visitor views, topped off with a world-class holding facility.
Project Type
Two old habitats were merged into one large renovated area with a new, multi-level, state-of-the-art holding facility. The 9,500 SF chimpanzee exhibit provides visitors with a variety of exciting viewing experiences. Inside the interpretive building floor to ceiling glass is all that separates visitors and the chimpanzees. From a viewing deck or viewing blind visitors get spectacular views of the chimpanzees interacting with each other, climbing on large logs, playing in a stream or just observing the visitors from a variety of ledges or high points. Enrichment features allow visitors to interact with the chimpanzees by engaging in tug of war or playing in the artificial feeding log.
At the time of construction, the holding facility was the most advanced chimpanzee holding facility in the world, combining functionality and nearly ideal chimpanzee living accommodations on a difficult site.
The chimps want to be able to climb, have a social group and plenty of things to occupy their time and their minds... They’ve got a state-of-the-world exhibit.
— Jane Goodall, Renowned Primatologist (as quoted in the LA Times)
Project Characteristics
- Award of Design Excellence, LA Board of Cultural Affairs
- Renovated 2 old habitats into 1
- New state-of-the-art holding facility
- Floor to ceiling glass
- Viewing deck
- Stream
- Artificial feeding log
Legacy & Expertise Notes
Industry Insider
Most advanced chimp holding to date
Technical Expertise
Floor to ceiling glass