Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Fresno, CA
Anchored by a temple ruin inspired by Ta Prohm in Cambodia, this 3 acre project will revitalize exhibits for tigers, rhinos, orangutans and other Asian species while preserving mature trees and providing new food and education services.
Project Type
The project site is approximately 3 acres in size and is located southeast of the existing Zoo entry, south of Sea Lion Cove and west of the African Adventure. The existing Asia zone to be redeveloped includes habitats and support facilities for Malayan Tigers, Orangutan, Sloth Bear, Small-Clawed Otters, Tomistoma, Komodo Dragon, Hornbill, and Song Birds.
The new concepts for this project will stitch into this site preserving mature shade trees throughout, and will maintain, and enhance in some cases, the existing facilities for rhinos, orangutans, and tigers. An immersive southeast Asian forest will characterize the habitats and overall guest experience. A temple ruin will anchor the core of the site, themed after aspects of Ta Prohm, Angkor, Cambodia. A new food and guest services hub, as well as a flex-use education learning lab, are both key aspects of the project vision.
Project Characteristics
- Tightly woven, immersive Asian Forest experience
- Highlights key conservation species: Sloth Bear, Tiger, & Orangutan
- Land use and circulation sensitively laid out in an existing mature forest
- Ties in field researched temple architecture from Angkor Wat, Cambodia