Audubon Zoo
New Orleans, LA
New 1.5 acre exhibit with habitat, demonstration & holding areas, a strong conservation education message, and nose-to-nose views.
Project Type
CLR Design was hired by the Audubon Zoo to help envision a return of lions to the African exhibit zone of the Zoo in a big way. This new home gives the lions a spacious new habitat that merges the look and feel of an African savanna comprised of grasses, trees and “kopje” granite rock outcroppings with a replica of an abandoned 1920s-era train station. The Zoo has deemed it “a tragic symbol” of the transportation system that “opened the door to habitat loss, poaching and the devastation of Africa’s vast natural resources.” Simulated train cars have been turned into conservation and research stations that offer animal care and education demonstrations, while also featuring many unique nose-to-nose views of the animals. The lines are blurred between animal spaces and people spaces. This includes a couple of areas where the lions are separated by mesh train panels and guests and lions can see, hear, and feel the breathing and rumbling of each other. The train station features a Tingatinga-style mural painted by a local artist that features a bright and colorful savanna filled with wildlife.
Project Characteristics
- Uniquely themed train experience on the edge of a savanna habitat
- Blurred lines between lion and people spaces
- Nose-to-nose glass and mesh view and contact areas
- State-of-the-art holding and management facility with 2 wings for species expansion or additions
- Interpretive stories and theming for integrated educational messaging