Lion Exhibit

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.