Zoo360

Rather than looking to update specific parts of its campus as most institutions do, America’s first zoo decided to completely transform itself through a series of completely new kinds of connections between animals and people. Zoo360 takes the constraints of the 42-acre, urban Zoo and turns them into assets by completely rethinking zoo habitats.

Through a series of contained trail systems, multiple species “time-share” elevated and at-grade transparent tunnel systems that allow the animals (and visitors) freedom of choice, vantages, explorations and experiences never before available in a zoo setting. Treetop Trail is a 1,700-foot elevated mesh trail system for lemurs, mangabey, saki and other monkeys. Orangutans and gibbons use the Great Ape Trail while Western lowland gorillas use the Gorilla Treeway. Meanwhile, Big Cat Crossing is a 330-foot long elevated path that is used at various times by tigers, lions, jaguar, puma, and leopards. Meerkat Maze offers paths and lookouts for its animals, while running alongside it is a parallel maze inviting kids to get up close and personal with these exciting small mammals and climb and play as they do. The Water is Life exhibit provides paths for red pandas and giant river otters.

Zoo360 provides enrichment and stimulation to animals, visitors, and zoo staff alike. In just a few short years the concept and design, pioneered by CLR at the Philadelphia Zoo, has been copied by numerous other institutions.