Grizzly Ridge & Otter Run

These dual exhibits mark the first in a series of projects as part of the Zoo’s $36 million expansion – Destination Riverbanks. Grizzly Ridge and Otter Run are situated adjoining the newly constructed entry plaza and visitor facilities. Each exhibit provides visitors with up close viewing of the animals’ habitat in outdoor view shelters constructed of rough sawn posts.

Grizzly Ridge features a combination of rockwork and natural substrate allowing the animals to actively dig and play. Filtration equipment is hidden from the viewer within a rockwork clad equipment shelter built into the exhibit barrier.

Otter Run’s expansive laminate glazed view window provides for both above and underwater viewing. Between the exhibits and adjoining the entry structures is the newly-constructed otter holding building housing 2 holding dens and a keeper food prep area.

CLR’s illustrator, John Collins, was able to anticipate the look of the exhibit so accurately that a 2016 photo of the exhibit almost exactly matched his sketch from 2013 when the project was still in the Schematic Design phase.