Great Plains Zoo |
I was reading the book An Introduction to Zoo Biology and Management by Paul A. Rees and it included an exhibit design considerations list which I thought people might find useful for designing realistic habitats in Planet Zoo.
Animal needs
- How big are the animals?
- How much space do they need?
- Are they active or sedentary?
- Are they social or solitary?
- Where will they feed?
- Where will they sleep?
- Where will they breed?
- What vegetation and substrate are suitable?
- What resting places do they need?
- Do they need structures to climb, water, rocks, open space?
- Do individuals need to escape from conspecifics and other species?
- Where can they hide from visitors?
- What are their temperature, humidity, light, water quality and other environmental needs?
- Are any toxic plants or other toxic materials present?
- Are there any dangerous structures?
- Is there any shade?
- Are there any risks to the animals' safety?
- Are there any risks to the animals' health?
- Has suitable enrichment been provided?
Keeper needs
- How will the keeper enter the enclosure?
- How can the keeper escape from the enclosure in an emergency?
- Is the enclosure secure?
- Where will food be prepared?
- How and where will food be provided?
- Are there isolation areas for veterinary access?
- Are there off-show areas for breeding and sick animals, etc.?
- Can animals be easily viewed for health checks?
- How will waste be removed and how will the enclosure be cleaned?
- Can pathogens and parasites be controlled?
- Is there access to electricity and water?
- Are enrichment devices and other equipment easy to maintain?
- Can contact with dangerous animals be controlled or avoided?
Visitor needs
- Can the visitors see the animals clearly?
- Are viewpoints accessible to young, elderly and disabled visitors?
- Are hand-washing facilities available if the visitor enters the enclosure?
- Is the exhibit attractive?
- Does it reflect the animals' natural habitat?
- Does the visitor feel immersed in the exhibit?
- Are the barriers intrusive?
- Are visitors safe?
- Is there adequate information available about the animals?
- Is the signage up-to-date?
- Is the exhibit educational?
- Where should the interpretation signs be located?
- Are safety notices adequate?
- Can the visitor view a video or CCTV link if the animals are off-show or hiding?
Sustainability needs
- Are the building materials from sustainable sources?
- Can existing facilities be reused?
- Can recycled construction materials be used?
- Is the animal house properly insulated?
- Can water in pools and other water features be recycled?
- Can rainwater from roofs be collected?
- Can solar heating be used?
- Can solar panels supplement the electricity supply?
- Can waste be recycled?
- Can natural light be used to illuminate the animal house?
- Can energy-efficient electrical devices be used?
- Does the animal house incorporate a green roof?
- Can the design of the enclosure be used to encourage visitors to think about sustainability?
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