Past Projects

Giraffe Building Expansion

Completed in 2023

Thanks to the generosity of long-time zoo friends and lead donors, Lee & Kathy Anderson, we expanded the Giraffe habitat by 5,000 square feet, exceeding welfare requirements outlined by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. 

The project included a new spacious barn and indoor exercise arena. Additional square footage has already allowed the NEW Zoo to welcome Eddie, a male giraffe from the Henry Vilas Zoo, who was successfully introduced to existing residents, Zuri and Nigel. 

Now, the 3,640-square-foot indoor exercise space provides comfort and shelter for the giraffes during inclement weather and overnight hours, plus additional storage. With this expansion, the zoo can also expand the herd and participate in breeding efforts for this endangered species.

Zoo guests also benefit from this expansion! The habitat now offers areas for patrons to enjoy private viewings and interactive, educational encounters. These behind-the-scenes opportunities ultimately result in special experiences for guests of all ages and additional revenue for the zoo. 

Snow Leopard

Lee & Kathy Anderson also led efforts to demolish the old snow leopard building, originally built for baboons in 1994. What was previously the oldest building at the zoo was replaced with a new, modern facility to best meet the needs of two snow leopards, Ahava and Bodhi. 

The new 912-square-foot building includes two indoor shifting systems, allowing staff the flexibility to move the leopards individually. The outdoor space was doubled in size, and a new rock formation highlights the center of the enclosure. The additional space may also encourage breeding behaviors for this critically endangered species.

For guests, the new building provides highly desirable peeks into “big cat” experiences, increasing foot traffic and education department revenues. These interactive encounters also reflect high priorities in our Master Plan and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums standards.