Innovative Design for Big Cats at Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo has unveiled a new habitat for its big cats, featuring specially designed swimming pools that cater to the needs of jaguars and lions. This innovative addition is not only a treat for visitors but also a testament to the careful planning and engineering required to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals.
Challenges in Construction
Building these pools presented unique challenges that differ significantly from constructing standard swimming pools. The primary concern was ensuring the safety of the animals while maintaining an engaging experience for zoo visitors. Dane Palmero, a pool builder with Overflow Pools, the company responsible for this project, highlighted the specific guidelines provided by the zoo.
“The zoo taught us a lot, saying, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,’ or ‘Make sure this works this way,’ because we have to consider the animals,” Palmero explained. These instructions were crucial in shaping the design and construction process.
Design Modifications for Animal Safety
Matthew Tenuta, another team member from Overflow Pools, detailed some of the modifications made to the pool design. One significant change involved the placement of the skimmer. “We weren’t able to put the skimmer in a normal location to prevent the cats’ claws from getting stuck, so we had to recess the skimmer 2 feet back,” he said. This adjustment was essential to avoid any potential harm to the jaguars and lions.
In addition to the skimmer, the main drain was carefully tucked in to ensure it would not pose any issues for the big cats. These thoughtful modifications reflect the commitment to creating a safe environment for the animals.
Enhancing Visitor Experience
Beyond animal safety, the design also focused on the visitor experience. The placement of boulders and the elevation of the pool were considered to provide optimal viewing angles for zoo guests. “We had to be cautious of boulder placement and elevations of the pool, so visitors can still see the animals from different angles,” Tenuta added.
This attention to detail ensures that visitors can enjoy the spectacle of the big cats while also appreciating the thoughtfulness behind the habitat’s design.
A Unique Project for a Special Client
While Overflow Pools has built many backyard pools across the Valley, this project presented a different kind of client. “We weren’t in a backyard; we were here in the Phoenix Zoo doing something for an animal that’s going to enjoy this space like a family member would,” Tenuta said. This perspective highlights the importance of the project and the responsibility that comes with it.
Additional Features
The new exhibit also includes an overhead catwalk for the big cats, allowing them to move around the area while providing visitors with a unique vantage point. This feature showcases the extensive thought and planning that went into the creation of the habitat.
Overall, the Phoenix Zoo’s new big cats habitat represents a successful blend of innovation, safety, and visitor engagement. It serves as a model for how zoos can create environments that benefit both animals and the people who visit them.
