ENR Midwest Project of the Year: Lion Habitat Built with a Lot of Pride

Abstract

The new 54,000-sq-ft Pepper Family Wildlife Center nearly doubles the size of the previous lion habitat and provides more transparency, including a double door where, on select days, visitors can see lions get their check-ups from the zoo’s veterinarians. The $41-million renovation, restoration and expansion would take care to preserve the landmark, create a better experience for the lions. The zoo's steam supply had to remain operable. The building’S steam supply, which also ran through the Great Hall, also had to stay operable, had to be removed. The project was designed. The lions moved to the zoo in 2019. ‘Bringing some more transparency shows what we mean by expert care.’ – Maureen Leahy, Vice President of Animal Care, Maureen Leyy, vice president of animal care and horticulture.