Exhibit designs
25/11/2022 13:21
Why is enclosure design important
• Integral components of an animal collections design
• Affects visitors reaction or impression
• Convey messages - sparks a connection to animal leads
to conservation efforts
• Need to look after the physiological and psychological
needs of species
Enclosure design history
• Began with menagerie style - cages, bars, etc
• Move towards more scientific facilities - focus on ease of
cleaning, artificial aesthetic
• 20th century: carl hangenbecks vision - a zoo without
bars
• This move toward immersive exhibits (includes walk,
through exhibits) was imperative to the zoos move
towards education and conservation
Who must be considered when designing an enclosure?
• Animal
○ Exhibit natural behaviours
○ Safety, protection from pain, injury, suffering and
disease.
○ Prey/predator
• Keepers
○ Easy to maintain, time efficient
○ Safe, secure
• Visitors
○ Immersive
○ Conservation from interactions
Animal welfare
• Animal enclosure must meet the needs of the animals:
○ These include:
§ Behaviour
§ Reproduction
§ Habitat
§ Feeding
25/11/2022 13:21
Why is enclosure design important
• Integral components of an animal collections design
• Affects visitors reaction or impression
• Convey messages - sparks a connection to animal leads
to conservation efforts
• Need to look after the physiological and psychological
needs of species
Enclosure design history
• Began with menagerie style - cages, bars, etc
• Move towards more scientific facilities - focus on ease of
cleaning, artificial aesthetic
• 20th century: carl hangenbecks vision - a zoo without
bars
• This move toward immersive exhibits (includes walk,
through exhibits) was imperative to the zoos move
towards education and conservation
Who must be considered when designing an enclosure?
• Animal
○ Exhibit natural behaviours
○ Safety, protection from pain, injury, suffering and
disease.
○ Prey/predator
• Keepers
○ Easy to maintain, time efficient
○ Safe, secure
• Visitors
○ Immersive
○ Conservation from interactions
Animal welfare
• Animal enclosure must meet the needs of the animals:
○ These include:
§ Behaviour
§ Reproduction
§ Habitat
§ Feeding
