Over the past decades the way in which zoos are designed and managed has undergone considerable change. As our understanding of animal behaviour has advanced, so has the need for zoos to design their accommodation to allow their animals to live as normal a life as possible.
Animal husbandry requirements have become more stringent and, since the advent of organisations such as the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1966, more standardised.
The role of zoos as conservation charities has led to enclosures being designed more as breeding and research facilities. The animals have become the focal point of what the zoo looks like and does.
Visitors’ expectations of their experience of zoos have also changed. It is no longer enough simply to look at an animal: we can do that every day in our own homes. A visit to a zoo involves interacting with the animals – the closer and more involved the better. That has led to more and more complex and spectacular design features involving bigger and more sophisticated construction projects.
These projects can only be carried out by highly experienced professional contractors - the companies listed below are leaders in their specialist areas of expertise. You can click one of our sub categories to find the specialist contractor you are looking for.
