Zoo Boise [  + Photo 1   + Photo 2   + Photo 3   + Photo 4   + Photo 5  ]

In the fall of 2007,erstad ARCHITECTS was selected to develop the WDM conceptual master plan of  Zoo Boise - African Adventure into detailed construction documents and provide all coordination between the engineering consultants and Boise City Planning & Development Services.  Several changes were made that deviated from the conceptual plan to take into consideration actual site amenities and incorporate advice from an African Ranger Consultant. 

This project was not only unique in the types of animals that would be housed in the African Adventure portion of the Zoo, but it required a true collaboration between the Zoo Keepers, Staff, Metal Fabricators building the cage work, Boise City Inspectors, to the final theatrical touches installed by the BSU Art Department.  Always with the intent of keep not only the animals safe, but staff and visitors also. 

At times, the African Adventure project was challenging due to working with traditional materials in non-traditional ways.  Items like lion viewing glass and determining strength of the glass as it relates to a lion’s weight, log poles used for 18 foot high fence posts and development of all the wire fencing connections.   All standard materials, that relied on understanding of each component individually and as a completed element.   

The African Adventure project was truly on of those “once in a lifetime” projects that will live in the Boise community for years to come for everyone to enjoy and experience a little part of African culture and see incredible animals.