Modern Zoo Enclosures

A Zoo Without Bars

The founder of Chester Zoo was driven by his
mission to have a zoo without bars. This was
forward thinking, as now the design of enclosures
in the modern zoo is rapidly moving towards this
vision.

All Change!
Chester Zoo takes care of many species of animals,
many of which are now under the extreme threat of
extinction in the wild.
The Zoos contribution to both conservation and
education is clear. Now the Zoo is moving forwards and
incorporating new and exciting possibilities into
enclosure design.
Chester Zoo has always had the aim of achieving the
most natural enclosure possible for its animals
animals. Since the
1930s, where improvements have been possible, they
have been implemented. Such improvements will
continue into the future.

Jaguar enjoying the waterfall feature built in the enclosure

Design Principles
It is now important to be thinking differently in terms of
enclosure design. Historically, little thought was put into the
needs of the animal,
animal or representing it accurately in an
enclosure which displays features of a natural habitat.
Today, enclosure design focuses on animal welfare, animal
and visitor safety, maximising the potential for education and
creating a memorable experience.
In p
principle,
p , visitors should be p
positioned in a way
y that means
the animal still has the opportunity to be above them. Visitors
should not be consistently above the animal. The barriers
should be eliminated from view as much as possible, even if
they have been made to look natural. The animals should also
not feel surrounded by people, instead there should be a
series of small overlooks. It would be ideal if visitors could not
see other visitors, therefore overlooks should not be facing
each other or should be appropriately screened.
To enhance experience, visitors should be immersed into the
environment of the animal as much as possible, with walkthrough enclosures and environments, and multiple viewing
points which do not allow for sight
p
g of the full enclosure in one
place. Viewing itself should be situated out of the way of the
main visitor thoroughfare, therefore leaving main pathways
clear.

The butterfly/visitor environment at Chester Zoo

The habitat should recreate an animals natural landscape as

much as possible, but not in a way which may detract from the
species on view (i.e. out of proportion features). Naturalistic
enrichment items should also be incorporated to provide for
the animals physical and psychological welfare.

Animals should also have the opportunity to remove

themselves from view, and also to choose different
temperatures, light and humidity. Social animals should be
kept in relevant social groupings, and different species can
be mixed where compatible. It is important that there are
good off-show areas available for animal husbandry and
also for veterinary and keeper access for the treatment of
any poorly or injured animals if required.
The exhibit
e hibit itself sho
should
ld be set within
ithin a series of e
exhibits
hibits
which are themed, or which show species from similar
habitats or geographical locations.
By incorporating all of these principles into the design of
enclosures, the modern zoo can take shape and move into
the future with a firm focus on conservation
conservation, education and
visitor experience.

References and Further Resources

Design Principles by Coe and Jones: Design Principles
for the Presentation for Animals and Nature, 1982,
AAZPA, Pheonix, Arizona
Coe. J and Mendez.R (2005) The Unzoo Alternative.
ARAZPA/SEAZA Joint Conference.
Conference Available at:
www.zoolex.org/publication/coe/Unzoo150805.pdf
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