Welcome to this archive of information on zoo and wildlife sanctuary planning, design and management seen from a designer’s perspective. Although most of the material included has been in the public record, sometimes for decades, it also represents my own long journey of discovery in outline form. This is not a textbook on zoo design, though it is intended to be helpful to others in this field.  Nor is it an empirical review of research findings filled with citations from prominent designers and scholars, though many of my peer-reviewed papers and book chapters can be found here. My goal is to provide an integrated idea book organized by both subjects and levels. A casual reader, perhaps a student or manager seeking a general understanding, may scan through these pages. Those seeking specific information may go directly to the subject in question. Others seeking deeper immersion in this lore may read the papers linked to the outlined subjects or could contact or visit the zoos where referenced projects, organized by animal type, are located.

From my Master’s Thesis in 1966 – over 55 years ago – my focus has remained on learning about people, plants, and animals internationally and transforming that knowledge into the built environment.  While still working on a few select projects, my greatest interest now is in sharing and teaching ideas and information in the many roots and branches of this interwoven biotype that is the world of zoos.

This website now reflects this new emphasis by organizing my publications and projects as an archive designed to share research and learning.

Website Organization: Theory and Practice

This site is organized into three broad subject areas:

1. Zoo history and design theories

2. Master planning and

3. Actual individual exhibits groups of related exhibits.

Zoo Theory

Learn how theories of zoo mission, organization and operation have evolved over many years..

Gain a greater understanding of the zoo design process, and styles such as landscape immersion, cultural immersion, and functional modernism along with animal rotation and trail ways.  See discussions of how these contribute to visitor experience, learning and animal welfare. Consider issues of conservation and sustainability, zoo horticulture and management styles. What will be the future of zoos? How does one prepare for a future as a zoo designer?

Planning & Design

Every zoo and wildlife sanctuary needs a master plan to guide development and operation. But how much and what types of planning are needed? What are the differences between physical planning, business/strategic planning, and operational planning, and how should they relate? Check out these useful references and study the 1976 Woodland Park Zoo Long-Range Plan, one of the most impactful zoo master plans ever developed, all in this section.

Zoo Exhibits

In this section information is organized by exhibit type:  great ape, large carnivore, education centre, and so forth.  Learn more about exhibits themselves and how you can get the most out of your investment in a new or renovated exhibit in terms of what is best for animals, caregivers, viewers and business welfare.