Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo Transformation Plan by CLRdesign (with my collaboration) was approved as a road map for the staged redevelopment of the entire 17 Ha (42 acre) property as a 2.5-kilometre interconnected network of animal trailways complimented by interwoven visitor trails, the world’s first. The total constructed length of trails to date is about 1000m (3,170’). For more about animal rotation and trailways please see that section in the Exhibit Trends section under Zoo Theory.

“The goal is for animals to “have a much more varied experience in their lives and truly travel, truly explore, in a way that creates all sorts of behavioral opportunities,” said Andrew Baker, the zoo’s chief operating officer.” Sandy Bauer, Phil Inquirer 17 August 2012.  Read the entire news item here.

Animal opportunities for exploration, exercise and social interaction can be vastly expanded without enlarging the zoo itself. Importantly, seeing animals moving through the zoo has been highly popular with zoo visitors. Philadelphia Zoo. developed the marketing motto: “As you move through the zoo, the zoo moves around you!”  

Lessons learned: As a result of this bold, novel, and dramatic new approach Philadelphia Zoo became the “must see” attraction in the region and photos and videos went viral on international media and social websites, the best advertising a zoo could have!