While work on the new facility was under way, Ohio legislators began discussing stricter safety regulations for the housing and display of exotic animals. This prompted the project team to amend original plans with new containment features legislators eventually approved. As a result, both new and original rock work required extensive modification.

The finished facility includes a new handicap-accessible pathway, an 18-ft-tall concrete retaining structure, underground animal holding areas and separate entry and exits to reduce congestion.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Cat Canyon, Cincinnati

Key Players

Owner Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati

GC HGC Construction Co., Cincinnati

Designer Cornette/Violetta Architects, Cincinnati

Structural Engineer Schaefer, Cincinnati

MEP Engineer Innova Engineering Inc., Cincinnati