The Heart of Africa exhibit fulfills Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s dream of creating an authentic savanna in central Ohio where hundreds of animals large and small occupy familiar habitats. The zoo built the exhibit on more than 100 acres of adjacent farmland that now provide a mix of education and entertainment.
A large quantity of rockwork, which required installation by specialty contractors, provides a barrier between the different sets of animals on the savanna. The general contractor engaged several specialty contractors in a competitive procurement process to complete the rockwork using design assist. That helped ensure quality and schedule, saving $400,000, project team members note. The exterior of a 125-year-old, one-room schoolhouse on the property was overhauled to resemble schools in Africa.