The St. Louis Zoo  Primate Canopy Trails are home to 40 primates representing 14 different species. When lead design firm PGAV Destinations and general contractor Tarlton Corp. began work on the 35,000-sq-ft expansion to the existing primate house in late 2019, one of their biggest challenges was planning work around chimpanzees, lemurs and colobus monkeys. 

Photo courtesy of Tarlton Corp.

Built in 1925 and last renovated in 1977, the expansion is comprised of eight new outdoor habitats. The project provides visitors the chance to experience the animals from vantage points such as a 200-ft-long, winding steel boardwalk at tall treetop levels.

Photo courtesy of Tarlton Corp.

“This is an amazing and unique exhibit that will help us connect people to animals like never before,” said Jeffrey P. Bonner, president and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo. Guests can explore the forest canopy next to the apes and monkeys, and they can also learn about conservation challenges that the primates face and discover solutions that can benefit the animals. 

Photo courtesy of Tarlton Corp.

The design and construction team had to work with minimal straight lines or right angles and work in locations where animal care is a top priority. To handle the small site with limited space, the team divided the site into compartments. They used extensive laser scanning and prefabrication to maintain an aesthetic of very few straight lines or angles. Most important to the zoo, the team coordinated with staff to work around animal and keeper schedules. The result is a first-of-its-kind primate habitat.

Photo courtesy of Tarlton Corp.