DeMaria, the lead contractor for the world’s deepest-dive penguinarium, constructed various animal habitats for the Detroit Zoological Society over 15 years.

To create this 13-acre exhibit—thought to be the most naturalistic African savanna exhibit in any North American urban zoo—the project team had to overcome logistical challenges at the 100-plus-year-old public park, create an authentic environment with natural components, and accommodate the needs of animals, visitors and staff.

The largest facility of its kind in the world, the conservation center opened earlier this year as home to more than 80 penguins of four different species: gentoo, macaroni, rockhopper and king.

The African Gorilla Exhibit brings gorillas back to the Houston Zoo after a 10-year absence.