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Zoo Habitat Design
Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage

Zoo Habitat Design

Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage

Project Stats

Project Stats

Project Location:

Madison, WI

Year Completed:

2015

About the Project

Forge across the tundra in this Arctic expedition which completely immerses guests, bringing them face-to-face with polar bears, seals and grizzly bears. Pools feature underwater viewing for both polar bears and seals and can be operated as freshwater or as saltwater.

Interactive features:

Interpretives show how habitat loss threatens these animals’ future
Kids can “drive” a giant retired Arctic research vehicle, the “Tundra Buggy”
“Problem Bear Relocation Trap”
“Cubs Crossing” tunnel for energetic little ones to climb around

Sustainability features:

Solar panels
Rainwater harvesting and underground storage save 2 million+ gallons annually

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 1

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 2

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 3

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 4

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 5

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 6

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 7

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 8

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 9

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 10

Zoo Habitat Architecture Henry Vilas Zoo Arctic Passage Project WDM Architects 11

Award-Winning Project

Henry Vilas Zoo - Arctic Passage
Top Honors Exhibit Award

AZA