“I like to think of a zoo as almost a mini city. As you look around…there’s a maze of things going on the surface. Interactions between pedestrian guests and service aspects – underground there’s a web of utilities; storm, sanitary, water, gas, electrical, data. You have that interaction of all those items, and you really need an engineer to put it all together.” Scott Oswald, PE, CFM, ENV SP.
For years, Lamp Rynearson has proudly partnered with the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. Our legacy as civil engineers shines through some of their awe-inspiring exhibits. From the mesmerizing stingray pool to the majestic elephant complex and, most recently, the captivating Hubbard Orangutan Forest, our expertise and dedication have helped bring these incredible habitats to life.
A two in one project, our work on the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, first started with the demolition of the previous enclosure, the Cat Complex. Careful site planning and utility coordination was needed for both the demolition and the newly planned site layout. With careful survey over all water and gas lines, we redid the famous Claire Waterfall, adding to its natural beauty and continuing the theming for the orangutans. Once ready, Lamp Rynearson provided the paving that now guides you through the newly interactive exhibit.
Over the last ten years of renovations throughout the zoo, animal welfare has been the top priority in every partner’s mind. Small steps like removing uncomfortable concrete or bars go a long way in helping to make sure the animals who call The Henry Doorly Zoo home have a long, happy life.
Redesigning not just the exhibit but the surrounding area gave us ample opportunity to provide more accessible routes to and from. Scott Oswald, a Water Resources Technical Expert, speaks about how he’s most proud of the adding an accessible route to the exhibit. In our pursuit to leave a legacy, these types of additions may just have the biggest impact.
Join us in the video below, as we continue to shape extraordinary experiences for both visitors and wildlife at the nation’s top zoo!