The original Chimpanzee Exhibit at Taronga Zoo was constructed in 1980 and the refurbishment of that facility by Lipman in this project recognises the changing dynamics of the Chimpanzee group and the modern requirements in animal husbandry.
This most unusual building project involved very careful detailed planning and research by the very dedicated site team working in an operational public zoo, with animals, staff, visitors, buses, cars, delivery vehicles, cranes, hoists, sourcing materials in Australia and overseas; some meetings being undertaken via Skype. Architects, structural and services engineers all had to be planned and programmed to meet strict milestones to complete this very intricate and detailed project.
When inspecting the finished project many of the very detailed items of large structural steel elements are encased with natural timbers to resemble trees resting at various angles.
The latest 3D technologies were adopted to assist in the production of the various shapes that make up the huge climbing wall and surround fences and roof structures.
The finished project is a credit to the Lipman team, in the management of this huge assortment of various building experts. It also included taking advice from the Zoo experts in Australia and Germany, to produce this world class safe and secure Chimpanzee Zoo Exhibit facility.