ANNUAL REPORT 2006 - Denver Zoo

Planning andCapital ProjectsGeorge R. PondVice President for Planning and Capital ConstructionEvery year seems to be a busy year forthe Planning Department and 2006 wasno exception. Planning department staffengaged the full gamut of projects fromsmall to large; the opening of a new exhibit;a building and exhibit nearing completion;and yet another major project in the laststage of design.Of particular note in the small projectcategory, the Planning Department staffworked with the Denver Water Departmentto initiate a new water conservation projectat the Northern Shores Duck Ponds. TheDuck Ponds were using 31 million gallonsof water per year when measured in 2006.In the fall we coordinated the installationof a system to recirculate water throughboth ponds and we expect to save as manyas 25 million gallons each year. As a partof Denver Water’s Commercial Incentiveprogram, Denver Water will pay the zoo a$40,000 incentive if we meet the project goalof saving 2.8 million gallons of water in thefirst year.Following is a summary of PlanningDepartment activities during 2006:Lorikeet AdventureThe construction at Lorikeet Adventurewas winding down in the first weeksof the year and Bird Department staffbegan to move the lorikeets to thenew facility in early May. The birdsacclimated to the new surroundingsfor several weeks before the soft orunofficial opening May 20, and onSaturday, May 27, the exhibit officiallyopened. The new lorikeet holdingbuilding is 700 square feet comparedto 450 square feet in their former homein Primate Panorama. The building hasseven individual holding cages withremovable sidewalls to allow animalstaff to create large communal spacesfor the birds if desired. The walkthroughaviary is 3,500 square feetcompared to 6,000 square feet in theforest aviary, allowing a more intimateexperience between our guests and thebirds.Bird Propagation CenterThe Bird Propagation Center secured fullbuilding permits in March, and the Kiewitconstruction team wasted no time getting upto full speed working towards completionof this exciting project. The new facilitywill be one of the largest, if not the largest,propagation center of its kind in the country.The building is composed of three separatewings, multiple outdoor holding areas, anAbove | For several years, Denver Zoo had a temporary lorikeetexhibit in Primate Panorama. A permanent home, Lorikeet Adventure,opened in May 2006.Right | The Bird Propagation Center slated to open in Spring 2007will feature public exhibits that will interpret the aviculture work thatwill be housed inside the new 10,000 square foot breeding center.42Far Right | The Bird Propagation Center construction site viewedfrom Duck Lake.