Roo Valley
Client: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Project Location: Cincinnati, OH
Completion: 2020
Certification: LEED Platinum (pending)
The Roo Valley exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the initial developments in the zoo’s “More Home to Roam” revitalization campaign. The exhibit is located on a west facing hillside lying below the main pedestrian loop. The previous habitats had become outdated and disconnected from the rest of the zoo. To transform the area, Roo Valley sought to introduce habitats for Kangaroos and Little Blue Penguins to create a unique visitor experience. Zoo patrons approach the habitats by navigating a winding path from the main pedestrian loop that twice crosses an artificial stream and waterfall. Along the path, unique views are created of the habitats below. Unlike most habitats at the zoo, the habitat for the Kangaroos was designed to be immersive by bringing the visitor path into the habitat so that the Kangaroos can be viewed without separation barriers. Other key design elements of the habitat include a themed holding building with a green roof, aerial ropes course, underground water collection tanks, and the Hops Restaurant and Beer Garden.
