NORFOLK, VA – July 23, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The Virginia Zoo is making improvements to the containment barrier surrounding the elephant habitat this summer.
Steel I-beams are replacing wood posts, and the holding yard adjacent to the habitat is being expanded from 3,600 square feet to more than 4,400 square feet as part of the project.
“The original fence posts date back to 2002, and the new steel posts are stronger and more durable,” said Jody Watkins, the Virginia Zoo’s elephant manager. “This will allow us to leave elephants out in their habitat overnight, so they can spend more time on natural substrate and get more exercise.” He added that the expanded outdoor holding yard will also provide more room for both elephants.
Construction of the project is being performed by Hampton Roads’ own Auxiliary Systems Inc., and involves more than 30,000 pounds of steel and 230,000 pounds of concrete. Zoo visitors will be able to see some of the construction, but the elephants are expected to remain on exhibit in their outdoor habitat while the project is underway.
“New construction projects, like the Animal Wellness Campus, get the most attention, but ongoing improvements to existing habitats are also an important part of our commitment to provide the highest level of animal care possible for our residents,” said Roger Sweeney, the Zoo’s assistant director. “Hopefully these improvements will also pave the way for an opportunity to add a third elephant to our herd.”
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