Zoos and aquariums have always been fascinating places to see exotic creatures, but they are also becoming important hubs of wildlife conservation, education and scientific research, particularly in the face of habitat loss and a changing climate. They promote a world in which all people respect, value and conserve wildlife and wild places. 

Across Canada and the United States, PCL Construction partners with accredited zoos and aquariums to fulfill their critical conservation mission. At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in Alberta, PCL’s expertise touches almost every corner of the zoo and beyond. The Archibald Biodiversity Centre, a 330-acre conservation breeding facility, east of Calgary, was completed in 2023. The center provides a temporary home for animals that will be released back into the wild, such as the greater sage-grouse, Vancouver Island marmots and whooping cranes. Collaboration between PCL, the Zoo’s project team and Animal Care, was critical during the preconstruction phase to achieve that goal. “Our focus is mobilizing the right people to deliver solutions to the zoo in support of its conservation efforts,” says Ryan Young, a project manager who has worked on various projects with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Designing spaces that cater to each animal requires clear communication with the engineers and zookeepers. PCL carries out complex architectural designs while sharing with zookeepers how those designs impact ground operations. No matter what gets drawn, we are ultimately responsible for the end product and we understand the importance of filling in all the gaps,” says Young. “Our goal is to limit impacts on the animals, and make sure it gets built right the first time.”

That dedicated involvement is helping endangered species like the northern leopard frog breed and forage in a protected natural environment before release. “It is great to see the little frogs hatch and make a go of it. They can build a sustainable population thanks to our build,” says Young. “Getting it right is definitely a team approach.”

Acting as project manager, PCL is helping the Palm Beach Zoo (PBZ) in Florida to future-proof its tiger habitat. One of the first redevelopment projects in a new campaign at the PBZ, the work includes adding a third tiger habitat that will provide extra room for the cats to roam. The new site is designed to accommodate an expanding population of Malayan tigers — tigers that are critically endangered. The World Wildlife Fund estimates there are fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left on the planet.  

PCL is also creating a treetop pathway so the tigers can move freely between all three habitats. The installation of glass panels will offer a better view for zoo visitors who will be able to see the big cats up close. The work is expected to be completed in late 2024.

PCL’s commitment to animal protection extends to each zoo project it undertakes, regardless of scale. When four giant pandas made the Calgary Zoo their temporary home, zoo officials trusted PCL to create a home away from home. PCL’s Special Projects team — a highly skilled small contractor services group — went above and beyond as construction managers, creating a bamboo forest for the pandas that was recognized for its exceptional work by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) with the Living Building Challenge Petal Certification. Scott Kovacs, Special Projects project manager, was part of the team that helped Calgary become the second zoo in the world to achieve the Petal Certification.

“It’s the world’s most rigorous green-building certification,” says Kovacs. “Using a solution provider mentality, we went to incredible lengths to not only meet, but exceed the Red List requirements set out by ILFI.”

Immersive exhibits allow visitors to experience nature in new ways and bring an appreciation and understanding to conservation efforts. One such example is a key component of Zoo Miami’s attraction Florida: Mission Everglades, where an airboat ride transports guests along a river for close encounters with plant and animal species. PCL recognized that the construction of the river channel by which the airboat would travel required meticulous coordination among trade contractors. Placing themselves at the heart of the coordination action, PCL self-performed the cast-in-place concrete for the entire 1,000-foot river channel and installed ride systems for the airboat attraction. PCL’s ability to self-perform parts of the channel scope saved money for the owner and coordinated the ride’s construction so that all components were installed correctly the first time.

As part of the Toronto Zoo’s 50^th anniversary celebrations in 2024, PCL was chosen as the construction manager to help deliver the new Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre (TZC3). The educational space will provide labs and classrooms for university students and an opportunity for the local community to gather and connect with nature. PCL is building TZC3 to Toronto Green Standard Version 4 as part of the Zoo’s TZNet0 Environmental Sustainability Plan to meet its goal of net zero by 2030.

Approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, yet marine life also faces ongoing threats. Aquariums therefore play a vital role in advancing ocean conservation, science and education. PCL’s teams of experts have a demonstrated understanding of the unique challenges that come with aquarium work.

In Miami, PCL enabled visitors to experience the wonder of wildlife at the Amazon and Beyond Expansion. Acting as general contractor, PCL installed a 48,000-gallon fish tank, a 1,000-gallon stingray tank and a crocodile holding and viewing area. The project team also installed graphics, sculptures, and audio/video components to create an interpretive and educational experience for guests while protecting animal environments during construction.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada partnered with PCL to bring a world-class attraction to the heart of Toronto. PCL constructed the building and 10 unique gallery exhibits on a fast-track schedule. Twenty thousand sea creatures in more than 1.5 million gallons of water are on display. This work helps Ripley’s foster conservation and research of the natural world through environmental education while providing the highest standard of welfare for the animals.

No matter the size of the project or the complexity of the design, PCL has the experience, owner mindset and dedicated approach to team success to provide best-in class construction services to clients. With a diverse portfolio of projects, PCL helps zoos and aquariums design and build spaces that provide enhanced living conditions for animals and a visitor experience that promotes better understanding of the issues those animals face in the natural world.