San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Deneen Powell Atelier, Inc. led the design team of architects and engineering firms while working hand in hand with the San Diego Zoo Global staff (comprised of Zoo architects, directors, curators, keepers, horticulturists, retail and merchandise directors, maintenance and grounds experts, as well as the Development and Interpretive department staff ) to create this Walkabout multi-species experiential exhibit. The fun and totally quirky “old and abandoned” backcountry of Australia theme offered a plethora of design influence for this 3.5 acre wooded, hillside exhibit.
Visitors walk up a winding “road” with authentic Stobie (electric) poles, highway guardrails and idiosyncratic interpretive and donor recognition signage. They then enter an “abandoned and decaying” homestead (the animal airlock) to walk among the kangaroos as they bound freely throughout the yard dodging the magpie geese.
A rusty “aged” Woolshed provides a characteristically Walkabout Australian backdrop while serving as an interpretive center, event space and café on the upper floor, with animal bedrooms and staff facilities nestled below. This is a totally immersive experience where attention is granted to the minutest details — we challenge you to identify these design details as well as encourage you to experience the kangaroos within their world.
Located within Walkabout Australia is the Walkabout Platypus Exhibit; the only exhibit of its kind outside of Australia. As one of Australia’s most iconic species, this semi-aquatic egg-laying animal is also one of the few venomous mammals. The exhibit is a trick in time — the interior of the exhibit during regular visiting hours mimics nighttime and switches to daylight at night. This allows visitors to see these nocturnal critters doing acrobatics and frolicking in the water.
In addition exhibit design and landscape architecture, Deneen Powell Atelier, Inc. also designed the immersive interpretive and donor recognition programs for Walkabout Australia. Modeled after backcountry Australia in the 40’s and 50’s these idiosyncratic “aged” elements provide additional layers of information, immersion and inclusion for the visitors. These eclectic elements include: a roadside post office with mail boxes that recognize donors; an old gas station sign entry monument; a washed ashore boat with critical information on wetlands; donor recognition license plates mounted throughout the site; a collage of signs providing strong conservation messaging; and an old loom recognizing the Zuest Woodshed.
