Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's US$73m African Grasslands opens to public
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has launched its brand new US$73m (€65.4m, £49.9m) fully immersive outdoor African Grasslands exhibit.
Covering 113,312sq m (1,200,000sq ft), African Grasslands is the largest construction project in the US zoo’s history.
The project, which started development in Q3 2014, features mixed-species habitats, pools for animals and interactive demonstration areas, with the layout and grouping of animals intended to replicate an african habitat and ecosystem.
Zoo specialists CLR Design masterplanned the project, which makes extensive use of grasses, acacia-like trees, rock kopjes – granite boulders set in the open savanna – and minimal barriers to facilitate unobstructed views.
Some of the wildlife is new to the zoo, and a new elephant barn measuring more than half an acre, provides the largest herd room in North America.
The multi-million dollar exhibition also features interactive guest and keeper areas including a splash pool, elephant training area and giraffe feeding platform. A new themed train station is located near the African Lodge at the centre of the site.
A second phase of development will soon be underway, which focuses on homing a pride of lions among other wildlife within the next year.
The zoo’s next project to open will be its new Alaskan Adventure splash park, which has been developed at a cost of US$14m (€12.5m, £9.5m) and is set to open later this year. The new exhibit is Alaskan-themed, featuring dancing waters through sprays and spouts and more than 75 bronze sculptures created by Nebraska-born Matthew Placzek.
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium African Grasslands CLR Design Alaskan Adventure splash parkAttractions bodies launch Europe-wide biodiversity campaign
Dan Pearlman plans new panda project as immersive experience debuts in South Korea
Central Florida Zoo plans US$25m student training facility
Smithsonian teams up with India's Central Zoo Authority for international training scheme
Detroit Zoo debuts expansive new penguin habitat
Memphis Zoo sets opening date for final component of 20-year masterplan
Surveillance footage used in elephant sleep research and egg protection at Dublin Zoo
Hackathon utilises new technology for proposed Sydney Zoo
Beijing Zoo considers partial relocation to improve animal welfare
US zoo adds immersive US$70m wildlife habitat
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
First glimpses revealed of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's subterranean spa retreat
"Architecture is alive" says Ma Yansong, as Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
Why shouldn’t sports facilities be beautiful? Across Asia, architects are creating landmark buildings for the public, discovers Christopher de Wolf