Zoomazium – Fact Sheet
Zoomazium – Fact Sheet |
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window Zoomazium will focus on nature-based opportunities for families and children ages 8 and under and on the special connection that children share with nature. Kids will enjoy a fun, whole-bodied playful space where climbing, crawling, exploring, discovering and learning happen in a nature-focused environment: three-dimensional elements with powerful interactives, physical objects, fascinating programs, and video and audio surprises. When youngsters finish playing in Zoomazium and walk out the door, they will find themselves not on a city street, but on the grounds of the zoo – where the adventure of the learning center is extended onto 92 acres of fascinating animals living in natural settings. The state-of-the-art exhibit will be a “green” building with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification. Zoomazium is a part of the zoo’s updated Long-Range Physical Development Plan approved by Seattle City Council in October 2004. The plan provides overall guidance for the physical development of the zoo over the next 20 years. Its key objectives include improving animal care and conservation facilities; providing new exhibits; enhancing visitors’ experience, particularly families with young children; and building a new parking garage to help reduce the neighborhood traffic impact. Opening: Spring 2006 Location: On the
site of the old Primate House near the zoo’s West
Entry at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Project Cost: $9.6 million. Private and corporate funding for Zoomazium has been provided by: City of Seattle, Howard S. Wright Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, Paul G. Allen Foundation, Robidoux Foundation, The Seattle Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, Safeco Insurance Company, UNICO Properties, US Bank, two anonymous gifts, Leslie Fund, Mike and Marilyn McQuaid, Steven Moss, John and Susan Pohl. Designer: Mithun
Architects + Designers + Planners (Seattle) General Contractor: Kirtley Cole Associates LLC (Everett, Wash.) Project Manager: Jim Maxwell, Woodland Park Zoo Program Manager: Frank Hein, Woodland Park Zoo Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future. |