Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s exciting vision of connection and conservation has resulted in exemplary exhibits supporting species from all over the world. For over two decades, our team has provided multidisciplinary services that led to expanded exhibits, improved infrastructure, and overall enhanced experiences for guests and wildlife alike, including the exciting recent opening of Bramsen Tropical Forests adjacent to Tropic World. Learn more about our ongoing partnership and the bright future ahead.
A leader in conservation and education
Since 1934, the Brookfield Zoo has captured the hearts and minds of nature and animal lovers through its unwavering commitment to celebrating our planet’s most unique species. The Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals spread across 235-acres of diverse habitats from a dolphin bay to wolf woods, each focused on providing both visitor education and world-class animal care.
Led by the mission of inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature, Brookfield Zoo Chicago consistently raises the bar for wildlife parks, offering new programs and creating engaging spaces that inspire curiosity and exploration.
Maintaining an expansive facility for people and animals takes constant focus on accessibility, aesthetics, maintenance, and functionality, keeping the Zoo on a regular schedule of repairs and upgrades for the present day and future. Over the past 20 years, our team has provided various services for a long string of intermittent projects, but the wildest work was yet to come.
Getting the lay of the land
The Zoo has assembled a team of project design and construction experts in hopes of maximizing creativity in solutions and schedule based on historical campus knowledge. V3 has been part of that elite team.
“Given our partnership history, we can provide a more comprehensive site view because we understand not only all the different pieces, but also the local permitting regulations and how to pull everything together. It’s extremely beneficial on both sides because it creates a more efficient project experience.”
Laura Shafer, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, Sustainability Services Leader
In 2019, we completed an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey of this expansive property, combining drone photogrammetry and conventional survey methods to provide a high level of detail through a process that limited impact on the animals as well as zoo guests. The bulk of the survey work was completed in the morning hours before the zoo opened to the public and when a majority of animals tend to spend their time indoors, keeping the drone at heights that limited noise and intrusion for the animals; we provided regular updates and field schedules to ensure that all zoo staff and animal keepers were aware of planned drone flights and other survey work.
“One of the coolest things after spending so much time drafting the ALTA Survey and staring at the aerial photos at an insane level of detail is being able to go out there and actually walk the space with the grandkids. It just adds a whole different perspective. It’s a more personal experience because you get to know the place so well from drawing every line.”
Ed Murray, PLS, Survey Project Manager
Where the wild things are
This comprehensive surface and below ground survey data and information was used to create a full asset assessment and inform the master planning process, which helped pave the way for one of the Zoo’s largest projects to date: Bramsen Tropical Forests. At nearly three acres, this dynamic space supports monkeys, orangutans, and gorillas through four distinct habitats that mimic climates across Africa, Asia, and South America.
Building an outdoor space for primates adjacent to their indoor home at Tropic World came with unique engineering challenges, especially when it came to stormwater and wastewater management. Our combination of ecological scientists and stormwater engineers envisioned an ecological stormwater solution that was aligned with the Zoo’s vision of conservation, use of native species, and fulfillment of water quality above and beyond the requirements of the local jurisdiction.
Finding the best way to remove animal waste without contaminating stormwater while still adhering to the stormwater ordinance required outside-the-box thinking. This—along with other unexpected utility conflicts discovered during construction—showcased our team’s nimble thinking in the field to keep the project moving and highlighted the benefit of having in-house multidisciplinary experts.
“I’ve been going to Brookfield Zoo my whole life. I have very fond memories of Tropic World: it was my favorite exhibit growing up. Getting to work on it was a really special experience. Tropical Forests is beautiful and I loved getting to see what was designed and then what we were able to be a part of. It’s a very, very cool project. And the gorillas are really fun to watch!“
Gwen Cortez, P.E., Project Engineer
We’ve also led multiple Zoo infrastructure projects, such as refreshing parking areas with a ecologically forward approach and building behind-the-scenes warehouse storage: work that is crucial to providing safe, smooth visitor experiences.
Journey to the savannah and beyond
Always looking ahead, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is already planning for its 100th anniversary in 2034. Next on the horizon is Gateway to Africa: a 35-acre habitat that will celebrate the continent’s diverse landscapes and welcome back elephants for the first time in years, as well as an expanded home for the rhinos, lions, and other iconic species that already call the zoo home. Our team is supporting this transformative effort with stormwater, ecology, utility, and access planning as the project takes shape over the next decade. We are excited to continue alongside the Zoo as partners in the continued pursuit of their mission for years to come!
“Brookfield Zoo Chicago has an amazing vision for the future. It has been so rewarding to be part of the team that is creating these enhanced spaces for the zoo residents and visitors. I love seeing the excitement from both kids and adults after experiencing Tropical Forests for the first time. In fact, my kids tell their friends, ‘My dad worked on Tropical Forests!’ How cool is that?”
Brad Prischman, P.E., LEED AP, Senior Project Manager
Every project is unique, requiring quick-thinking creative partners. We tap into our broad set of specialized talent and expertise to deliver the most comprehensive solutions for your exact needs. Connect with our team to learn more.