Celebrating American Zoo Day with Existing Conditions

In honor of American Zoo Day, we're thrilled to highlight our partnership with the Maryland Zoo. At Existing Conditions, we pride ourselves on delivering precise as-built documentation to support and enhance historic and modern structures alike, empowering communities and institutions to flourish.

Read on to discover how our experience, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology have played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Maryland Zoo and preserving its legacy for future generations.

About American Zoo Day

According to National Today, American Zoo Day, celebrated every July 1st, honors the founding of the Philadelphia Zoo in 1874, America's very first zoo. This day is not just about commemorating a historic moment but also celebrates the evolution of zoos in the United States from mere entertainment spaces to sanctuaries that emphasize the well-being and conservation of animals. The Philadelphia Zoo, opening after delays caused by the Civil War, has played a pivotal role in animal conservation, housing over 1,300 animals and focusing on preserving several species.

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The significance of zoos has evolved dramatically since their inception. Initially, zoos were designed primarily for public entertainment with little regard for the animals' comfort or longevity. However, post-World War II marked a turning point, with zoos transforming into conservation and breeding centers for endangered species.

An inspiring example is the breeding success story of the Hawaiian geese, which were near extinction in 1947; thanks to conservation efforts in a sanctuary in England, their numbers began to recover. Today, zoos serve as vital research centers where scientists study animal behavior, contributing significantly to our understanding and aiding in the formulation of better living conditions for these animals.

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As we approach American Zoo Day, let's recognize and celebrate the critical role modern zoos play in wildlife conservation and education. Visiting your local zoo can be a wonderful way to support these efforts and learn about the diverse species that share our planet. So, mark your calendar for July 1st, plan a visit, and be prepared to marvel at the beauty and diversity of animal life. Let's celebrate this day by learning about and contributing to the sanctuaries that do so much more than just display animals.

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Case Study: Maryland Zoo

Discover how the Maryland Zoo, led by Karl Kranz, Executive Vice President for Animal Programs and COO, navigates the challenges of renovating historic buildings with the help of Existing Conditions. Learn from Karl's firsthand experience and see how obtaining accurate as-built drawings, on time and within budget, can transform an age-old institution.

Background:

Founded in the late 1800s, the Maryland Zoo is a 135-plus acre property in Druid Hill Park. The Zoo's animal collection includes 130 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Their mission is to expose and teach people in their region about animals by engaging people with the wonder of the living world.

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The zoo features four main areas designed to replicate the natural habitats of various species, enhancing both animal welfare and visitor experience. Penguin Coast houses over 118 African penguins in a state-of-the-art facility recognized for its breeding success in North America. Northern Passage offers a unique view of grizzly bears and a bald eagle from an authentic Tundra Buggy®.

Maryland Wilderness showcases native flora and fauna through diverse environments, while the African Journey, renovated in 2019, provides expansive habitats for lions, giraffes, leopards, rhinos, lesser kudu, and elephants. The historic Main Valley, reopened in 2021, reflects the evolution of zoo habitats from Victorian times to the present, emphasizing advancements in animal conservation and care.

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The Challenge:

The Maryland Zoo needed urgent as-built drawings to keep renovations on track for the Association of Zoo & Aquarium Association’s (AZA) meeting in September 2022, due to outdated architectural plans. As the Maryland Zoo receives funding from the state of Maryland and Baltimore City, accurate documentation was needed before any renovation could take place. In September of 2021, Karl Kranz, Executive VP for Animal Programs and COO, facilitated this initiative and selected Existing Conditions to partner on this project, with the gift shop being an emergency and the priority for the first phase. Existing Conditions was also selected to document the historical structures like the Lower Barn and Old Elephant House in this phase.

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The journey through the renovation phases revealed several architectural challenges. During phase two in November of 2021, inaccuracies in the elevation drawings of the Mansion House were discovered, missing critical details such as window placements. Quick to act, Karl expanded Existing Conditions’ scope of work to include this building along with the Old Elephant House basement and the Outdoor Chimp Exhibit.

In June of 2022, phase three involved documenting the Main Valley section of the zoo, with complex structures like the Giant Tree posing unique challenges in documentation, and the restoration of the Crise Fountain depending largely on old photographs due to the absence of original drawings. This was all compounded by the fact that this area had been closed for 20 years and lacked the comprehensive documentation required for city-approved modifications.

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In March of 2023 – the latest fourth phase, the scope expanded to include detailed documentation of the Bird Barn and Picnic Pavilion, both earmarked for future renovations. A new venture into drone technology was initiated to survey Celebration Hill, a critical event space utilized for gatherings and birthday parties. Covering approximately half an acre, the drone survey offered a full snapshot of the area, assisting the zoo's planning team in fully assessing the space to plan effective enhancements.

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The Solution:

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Existing Conditions documented over 176,000 square feet of the Maryland Zoo, including key structures like the Old Elephant House, Mansion House, and Round Stand. For the Mansion House, precise exterior elevations were crucial—not only for aesthetic and historical accuracy in its painting but also to ensure that future modifications adhere to existing standards. Especially with the Crise Fountain restoration, instead of relying solely on old photographs, Existing Conditions’ documentation enabled cost-effective and precise repairs.

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Additionally, this comprehensive documentation supports the zoo’s funding efforts. By presenting well-founded project details and accurate cost estimations to city and private funders, the Maryland Zoo effectively laid out its development phases. With accurate data provided by Existing Conditions, the zoo architects had situational awareness of the existing conditions, aiding in the strategic planning for new exhibits like the gibbon exhibit and flight cage for birds of prey, expansions for bear exhibits, and converting historical spaces like the old elephant and polar bear exhibits into event spaces. This foundational knowledge not only streamlines renovation processes but also helps integrate all new developments thoughtfully and in alignment with the Maryland Zoo's mission and aesthetic.

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“In some cases, traditionally you would hire an architect to come and draw the buildings. We needed the documentation quickly. I called Existing Conditions and explained the situation, and we were able to get the as-built drawings I needed for a renovation that was being planned very fast, " said Karl Kranz, Executive Vice President for Animal Programs and COO. "For a zoo that is as old as we are, we have several buildings that either we have lost the plans, or we didn't have any drawings. As we renovate different buildings, we need good, accurate, as-built drawings.”

Currently, the Maryland Zoo is in its Master Planning phase. The plan foresees exciting guests and members with an array of new habitats, diverse animal species, and upgrades to existing attractions, making the zoo's global conservation efforts more prominent. Additionally, it will enhance staff areas, event spaces, and community engagement initiatives behind the scenes, ensuring a comprehensive improvement across all facets of the zoo's operations.

Our Impact on National Zoo Day

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As we celebrate National Zoo Day, our involvement with the Maryland Zoo reflects a deep commitment to ensuring both the well-being of the animals and the satisfaction of the zoo's visitors. Working onsite offers a unique opportunity to directly engage with the dynamic environment of the zoo, involving detailed 3D laser scanning and interaction not just with people but also with the diverse animal inhabitants. Karl Kranz, a veteran in the industry, plays a pivotal role in this process. Karl’s dedication to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for the zoo’s inhabitants exemplifies the care and attention to detail that characterizes our projects.

“I absolutely love working with the Maryland Zoo and with Karl Kranz. They're very caring and deeply committed to providing a safe environment for their animals and the community. It's this level of care and integration within the community that makes working on these projects so enjoyable and fulfilling. Knowing how interconnected they are with the zoo and the community really enhances the experience” - Charlene Gilman, Business Development at Existing Conditions.

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As partners with Karl Kranz and the Maryland Zoo team, we are proud to be able to contribute to such a reputable institution, continually integrating within the community to enable the zoo to flourish as both an animal and human sanctuary. This ongoing project, deeply embedded within the community, showcases our integral role in not only the enhancement of the zoo’s facilities but also in contributing to its broader conservation mission.

"Working with the staff at the Maryland Zoo was great and I'm so glad that we could help them with their future plans for expansion, renovation, and facility management. Although the project was a "bear," we were hired for our great "koalafications," and the owner has simply gone "ape" over how great our drawings are” - Kurt Yeghian, Founder & CEO of Existing Conditions.

Celebrate American Zoo Day with us by supporting your local zoo and learning firsthand about their important conservation efforts. Together, let's ensure these community resources thrive for generations to come.

Don’t let outdated plans slow you down. With experience, equipment, and expertise, Existing Conditions provides accurate documentation for zoo renovations and other complex projects.

Contact us today and let’s start planning for a successful future together. Reach out now to get started!