Reptile House Installation
So how do you create a rain forest, jungle and a desert in the same room?
Well, that was the task that was set by our client!
The brief was to create an attraction that was completely different to the normal reptile displays seen at farm parks. The attraction was to be their flagship for their new status as a zoo.
There was a desire to create immersive habitats for the reptiles rather than the vivarium normally used to display reptiles.
We liased with the client right from the outset and it became apparent early on that the conventional technology used in smaller vivariums would not be up for the job. We discussed the layouts with the client and their zoological consultant and created a set of parameters for the environmental needs of each individual reptile.
Using this information we designed and built a bespoke BMS which could mimic the seasons and the day and night cycle as required for each animal. However, there was a twist. Each habitat was required to have a completely interchangeable climate ranging from rain forest to desert with a flick of a switch.
Once we had agreed on the management system, we then had to design each enclosure individually to make sure that the electrical system did not require any intervention within the enclosure by the reptile handlers.
This meant building a purpose-built plant room which housed the electrical switch gear as well as the BMS. Because the controls were out of sight this meant that we required remote monitoring and record keeping for the handlers. The system needed to automatically notify the handlers of any problem with an enclosure and record daily climate check information as required by the zoo licensing authorities.
The Finishing Touches
Once we had the climate covered it was now down to the handlers and theming specialist to work their magic. They themed the enclosures using concrete and materials native to each animal. We then designed and installed a customizable lighting system to enhance their work. However, reptiles are photosensitive creatures, meaning each enclosure required its own set of parameters to work with to ensure none of the replies became stressed in their environment.
Once all the electrical work and commissioning had been undertaken it was time to see if what we had designed and built was actually up to the task. We ran the habitats without any reptiles for a period of 4 weeks, gradually building up to the parameters of each environment and ensuring the climates were consistent enough to allow for the reptiles to move in.
Once the reptiles had moved and became acclimatized to their new environment, their handlers began to witness new behaviours in the reptiles that are only really seen in the wild. They attest this was down to the habit and climates being such a close match to their real-world equivalent.
In Conclusion
This project was one of the most technically challenging projects that the GRAYS team have undertaken to date. However, with great communication, dedication and ingenuity from the client and our team they now have the flagship attraction they desired.
Our client's feedback....
