Melbourne Zoo Wild Sea Exhibits

This project is a showcase of the successful resolution of complex issues of water quality, animal health, underwater viewing and storytelling integrated with architecture, landscape and exhibition design.

Oceanis staff conducted the design of aquarium specialty works for this $36 million project, including development of exhibit and guest experience and conservation programs.

Creating an exceptional guest experience was an important part of Melbourne Zoo’s requirement for the Wild Sea precinct to enhance their environmental sustainability objectives.

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“Wild Sea”, Melbourne Zoo’s largest ever exhibit, showcases the marine animals and coastline of south east Australia.  Comprising a penguin tidal pool with underwater windows extending its full depth, and expansive fur seal pool and ocean exhibit, Oceanis designed and managed construction of all aquatic specialty works for the facility.

Key to the precinct’s popularity are the large underwater windows that create a fully immersive experience for zoo guests. 

Understanding the demanding nature of acrylic window specification is vital to an exhibit’s visual and construction success.  Oceanis’ exacting standards for dimensionality, clarity and inclusions were specified for the design.  Dimensional tolerances and ‘planeness’ were also specified, critical for ensuring no stress points were created on the windows once they were under water pressure.

To ensure these demanding standards were met, Oceanis undertook factory inspection at the manufacturer’s facility in Japan and oversaw logistics and installation on behalf of the client.

Oceanis then worked closely with Kane Constructions to monitor construction and to lead the exhibit commissioning process.

While creating an exceptional guest experience was an important part of Melbourne Zoo’s requirement for the Wild Sea precinct, the zoo also required the pools’ design to minimise water use and create opportunities for water re-use as part of the zoo’s focus on sustainability.

Oceanis’ life support system design for the precinct’s pools created a completely closed system with fractionation, media filtration, ozone biological filtration, phosphate removal, disinfection, temperature control and recovery systems.  An exhibit wave and current system was also included, all contributing to an exceptional habitat for the marine animals. 

A wetlands nutrient management system was created to allow waste water from the pools to be recycled and, after treatment, to be re-used around the zoo.  Oceanis also incorporated a backwash recovery system to recover all salt, both important contributors to the zoo’s dramatic 69% reduction in water use.