Taronga Zoo Asian Elephant Precinct

How to manage large amounts of elephant waste created significant complexity for this project.  Oceanis’ design included an intricate water treatment system for recycling, cleaning and heating as well as a spectacular waterfall to create an attractive environment for elephant health and contentment.

Taronga Zoo cares for 4,000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened.

Among these are Asian elephants, which are now endangered, with as few as 34,000 left in the wild.  So it was with this appreciation that Taronga Zoo’s Asian Elephant precinct design was shaped, with an imperative to provide a natural and healthy environment for the zoo’s elephant conservancy program.

An elephant’s usual environment includes water for bathing and enrichment.  A range of natural pools therefore formed an important element of the design.  How to keep the water clean and healthy created significant complexity, with a requirement to manage large amounts of elephant waste.

A range of natural, round edged pools was designed to accommodate the elephants.  Oceanis’ design included a complex water treatment system for recycling, cleaning and heating, as well as a spectacular waterfall to create an optimum environment for elephant health and contentment.

The precinct is efficient and economical for Taronga Zoo staff to manage and has proven to be an excellent asset for Taronga Zoo, successfully supporting a strong elephant conservancy program. 

With an appealing natural environment that is a significant attraction for zoo visitors, the animals have thrived in their natural pool surroundings.