Colobus Sky Trail

From the designers: ”Adelaide Zoo recently embarked on a small-scale upgrade of their existing Colobus monkey exhibit. The project aimed to create a cost-effective design solution that would deliver significant benefits to the primates in terms of exhibit size, enrichment and improved animal welfare, while offering a unique experience for zoo visitors.

“The Wax Design team led a collaborative conversation with the zoo’s keepers and consultant engineers for the project CPR Engineers to develop the initial designs. The keepers provided a detailed understanding of the needs of the Colobus monkeys and how the design might contribute to behavioural enrichment, as well as improve the management of the animals.

“The corridor Adelaide Zoo identified for the Sky Trail presented particular design challenges, with dense vegetation and several large trees, including a significant eucalypt that needed to be protected. Our team initiated a three-dimensional survey of the existing trees, mapping their branch and canopy structures as a part of the Sky Trail’s design process. After several design iterations, a preferred option was agreed upon that connected the existing exhibit with the central lawn area of the zoo.

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The Colobus Sky Trail by Wax Design at Adelaide Zoo.

Image: Dan Schultz

“The final design for the Sky Trail deploys a simple, low-tech, yet innovative cylindrical weld mesh construction. The cylindrical shape, adapted from a standard weld mesh panel, provides structural strength and encourages increased activity in the animals, which had become extremely sedentary in their existing enclosure. At the same time, the profile of the trail minimizes the design’s impact on the area’s existing trees. Operable slides that respond to the needs of keepers are incorporated into the trail and minimise and improve the handling of the animals. Accessible slides also provide a practical solution to assist keepers in separating individual animals to reduce conflicts.

“The project provides over 90 metres of elevated Sky Trail with an additional 240 cubic metres of exhibit space. An elevated tower nestled alongside existing trees and dense vegetation offers a viewing platform for the Colobus monkeys to peer down, presenting visitors with a unique opportunity to observe the animals up close, as they explore their surrounding environment.”