The first research topic of 'Diversity in Zoos', the savannah-studies, is postponed until February 2012. After the first visits and interviews, it became a large study due to the large amount of information. There are a lot of opportunities for zoos, but there are also multiple not discovered/explored opportunities. The theoretical material will be transformed in a view case studies designs to show the found results and opportunities for zoos. Because of the amount of information, a first concept will be delivered in February 2012 to the EAZA.

The research Diversity in Zoos has started with several case study visits to zoos. Zoos visited were Burgers' Zoo Arnhem, NaturZoo Rheine, Allwetterzoo Münster, GaiaPark Kerkrade Zoo and Zoo Osnabrück. During these visits, curators and/or directors were interviewed and the mixed exhibits were analysed. Coming months, several more zoos will be visited. At the end of the year, the first booklets will be presented to the zoos and published on the website. Goal is to finish the African savannah booklet and the African wetlands booklet. Keep track of this website to see more updates!

The second transformation design of Tierpark Hellabrunn, the snow leopard exhibit, can be found at the projects page. The design is currently under evaluation by the zoo so a only a number images are presented at this moment. More information about this design and lion exhibit will follow at a later moment.

One of the transformation designs of Tierpark Hellabrunn, the lion exhibit, can be found at the projects page. The design is currently under evaluation by the zoo so a only a number images are presented at this moment. Soon more sketches will follow, inlcuding the sketches of the snow leopard exhibit.

In April the research Diversity in Zoos will start. This research will focus on the possibilities of mixing species in one exhibit. The first project will focus on African savannahs. This originates from the design of the African savannah for Kölner Zoo. It will cover the history of savannahs in zoos, the current structure of savannahs and the possibilities for the future. More information about the research can be found on the research page.

TVK ZooDesign has joined the EAZA as a corporate member. Soon the website will be also updated/transformed with a new layout and, as mentioned earlier, also the design sketches of Tierpark Hellabrunn. Keep track of the website!

Theo Pagel, chief executive officer Kölner Zoo, has written a recommendation for TVK ZooDesign. We hope in the future to acquire more assignments and as a young starting office, we are very delighted that Theo Pagel has written the following recommendation:

“TVK ZooDesign is a young zoo design office, but already with significant experience. The office has the design skills but also the knowledge about animal and zoo keeper requirements. They take the initiative and are willing to learn. The office is not afraid of a challenge and does extensive research on possible solutions. They are easy to work with and the meetings are very interactive. The solutions/concepts/designs they make, fits the wishes of Kölner Zoo, but they also add elements that makes the designs innovative, renewing and surprising.”