Eagles, otters and penguins, oh my! Checking in with Columbian Park Zoo
LAFAYETTE, Ind. − Multiple construction project are coming to Columbian Park Zoo with renovations to the otter and eagle exhibits, a new primate exhibit and work beginning on a new commissary area.
New primate exhibit
According to Caitlin Laffery, assistant zoo director at Columbian Park Zoo, the Lafayette Board of Works recently approved plans to begin designing a new primate exhibit that could feature up to three species.
"At Board of Works, we got a contract approved with the architect to start designing a new primate exhibit, a renovation to our eagle exhibit and a renovation to our otter exhibit," Laffery said. "We are in the design phase right now (for the primate exhibit) where we will be figuring out all of those details.
"We expect the design phase to last about a year since it's a really big project," Laffery added, "and we want to make sure we get it right...It will definitely be bigger than what they have currently...and it will be situated on the grass in front of where their outdoor enclosure is currently."
The exhibit will hold two to three species of primates, Laffery said, but that is currently still in discussion.
Eagle and otter exhibit renovations
Renovations on the eagle exhibit will include improvements to the currently wood-based siding on the exhibit, while the otter enclosure will experience some improvements to its water filtration system.
"Right now the perimeter fence is made of wood (for the eagle exhibit)," the assistant zoo director said. "And it's really hard to maintain with elements and the sun. So we want to create something that is going to be sturdier and (can) withstand the elements for a longer period of time."
Additional "pretty features" to the eagle exhibit are also on the docket for the enclosure's renovation, according to Laffery.
"Our otter pond is going to be upgraded for better filtration," Laffery said. "It's going to be likely through a similar or the same company that did our penguin pond that did a really good job on it. So we want to upgrade our otter pond to a better filtration system."
Checking in on the penguins
In October and November of 2021, six of the nine African penguins featured in Columbian Park Zoo passed away due to avian malaria.
More:Six penguins from Lafayette's Columbian Park Zoo die of avian malaria
The three remaining penguins, Donner, Shazam and Sagely, are doing very well, Laffery said, and are expected to be back on display this upcoming zoo season.
"They're doing great," Laffery said. "...We love (that) the public is so involved with the penguins...They are healthy and doing great. And so, we're hoping that the public will be able to see them out on exhibit this year."
Work beginning on a new commissary area
Although it is very early in development, work has begun on the design and development of a new commissary area in the zoo, according to Laffery.
"We are also in the design phase for a new commissary on grounds," Laffery said. "So there is a lot of upcoming construction projects at the zoo so, we are really excited about what's happening at the zoo and continuing on our master plan.
Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Multiple construction projects are beginning work at Columbian Park Zoo
