The Columbus Zoo’s Heart of Africa

PGAV Destinations provided full architectural services – from concept design through construction administration – for Heart of Africa, a 43-acre expansion of the beloved Columbus Zoo. This massive undertaking combines a fully immersive and grand setting with up-close interactions to convey conservation stories to guests. Demonstrations and keeper chats ensure that one-on-one interactions maximize educational potential.

The new exhibit is home to a variety of species including giraffes, lions, cheetahs, gazelles, impalas, zebras, ostriches, and monkeys. Multiple savanna yards allow flexibility of herd populations, and a unique enrichment yard for a wide variety of animals changes throughout the day.

The site includes numerous unique aspects including a Beechcraft Model 18 airplane that sits partially in a lion habitat, the Mapori Restaurant, which gives guests excellent views into the lion habitat, and a themed “village” for retail, which tells the story of a community rising to support the new tourist industry visiting the National Park.

Awards and Achievements

AZA Top Honor in Design (2015)
ENR Midwest Best Cultural Project (2015)
Experience Columbus EXPY Award (2014)