RPZ_Africa_Phase_II_-_Master_Plan.pdf

REID PARK ZOO | AFRICA PHASE II

PN: 1101.25 | DATE: 07/14/2025

MASTER PLAN

REID PARK ZOO AFRICA PHASE II

MASTER PLAN

MASTER PLAN | NARRATIVE OVERVIEW

“Venture into the Wild - Every Expedition Tells a Story.”

The reimagined Africa Master Plan at Reid Park Zoo invites guests on a journey across the African continent through an immersive series of themed expeditions that celebrate its iconic ecosystems, animals, and conservation stories. Building on the success of Expedition Tanzania, two new expeditions, Expedition Liberia and Expedition Botswana, complete a trilogy that transforms passive observation into active exploration.

AFRICA MASTER PLAN NARRATIVE: EXPEDITION IMMERSION SAFARI

At the heart of this master plan is the spirit of discovery. Each expedition is designed to awaken the explorer in every guest, transforming the zoo from a place of observation into a place of participation. These expeditions foster stewardship and wonder, revealing that even the smallest actions contribute to the larger narrative of conservation. Whether it is hearing keeper talks under a shady canopy, watching Pygmy Hippos glide silently through water, or solving riddles on a scavenger hunt, each moment becomes part of a shared family story. When guests feel like explorers rather than spectators, they don’t just leave with photos, they leave inspired.

More than just habitats, these expeditions are living stories. Families, grandparents and grandchildren alike, explore side by side, guided by animal ID books, scavenger hunts, and interactive elements that unlock hidden secrets. Throughout the journey, multilingual signage ensures equal opportunity for learning, while accessible paths accommodate both wheelchairs and strollers, allowing every generation to participate fully in the adventure. Shaded plazas, covered walkways, and groves of native trees provide respite from the desert sun, creating comfortable gathering places for learning, sharing, and memory-making.

Through hands-on experiences, volunteer-led programming, and interpretive storytelling, guests step into the shoes of scientists, conservationists, and local communities working to protect Africa’s wildlife. These expeditions don’t just showcase the animals, they ignite empathy, spark curiosity, and empower action, connecting guests emotionally and intellectually to Africa's wild places and Reid Park Zoo’s conservation impact.

3 TA N Z A N I A

L I B E R I A

B O T S WA N A

OVERVIEW

UNDERLYING THEME

https://safariguideafrica.com/safaris-for-the-disabled/ https://joyaqaurelie.pages.dev/rcmkkn-reid-park-zoo-2024-gyhdtksmr-photos/

MASTER PLAN | NARRATIVE EXPERIENCE

Guests step into a cool, shaded refuge that contrasts with the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Dense jungle plantings, cool mist, and the sounds of water transport visitors to West Africa’s tropical forests. Here, families can quietly observe the majestic horns of the scimitar oryx slipping through foliage or watch an adorable baby Pygmy Hippo swim underwater.

The experience feels personal and intimate, with discovery elements around every corner. Warthogs forage, meerkats dash, and children peer through foliage alongside their parents and friends, discovering animals together.

Interpretive signage in multiple languages shares both scientific insight and regional folklore, connecting cultural narratives to conservation efforts.

This expedition spotlights Reid Park Zoo’s partnerships with programs focused on anti-poaching, sustainable forest management, and community-based habitat restoration. Hands-on exhibits and volunteer engagement reinforce the message that protecting these fragile ecosystems requires global collaboration, and that everyone has a role to play.

An explorative journey through the landscapes of Africa.

WALKTHROUGH EXPERIENCE

GUEST WALKTHROUGH

The journey begins in a shaded plaza at the threshold of Africa. Visitors are welcomed by panoramic views of the savanna and playful African Wild Dogs racing through the grass. The boundary between guest and habitat is artfully blended using berms and open-air viewing, inviting visitors to feel like fellow travelers standing on the edge of the wild.

From here, a path winds through Africa’s distinct ecological regions—lush West African jungles, kopje formations of Tanzania, and the open plains of Botswana. Each environment offers awe-inspiring animal encounters, shaded rest areas, and engaging interpretive experiences, all designed with universal accessibility in mind. This isn’t just a day at the zoo, it’s an unfolding expedition.

Guests are immediately immersed in the expanse of a mixed-species savanna.

Giraffes browse acacia trees, while Rhinos and antelopes move across rolling terrain. Clever sightlines and layered habitats create the illusion of predator and prey sharing space, blurring the line between the natural and the designed.

This expedition immerses guests in the story of sub-Saharan species like the African Wild Dog—once widespread, now endangered due to habitat loss and conflict. Through keeper talks and interpretives, guests are introduced to conservation initiatives of this species, and how Reid Park Zoo is helping protect these intelligent, social animals.

As the trail leads to a rocky kopje, Lions appear atop sun-warmed boulders, their gaze meeting guests’ through open air barriers. These formations are more than scenic, they provide critical resources like water, shade, and safety, essential to wildlife survival. Educational touchpoints reveal how kopjes influence animal behavior and how conservationists track species across such rugged terrain.

Crossing into East Africa, guests ascend a shaded research outpost that overlooks a broad, open landscape. Elephants move calmly across the clearing, sharing the space with nimble Klipspringers and sun-loving Rock Hyrax. Elevated pathways offer shaded vantage points, giving visitors the sense of having stumbled upon a remote field site tucked deep within the wild.

Winding paths lead through weathered rock formations, where children can spring across small boulders like Klipspringers or crouch low to peek into cracks in the kopje rocks, hoping to spot hidden critters or glinting beetles. Interactive exhibits nestled along the way invite guests to trace the ancient geological forces that shaped these lands, blending play with discovery as the story of erosion and evolution unfolds around them. Here, conservation isn’t abstract—it’s alive in the dust underfoot, the calls overhead, and the joyful laughter of children exploring beside their grandparents. This is a space where families learn together, rest under tree canopies, and celebrate the fragile balance of species, climate, and time—one small adventure at a time.

EXPEDITION BOTSWANA EXPEDITION LIBERIA EXPEDITION TANZANIA (ENHANCED)

https://wildsafariguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Moremi-Game-Reserve-1170x400.jpg https://www.exoticmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Jaipur-Zoo.jpghttps://www.nationalgeographic.com

MASTER PLAN | PROGRAMMING & ANIMAL WELLBEING

https://www.enr.com/ext/resources/Issues/National_Issues/2017/03-March/06-March/Best-of-Best/ENR1003_CA_African-Adventure_giraffe-feeding1.jpg?1489780844

Events and behind the scenes.

PROGRAMMING AND ANIMAL WELLBEING

INTERACTIVES & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Animal ID Guides: Multilingual printed guides and mobile app features invite guests to track animals, identify footprints, decode clues, and uncover “expedition secrets” along each trail—turning every visit into an active adventure.

Cultural & Thematic Workshops – Led by keepers, artisans, and volunteers, offering experiences like storytelling, jewelry-making, and conservation demonstrations.

Multilingual Signage – Designed for inclusivity, welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds.

Accessibility Features – Smooth pathways, tactile exhibits, shaded rest zones, and seating areas accommodate all ages and abilities.

Keeper Talks & Animal Encounters: Scheduled experiences allow guests to meet animal care staff, observe feedings, and get up-close looks at animal training and enrichment, promoting empathy and understanding of individualized animal care.

Junior Ranger Passport Program: Kids collect stamps and earn badges as they complete learning challenges throughout the Africa zone, fostering engagement, critical thinking, and a sense of accomplishment.

State of the Art Facilities and Housing: Dedicated behind-the-scenes areas feature advanced veterinary spaces, temperature-controlled holding areas, and specialized care zones tailored to each species’ needs.

Rotational Habitats: Multiple connected habitats allow animals to rotate through diverse environments, supporting natural behaviors, mental stimulation, and social flexibility.

Animal Enrichment: Sensory enrichment, built-in anchor points, pulleys, climbing structures, and modular elements allow keepers to change enrichment frequently ensuring novelty, challenge, and stimulation.

Multigenerational Groups: Enhanced habitats that allow for breeding and multigenerational groups.

Climate-Adaptive Design: Shade structures, water features, and cooling zones are integrated throughout to ensure comfort in Tucson’s desert climate while still reflecting native African habitats.

Choice and Control for Animals: Animals are given access to indoor/outdoor spaces, vertical climbing areas, water features, and visual privacy—offering choice and autonomy throughout the day.

ANIMAL WELLBEING

https://reidparkzoo.org/education/groups/

MASTER PLAN | INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Week-long or single-day camps for children, teens, or adults—centered around themes like “Wildlife Tracking,” “Conservation Careers,” or “Jungle Art & Ecology”—create educational value and new revenue streams.

Inspired by Africa, grounded in Tucson.

INVESTMENT AND REGIONAL IDENTITY

Though inspired by Africa, this plan is deeply grounded in Tucson. Materials are regionally sourced, desert-adapted landscapes echo the Sonoran surroundings, and pathways are designed for comfort in the desert heat. Murals by local artists tell visual stories that connect global wildlife conservation to the city’s own artistic heartbeat.

Interpretive content will spotlight not just African ecosystems, but also Reid Park Zoo’s local efforts, like the browse program and protection of native species.

TYING IN REGIONAL IDENTITY

In this way, the Africa Master Plan becomes more than a global journey, it becomes a mirror of Tucson’s values, creativity, and commitment to a shared, sustainable future.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Branded Expeditions & Retail Integration:

Special Events & Sponsorships:

Premium Encounters:

Themed Food & Beverage Offerings:

Private Rentals & VIP Experiences:

Expedition-Themed Camps & Educational Programs:

Themed “Expedition” gift lines, including branded guidebooks, plush animals, safari hats, and “Junior Explorer” kits with badges, binoculars, and activity books create an immersive souvenir experience and increase per-guest spending in retail locations.

Seasonal “Expedition Days,” night tours, and after-hours family events attract repeat visitors and can be paired with conservation-themed sponsorships from local businesses or global brands. Opportunities include presenting sponsorships for habitat zones, naming rights for features like the Safari Plaza or Research Outpost, and branded educational programs.

Offerings like Giraffe Feeding, Pygmy Hippo Encounters, and Hog Brushing allow for unforgettable experiences.

Regionally inspired menus at on-site cafes or pop-up food stalls (e.g., West African stews, South African braai-style BBQ, Tanzanian teas) enhance immersion and increase revenue per guest visit.

Designated scenic overlooks or shaded plazas can double as rentable spaces for weddings, birthdays, corporate retreats, or donor events, offering a unique venue with built-in ambiance and animal views.

https://cdn.fodors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/11WeirdandwondefulthingsinTucson__HERO_shutterstock_182167985.jpg https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/2024/07/family-fun-activities-in-tucson/guests-feeding-giraffe-reid-park-zoo/

MASTER PLAN | ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

NScale: 1”=40’-0”

0’ 40’ 80’ 120’

MASTER PLAN | DIAGRAMMATIC ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

LEGEND

OPERATIONS BUILDING

RETAIL BUILDING

GUEST AMENITY

BUILDING

PATHWAY

ANIMAL HABITAT

WATER

LANDSCAPE BUFFER

BACK OF HOUSE

SHADE

NEW ANIMAL HOLDING

BOH LAY DOWN

MASTER PLAN | KEY PLAN

ENTRY SIGNAGE

NEW ELEPHANT HOLDING

ROTATING SAVANNA

HOOFSTALK HOLDING

LEGEND

AFRICAN WILD DOG YARD (5,000 SF)

MAINTENANCE BUILDING

TWO STORY BUILDING WITH AFRICAN PREDATOR

HOLDING, OFFICE SPACE, AND AN EVENT TERRACE

SHADED VIEWING WITH GIRAFFE FEEDING

SHADED VIEWING AREA

EXISTING AFRICAN ELEPHANT HOLDING

AFRICAN WILD DOG HABITAT (10,000 SF)

RETICULATED GIRAFFE HOLDING

RELOCATED TANZANIA KIOSK

AFRICAN WILD DOG HOLDING

RETICULATED GIRAFFE HOLDING YARD

AFRICAN ENTRY PLAZA

EXISTING SPEKE’S GAZELLE HOLDING

EXISTING GREVY’S ZEBRA & HOOFSTOCK HOLDING

SHADED VIEWING AND BOH ROAD CROSSOVER

ROCK HYRAX AND KLIPSPRINGER HABITAT

EXISTING CAROUSEL

EXISTING SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS HOLDING

FENNEC FOX HABITAT AND HOLDING

27 22

ROTATING AFRICAN PREDATOR HABITAT

SHADED KOPJE VIEWING PLAZA

ANIMAL HOLDING FOR HABITATS 33 & 35

AFRICAN PREDATOR HOLDING YARD

BONGO, RED RIVER HOG, FOWL, AND DUIKER

OR

COMMON WARTHOG, MEERKAT, & PORCUPINE

EXISTING AFRICAN PRIMATE HOLDING

RESTROOMS

SERVAL HABITAT

PYGMY HIPPO YARD

PYGMY HIPPO HABITAT

AFRICAN PRIMATE HABITAT

NATURE PLAY

POLLINATOR GARDEN

PYGMY HIPPO HOLDING

41 PYGMY HIPPO LSS

42 BACK OF HOUSE COMPLEX

MASTER PLAN | ANIMAL LOCATION PLAN

AFRICAN WILD DOG

SPECIES LEGEND

PYGMY HIPPO

SERVAL

ROTATING PREDATOR HABITATS

RING-TAILED LEMUR & BLACK AND

WHITE RUFFED LEMUR

KLIPSPRINGER, ROCK HYRAX

& ALDABRA TORTOISE

FENNEC FOX

EXISTING AFRICAN ELEPHANT

*ROTATING SAVANNAS ARE FLEXIBLE IN

MIXED SPECIES PAIRINGS

ROTATING* SAVANNA A:

RETICULATED GIRAFFE, SCIMITAR

ORYX, SECRETARY BIRD,

OSTRICH, THOMSON’S GAZELLE,

STEENBOK

ROTATING* SAVANNA B:

SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS,

EAST AFRICAN CROWNED CRANE,

IMPALA, SPEKE’S GAZELLE,

SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL

COMMON WARTHOG, CRESTED

PORCUPINE, MEERKATS

MASTER PLAN | CIRCULATION PLAN

GUEST CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION LEGEND

ANIMAL CIRCULATION

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

TRAIN CIRCULATION

SECONDARY TRAIN CIRCULATION

MASTER PLAN | AERIAL OVERLAY

MASTER PLAN | BACK OF HOUSE DIAGRAM

OFFICE SPACE

BACK OF HOUSE LAY DOWN SPACE AND

FABRICATION YARDS

LEGEND

OFFICE ACCESS DECK

CART PARKING

MAINTENANCE SHOP LAY DOWN YARD

HAY BARN (NEW OR RENOVATED)

EXISTING ELEPHANT YARD TO REMAIN

DUMPSTERS

EXISTING MAINTENANCE SHOP TO REMAIN

MASTER PLAN | CONSTRUCTION PHASING PLAN

PHASE 2: SAVANNASPHASE 1: PYGMY HIPPO

PHASE 4: MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTSPHASE 3: PREDATOR

LEGEND

FINISHED PHASE

ACTIVE PHASE

GUEST CIRCULATION

BOH CIRCULATION

CONSTRUCTION

LAY DOWN YARD

ACTIVE DEMOLITION

MASTER PLAN | COST ESTIMATE

PROJECT TOTAL PHASE I PHASE II PHASE III PHASE IV

FACILITY HARDCOST TOTAL 41,501,073.00$ 4,446,856.00$ 10,029,987.00$ 20,575,866.00$ 6,448,364.00$

GENERAL CONTRACTORS SOFT COSTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (11.0%) 4,565,118.00$ 489,154.00$ 1,103,299.00$ 2,263,345.00$ 709,320.00$ GENERAL CONDITIONS (9.0%) 3,735,097.00$ 400,217.00$ 902,699.00$ 1,851,828.00$ 580,353.00$

INSURANCE (1.70%) 705,518.00$ 75,597.00$ 170,510.00$ 349,789.73$ 109,622.20$

BONDING (2.65%) 1,099,778.00$ 117,842.00$ 265,795.00$ 545,260.46$ 170,881.66$

GC OVERHEAD & PROFIT (3.00%) 1,245,032.00$ 133,406.00$ 300,900.00$ 617,275.00$ 193,450.93$

TOTAL 11,350,543.00$ 1,216,215.00$ 2,743,201.00$ 5,627,499.00$ 1,763,628.00$

OWNER'S SOFT COSTS

DESIGN (8.0%) 4,228,129.00$ 453,046.00$ 1,021,855.00$ 2,096,269.00$ 656,959.00$

LABOR (4.5%) 2,378,322.00$ 254,838.00$ 574,794.00$ 1,179,151.00$ 369,540.00$

MISC. (3.2%) 1,638,400.00$ 175,554.00$ 395,969.00$ 812,304.00$ 254,572.00$

OWNER'S CONTINGENCY (20.0%) 10,570,323.00$ 1,132,614.00$ 2,554,638.00$ 5,240,673.00$ 1,642,398.00$ PHASE I ESCALATION (4.25% PER YEAR) 691,906.00$ 67,626.00$ 225,141.00$ 311,169.00$ 87,970.00$

OVERALL PROJECT TOTAL COST 72,358,698.00$ 7,746,750.00$ 17,545,584.00$ 35,842,933.00$ 11,223,431.00$

PHASED COST ESTIMATE

*SEE DOCUMENT 20250424 REID PARK ZOO ESTIMATE FOR DETAILS

REID PARK ZOO | AFRICA MASTER PLAN

Scale: 1”=20’-0”

0’ 20’ 40’ 60’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

KEY PLAN

SITE SECTION 1 - SHADED KOPJE VIEWING PLAZA AND AFRICAN PREDATOR HABITAT

SITE SECTION 2 - ENTRY, PYGMY HIPPO HABITAT AND RED RIVER HOG & DUIKER HABITAT

SITE SECTION 3 - EVENT SPACE, ROTATING SAVANNAS AND WILD DOG HABITAT

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 1A

ROTATING SAVANNA

TRAIN ACCESS BEYOND

MOAT BARRIER

AND PLANTING

BUFFER

GUEST PATH AND TRAIN

CIRCULATION

PLANTING AREA SHADED KOPJE

VIEWING PLAZA

PLAZA PLANTING

AREA

SHADED VIEWING STRUCTURE AND

BACK OF HOUSE CROSSOVER BEYOND

SECTION 1A

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

ROOFTOP EVENT SPACE WITH

OFFICE BUILDING BEYOND

SECTION 1B

AFRICAN PREDATOR HABITAT AFRICAN PREDATOR HOLDING AND KEEPER SPACE BOH

VEHICULAR

ACCESS

SHADED KOPJE

VIEWING PLAZA

MOAT

BARRIER

SECTION 1B

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 2A

ENTRY PLANTING BUFFER EXISTING CAROUSELGUEST PATH

SECTION 2A

AFRICAN WILD DOG HABITAT VIEWING BEYOND

AFRICAN WILD DOG HABITAT

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SHADED PYGMY HIPPO

VIEWING STRUCTURE BEYOND

SHADED UNDERWATER

VIEWING

PYGMY

HIPPO

HOLDING

PYGMY HIPPO HABITAT

SECTION 2B

SECTION 2B

EXISTING CAROUSEL PLAZA PLANTING

AREA

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 3A

EXISTING ELEPHANT HABITAT POOL EXISTING

HABITAT

BARRIER

EXISTING

PLANTING AREA

EXISTING

VIEWING AREA

EXISTING

PLANTING AREA

EXISTING

GUEST PATH

SECTION 3A

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 3B

TRAIN

ROUTE

PLANTING

BUFFER

BOH ROAD

CROSSOVER

GUEST PATH FENNEC FOX

HABITAT

KOPJE

ROCKWORK

AND PLANTING

EXISTING

GUEST PATH

KOPJE

ROCKWORK

AND PLANTING

KOPJE ROCKWORK

AND PLANTING

ROTATING

SAVANNA

SECTION 3B

SHADED VIEWING STRUCTURE AND BACK

OF HOUSE CROSSOVER BEYOND

GUEST PATH

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 3C

ROTATING SAVANNA

SECTION 3C

SHADED VIEWING STRUCTURE BEYOND

SHADED KOPJE VIEWING PLAZA

BEYOND

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 3D

SAVANNA BARRIERROTATING SAVANNA ROTATING SAVANNA

SECTION 3D

SHADED VIEWING

STRUCTURE BEYOND

SHADED VIEWING STRUCTURE WITH

GIRAFFE FEEDING BEYOND

Scale: 1”=5’-0”

0’ 5’ 10’ 15’

MASTER PLAN | PLAN SECTION-ELEVATIONS

SECTION 3E

AFRICAN WILD DOG HABITAT PLANTING

BUFFER

PLANTING

AREA

SHADED

VIEWING

STRUCTURE

PLAZA

SECTION 3E

ROTATING

SAVANNA BARRIER

MASTER PLAN | OVERALL MOOD BOARD

MASTER PLAN | ARCHITECTURE MOOD BOARD

MASTER PLAN | AFRICAN WILD DOGS & SAVANNA VIEW

MASTER PLAN | UNDERWATER PYGMY HIPPO VIEWING

MASTER PLAN | GIRAFFE FEEDING AND SAVANNA VIEWING

MASTER PLAN | LION VIEWING AT KOPJE PLAZA