Zoos

Auckland Zoo - Exotic Bird

Exotic Bird Holding Area

Bespoke animal enclosures using custom fabricated steel fencing and specialist bird netting.

In 2015 Hampden Fence was re-approached by the team at Auckland Zoo to assist with another specialist animal enclosure project: the fabrication and installation of an exotic bird holding area within the new exotic bird aviaries.

 
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Hampden was engaged to fabricate the steelwork for the enclosure using its in-house fabrication capabilities, which the Zoo has used extensively on previous other projects.

Hampden had regular contact with main contractor, Q Construction, the Zoo and its keepers to detail the design as it developed and evolved. This ensured the end result was fit for purpose and exactly what the Zoo required:

  • Custom fabricated steel enclosure framing

  • Specialist bird netting

  • Lockable swing gates to match the overall aesthetics of the enclosure

  •  Installation management

Up For The Challenge

The design of the enclosure meant the job was labour intensive and challenging, especially as the design continued to evolve to meet the needs of the Zoo.  The team at the Zoo leverage Hampden’s strength in fabrication and understand that its requirements are always a bit out of the box.  

“We appreciate there is no Zoo shop” says Carl Milner from the Zoo – recognising that there is always a bespoke element to what it needs.  And Hampden loves working with the Zoo as “out of the ordinary is what we do well”, says Kristian Baldwin – Hampden’s General Manager.

A Proud Partner Of Choice For Auckland Zoo

Hampden has enjoyed working with the team at Auckland Zoo for many years now and has been involved in some of its most high profile enclosures including Tiger Territory, Pride Lands, and the Orangutan enclosure. Hampden works closely to ensure the unique requirements of each project are understood, and recognises the need to ensure all projects are completed on time due to the exotic species of animals involved.

Auckland Zoo Specialist Animal Enclosures

Animal Enclosures

Background

To achieve enclosures that suit the ongoing needs of Auckland Zoo and its animals, Hampden works closely with the Zoo’s Life Sciences team to design robust and sustainable fencing solutions. Working with the zoo has special requirements, urgency being one. As the largest and most competent fencing company in New Zealand, Hampden uses its scale to allocate the appropriate levels of resource to ensure each project is successfully delivered to deadline.

“Hampden Fence has been very helpful in the planning process. We usually know what we want to achieve, but we rely heavily on Hampden’s specialist product knowledge to know if we can deliver on these ideas. Hampden is always available to discuss the various options and they’re really flexible, which makes them easy to deal with.”
— Michael Batty, Auckland Zoo Curator

The Customer

In December 1922, Auckland City Council officially opened Auckland Zoo in Western Springs. Auckland Zoo covers approximately 17 hectares and currently has around 179 species of animal (1300+ individual animals).

This terrain is always developed as ‘naturally’ as possible for each species, and is therefore often undulating and challenging. Hampden has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver large-scale enclosures that enhance the zoo footprint.

The Key Challenges

  • Planning & Design Support: Hampden’s fencing expertise has been invaluable, especially during the initial planning and design stages of major enclosures, providing practical and cost effective solutions to fit the Zoo's 'wish-list'

  • Flexibility: Demonstrate an ability to ‘roll with the punches’ and remain flexible at all times, recognising that things do not always go to plan when animals are involved.

  • Resource Allocation: Because Hampden employs its own fencing teams, when the Zoo requires projects to be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the animals, Hapmden has proven time and time again it can make it happen.

The Solution 

Hampden Fence has assisted Auckland Zoo in developing and renovating some of its most popular large-scale enclosures, including Tiger Territory, Giraffe Valley and the Pridelands enclosure. "Hampden Fence has been very helpful in the planning process", says Auckland Zoo Curator Michael Batty.

"We usually know what we want to achieve, but we rely heavily on Hampden’s specialist product knowledge to know if we can deliver on these ideas”, adds Michael. “Hampden is always available to discuss the various options and they’re really flexible, which makes them easy to deal with", says Mr. Batty.

New Zealand's Largest & Most Competent

Hampden is New Zealand’s largest and most competent fencing company, and that made it an easy choice for Auckland Zoo when appointing a preferred supplier for fencing and gate solutions.

"Hampden understand the urgent needs we have because animals are involved”, says Michael. “They seem to have the size and manpower to be able to drop everything and help us get things done in a hurry, which is perfect", he concludes.

 
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3 Heb Place, Takanini, Auckland 2105

09 274 7557   |   sales@hampden.co.nz