Taronga Zoo’s new Lemur Adventure Park is a wonderful new interactive addition to the zoo’s exhibits. It was made possible thanks to the Wolfin Waterproofing System provided by Projex Group, who designed and supervised its installation on the original site of Taronga Zoo’s historic seal pools.
Taronga Zoo has a long history of trust and collaboration with Projex Group and the Wolfin Waterproofing System. Wolfin membranes have been installed in many areas of the Zoo such as the Asian Elephant enclosure, the Coastal Precinct, the Gorilla enclosure and more recently in the Lemur Adventure Park.
The challenge of this project was not unlike other projects carried out at Taronga Zoo with waterproof integrity & longevity of the membrane the key issues. The client required a waterproof membrane for the enclosure that would stand up to extremes of weather and temperature, and would not be compromised in a way that would require the lemurs to be relocated in the future. Taronga Zoo insisted to keep the animals un-disturbed and wanted to make sure they will not have to be re-located due to failures in the waterproofing.
This was achieved using the Wolfin System which comprised of the Wolfin IB and Wolfin GWSK membranes. Wolfin is a flexible polyester PVC waterproofing membrane that is UV stable and can be applied to most surfaces including cement and steel. Galdar Waterproofing, an experienced and licensed Wolfin applicator, carried out the project in collaboration with Projex Group (Wolfin Membrane Australia), who provided the necessary cad-drawings/custom design systems. Projex Group work very closely with their Licensed Applicators to ensure all details, terminations, installation and QA of the system fulfil all project requirements.
The refurbishment of the Lemur Adventure Park was to achieve an interactive area for the zoo visitors & their children to see Lemurs up close and watch them play. Of all the Taronga Zoo enclosures it is the most interactive of them, as families & children can access & wander through. Visitors are able to follow a winding trail through dense forest gardens, taking in sensory-based information along the way, until they arrive at the central area where kids can climb, swing and play alongside the lemurs housed in the adjacent enclosure.
There are eight male Madagascan lemurs in the new enclosure, including a group of four mainstays named Andriba, Soalata, Andre and Makili and four new additions from Western Plains Zoo called Julian, Casper, Maki and Bamboo.
Ring-tailed lemurs are an endangered species in Africa, and Taronga Zoo and other zoos around the world are helping to conserve their numbers through captive breeding programs. The new enclosure allows the zoo to continue this important work while educating the public about their plight.
The interactive exhibit is the first of its kind in Australia, offering kids the chance to play, learn and view lemurs all in one exciting space. And adult visitors are catered for as well, with a café offering spectacular harbour views.
The Lemur Adventure Park is an exciting new addition to Taronga Zoo’s exhibits, and it will no doubt continue to provide a safe and happy home for its inhabitants long into the future thanks to Projex Group and the Wolfin Waterproofing System.
Taronga Zoo is a Sydney landmark located in Mosman overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour.
For any enquiry or technical waterproofing advices call Projex Group on (02) 8336 1666 or email us at [email protected].