ELEPHANT SPRINGS

Fort Worth, TX

As the second phase of the Fort Worth Zoo’s $130 million capital campaign, A Wilder Vision, Elephant Springs redefines the Zoo’s approach to animal wellness, conservation, and visitor immersion. Opened in 2021, the 3-acre habitat nearly triples the space for the Zoo’s Asian elephant herd and introduces new experiences for guests to engage with these endangered animals up close. Naturalistic elements like sand floors, waterfalls, and a 400,000-gallon swimming pool enrich daily life for the elephants, while thoughtfully designed viewing paths and boardwalks bring guests into the landscape like never before. The exhibit also houses a greater one-horned rhino and includes interactive educational features that highlight the Zoo’s conservation work.

The Projects Group served as Owner’s Representative from design through construction, coordinating with the Fort Worth Zoological Association, design and engineering consultants, and general contractor Whiting-Turner. Working alongside Dunaway Associates and Edge Themed Environments, we oversaw the delivery of a state-of-the-art elephant barn with 15 individual stalls, indoor and outdoor training yards, and advanced husbandry spaces. We helped manage theming, construction phasing, and life-support systems—including a complex water filtration system that recirculates thousands of gallons each minute. In 2022, the exhibit earned a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, recognizing Elephant Springs as a leading example of excellence in immersive, sustainable zoo design.