The Denver Zoo Down Under exhibit—celebrating the landscapes and wildlife of Australia and New Zealand—was designed as a layered cultural and environmental experience. Our team developed an audio system that blends authentic storytelling, immersive ambiance, and operational safety, all while prioritizing animal care.

The team collaborated with an Australian Aboriginal artist who curated the exhibit’s audio content. We developed and assembled a collection of music, stories, poems, and spoken word elements that reflect Indigenous perspectives and cultural narratives. The goal was to create a rotating mix of audio programs across two primary landscape zones, allowing the exhibit to shift in tone throughout the day, offering guests a deeper cultural connection to place.

Each landscape zone was designed with distributed outdoor speakers that provide even, natural coverage along pathways and viewing areas. The content programming allows flexibility, ensuring that storytelling and music remain dynamic rather than repetitive, reinforcing the authenticity and richness of the region being represented.

One of the most unique challenges of the project was the Wallaby Way experience—an immersive walkthrough pathway where guests come eye-to-eye with red-necked wallabies and red kangaroos. Because the animals roam freely within the space, traditional permanent speaker installations posed durability and safety concerns. To prioritize animal welfare, we designed infrastructure that supports temporary speaker deployments for special events such as Zoo Lights, rather than leaving equipment exposed to daily interaction. This approach protects both the animals and the AV system while preserving the flexibility needed for seasonal programming.

Despite the minimized permanent audio presence within Wallaby Way, we ensured the area remains connected to the zoo’s broader life-safety and communications network. A dedicated loudspeaker provides coverage for parkwide emergency announcements, and an additional speaker at the entrance gate supports safety briefings—either pre-recorded or delivered live by staff before guests enter the walkthrough habitat.

Denver Zoo - Down Under

Client:
Denver Zoo