The Flamingo Exhibit audio system was designed to enhance the guest experience through culturally inspired ambiance while supporting operational flexibility and future campus expansion.

Throughout the exhibit, we implemented a combination of pole-mounted and landscape loudspeakers to serve distinct functions. The landscape speakers provide continuous environmental ambiance, playing upbeat instrumental Peruvian music that reflects the flamingos’ South American origins without introducing lyrical distraction. The result is a lively yet unobtrusive soundscape that complements the movement and color of the habitat.

The pole-mounted speakers are dedicated to keeper demonstrations and public address announcements. By separating reinforcement from environmental audio, we ensured speech intelligibility during educational talks while preserving the integrity of the musical ambiance during normal operations. Wireless microphone antenna locations were carefully coordinated to provide reliable coverage across demonstration areas, and keepers operate the system using the same intuitive iPad-based interface deployed throughout the zoo for consistency and ease of use.

Speakers were distributed to cover both the outdoor pathways surrounding the habitat and the covered viewing area, allowing guests to comfortably observe the animals when they are indoors. Ambient sensing microphones disguised within planters (alongside 120V power) provided on Arlington Posts automatically adjust playback levels relative to environmental noise conditions, maintaining clarity without excessive volume.

One of the primary technical challenges of the project was locating the AV system head end within an existing security trailer at nearby Gate 9. Because the trailer is temporary and scheduled for replacement in a future phase, we coordinated cable routing and entry points with long-term flexibility in mind. Additional cable length was coiled within a ground box prior to entering and terminating at the existing trailer and new rack location, allowing the security trailer to be replaced without requiring system rework or extensive new cabling.

In parallel, we designed a future fit-out for a permanent security booth/office at Gate 9, which will function as a secondary entrance during large events and school field trips. The future design includes provisions for a paging station and transaction window microphone, ensuring that the new entry point can seamlessly integrate into the zoo’s broader communications network when constructed.

Denver Zoo - Flamingo Exhibit

Client:
Denver Zoo