Predator Ridge is a 4.7-acre, award-winning exhibit at the Denver Zoo that simulates the African Samburu region, allowing for the rotation of African lions, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs. Opened in 2004, it uses a complex, multi-yard, and behind-the-scenes system to provide animals with enrichment, stimulation, and increased activity. During the recent renovation, we designed a distributed audio system that supports environmental storytelling, keeper demonstrations, seasonal programming, and interactive exhibit elements—while carefully coordinating infrastructure within a complex architectural and landscape environment.

A key component of the project was the coordination of pole-mounted column array loudspeakers throughout the primary and secondary yards. These speakers were mounted to new light poles alongside other non-AV systems (security cameras and wireless access points), requiring close collaboration with the electrical and lighting teams. We developed custom fabricated mounting hardware to securely attach the column arrays to the poles while maintaining clean sightlines and ensuring long-term durability in an outdoor environment. The result is a discreet yet effective distributed system that blends seamlessly into the exhibit architecture.

In addition to the pole-mounted arrays, we designed a layered audio approach using landscape speakers throughout the primary, secondary, and maternity yards. Each zone was intentionally tuned for specific environmental content. Pole-mounted speakers are suited for elevated and spatial effects—flighted birds, insects, and wind-driven ambiance—while landscape speakers reinforce ground-level textures such as rustling brush or flightless birds. During Zoo Lights and other seasonal activations, these same zones can transition to music playback, allowing the exhibit to adapt without additional infrastructure.

We also designed a dedicated reinforcement zone in both the primary and maternity yards specifically for keeper demonstrations. These speakers are reserved for live microphone reinforcement during educational talks, ensuring clarity and intelligibility without competing with environmental soundscapes. A custom user interface—consistent with other systems deployed across the zoo—allows keepers to control microphones, playback content, and zone routing from a familiar iPad-based platform. Antenna placement was carefully coordinated within the demo areas, and on the roof of the Pahali ya Simba building where carcasses are delivered to the lions, ensuring reliable wireless coverage throughout operational scenarios.

Inside the Pahali building, the indoor speaker and video systems support both playback audio and live microphone reinforcement during demonstrations. The system automatically switches between live video or playback content sources depending on program mode, maintaining a seamless experience for guests.

Predator Ridge also includes several interactive and interpretive audio features that were reimagined as part of this project. The Gong Rock was re-activated with a new approach: rather than triggering a single piece of music by button press, it now plays short melodic “Easter egg” compositions at sporadic intervals throughout the day—approximately every 10–15 minutes—creating moments of surprise and discovery.

Similarly, the primary and secondary yard signs were re-activated with species-specific vocalizations: lion calls in the primary yard and hyena vocalizations in the secondary yard.

One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the custom Weaver’s Nest feature. A speaker was discreetly integrated inside a custom-fabricated nest structure, designed specifically for this exhibit. The playback evokes the subtle sounds of a weaver bird family, adding a playful and intimate layer of storytelling that rewards attentive guests traveling towards the maternity yard zone.

Across all zones, the audio infrastructure was designed to balance immersion with operational flexibility. Environmental ambiance, animal vocalizations, demo reinforcement, and seasonal music can all be independently routed and controlled, allowing the exhibit to evolve throughout the day and across programming needs.

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Denver Zoo - Predator Ridge

Client:
Denver Zoo