Cloward H2O, an expert in aquatic design, was part of the project team that brought the 11-acre expansion of North Carolina’s Greensboro Science Center to life, alongside Cambridge Seven and exhibit designer BlooGroup.
Greensboro Science Center, a hub for exploration, education, and public engagement that combines a zoo, aquarium, and museum into one immersive experience, is a popular destination for families and visitors of all ages.
The latest and most extensive upgrade went beyond simply adding more exhibits, with a collaborative team crafting a unique experience that promotes sustainability, education, and animal welfare.
The team at Cloward H2O undertook the challenging task of ensuring that the exhibits for species such as fishing cats, flamingos, and pygmy hippos were not only visually attractive but also functionally reliable.
This involved designing intricate water systems that mimicked the animals’ natural habitats while adhering to strict standards for animal care and welfare.
Animal welfare as the priority
Fishing cats, elusive and semi-aquatic predators native to Southeast Asia, are specially adapted for water hunting. Their exhibit needed an environment that fosters these innate hunting behaviours.
Cloward H2O created a multi-depth setup featuring shallow and deep pools that resemble marshes and riverbanks. The pools were designed with water clarity in mind, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to observe these stealthy animals in their natural hunting environment.
What makes this system unique is its adaptability. It permits the safe introduction of live fish into the exhibit, mimicking the cats’ natural hunting instincts.
This isn’t merely enrichment; it also supports conservation objectives. The Greensboro Science Center’s exhibit is part of a breeding programme aimed at stabilising fishing cat populations, and a habitat that encourages natural behaviours is essential for successful breeding efforts.
The flamingo habitat presented a different challenge. These birds thrive in shallow, saline-rich environments that support their unique feeding behaviours and vibrant colours.
Cloward H2O designed a specialised life-support system to replicate these water conditions, ensuring the birds have an environment that mirrors the mudflats and lagoons of their natural range. The system balances filtration and nutrient levels to maintain both water quality and the health of the flamingos’ specialised diets.
The pygmy hippo habitat was perhaps the most technically challenging project. These rare animals, smaller relatives of the common hippopotamus, often stay in water where they feel safe. Their significant biological impact on aquatic environments, due to waste and feeding habits, demands advanced filtration and circulation systems.
Cloward H2O created a life support system capable of managing this bio-load while keeping water pristine. Sustainability was also a priority: the system reduces water waste and energy use, ensuring the hippos’ health is not affected.
The results are clear. The Greensboro Science Center’s pygmy hippos joined a crucial breeding program, and successfully birthing and raising a calf shows that the habitat promotes not just survival but prosperity.
Now two years old, the young hippo still benefits from this well-designed environment.
Supporting the zoo’s conservation goals
While engineering excellence was central to the expansion, the Greensboro Science Center also prioritised conservation, animal welfare, and visitor experience. Every habitat was carefully crafted to foster natural behaviours and include enrichment, such as interactive feeding zones and water features that imitate natural environments.
The habitats of the fishing cat and hippo exemplify this philosophy particularly well: one immerses visitors in the drama of a predator’s hunt, while the other emphasises the importance of safeguarding a species most people have never encountered.
Both inspire reflection on the fragile balance of ecosystems and the need for human stewardship.
The centre’s veterinary and animal care staff work closely with engineers and designers to ensure that the animals’ health and comfort remain the top priorities. These initiatives are connected to global breeding programmes, helping to conserve species like pygmy hippos and African penguins, while also raising visitor awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife.
The 11-acre zoo expansion exemplifies what can be accomplished when design, engineering, and animal welfare work together towards a shared vision. Each habitat not only highlights rare and extraordinary species but also functions as a live classroom where visitors can observe conservation efforts in action.
Earlier this month, Cloward H2O shared how delivering a successful surf park involves more than just selecting the appropriate wave technology or securing an appealing location.