Los Angeles Zoo’s Pachyderm Forest
The Los Angeles Zoo has added the "Pachyderm Forest" - Asian Elephant exhibit as their main focal point for the preservation and observation of these intelligent animals. The exhibit had extensive design specifications that required extra inspection along every step of the construction process. Special delivery arrangements were included for the galvanized product to insure high safety standards for the zoo and their patrons.
The intricate galvanized steel components were designed for an environment that is conducive to high corrosion. Hot-dip galvanizing offers the zoo an economical, long lasting form of corrosion protection with the side benefit of a quality, maintenance-free finish. Within the zoo industry, the hot-dip galvanizing process is held in the very highest regard. The Asian Elephant Pachyderm Forest exhibit has proven to be a very successful attraction at the Los Angeles Zoo.
The famed Asian Elephants have finally returned home to the Los Angeles zoo's new exhibit-the Pachyderm Forest. Spanning 6 acres and costing over $42 million dollars it is truly state of the art, showcasing brand new dietary and medical examination areas. The space also has numerous waterfalls, plants, trees and watering holes to create a natural habitat for the elephants. Galvanized steel structures are used everywhere from pen dividers to the enclosure areas.
Maintaining this varied topography and delicate eco-system definitely presents many challenges and a major one is that it creates a the perfect storm of conditions that fosters the excessive corrosion of steel. This is a dilemma, and the answer to this dilemma...quite simply-the magic that is hot-dip galvanizing. Truly, it is nothing short of a grand metallurgical savior protecting the elephant's beautiful new home from the evil that is corrosion.
Elephants have long played an important role in the cultural, artistic and religious heritage of many Asian cultures. The Pachyderm Forest exhibit is designed to increase appreciation, amazement and even wonder for these great animals and to familiarize guests (over 1 million annually) with the challenges the Asian Elephants face in the wild, including their shrinking natural habitat. We are proud that hot-dip galvanizing played such a crucial role in creating this magnificent new exhibit.
