Lorikeet Adventure and Avian Propagation Center

This $6 million project for the Denver Zoo included demolishing existing landscaping and buildings and creating the Lorikeet Adventure and Avian Propagation Center.

The Lorikeet Adventure has a 3,500-square-foot open-air walkthrough aviary that gives visitors an up close view of more than 50 lorikeets and the opportunity to hand feed them nectar. The project included demolishing the existing landscaping and buildings and the subsequent construction of a ticket booth and queuing plaza, interactive aviary and lorikeet housing area on the one acre site, all without disrupting zoo activities during either demolition or construction.

The Avian Propagation Center involved demolishing the old avian exhibit, including moats and underground irrigation lines not located on as built drawings. During construction, the team took great care not to disturb designated tree protection areas, which were fenced off during construction. The center is one of the largest centers of its kind in the country. The 10,000-square-foot building has three wings, multiple outdoor holding areas and an incubation room.