Design Notebook: Nov. 1998

The new edge of Africa wild animal attraction, Busch Gardens, Tampa, Fla., is 15 acres of dramatic African grassland theming. It is made up of nine distinct habitats and houses more than 16 species of African animals.

While the demolition of the 14-month project began in May 1996, locating and growing the unusual plant material began in 1995. To ensure potability for the animals, the water source for the project was upgraded from pond water to well water.

Also in May 1996, a 1.5-acre test site was developed to evaluate how well the fever acacias, ear trees, palo verdes, ocotillos, mesquites, and other plant species would adapt to harsh Florida heat and humidity and intense animal activity.

Specimens were hand-selected from southern California, Florida and Arizona and were quarantined before the installation occurred.

Irrigation is controlled by five, 16-station Scorpio Units that are operated by a computer-controlled irrinet unit. A mile of 4-, 6- and 8-inch mainline feeds to seven zone lines, numerous turf rotors, shrub sprays, rockwork planter drip tubes and even some animal cooling misters.

Irrigation heads in the baboon, hyena and lion exhibits are recessed in heavy PVC and concrete collars for protection against the powerful jaws and claws of these animals.

The actual installation of the 35,000 shrubs and grasses, 300 trees, 300 tons of inorganic mulches and acres of turf began in February 1997. This allowed plant material enough time to acclimate and establish before the introduction of the animals to their new home.

The installation began with a 10-person crew, but soon increased to a 40-person team working two shifts, 15 to 18 hours per day. At the project’s peak, the team coordinated daily activities with 25 other contractors. Thirteen inches of rain fell during two days in the month prior to the opening, causing huge washouts, erosion and loss of seeded areas. ISS responded by moving yards of soil and adding acres of sod.

Beyond the entrance of the display, the shrub and grassland reveals a gently sloping marshland, home to two hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, numerous fish and aquatic vegetation.

The plant selection process included research for non-toxicity to assure safe, animal grazing. Meerkat display tree rootballs were wrapped in hardware cloth to protect them from these vigorous tunneling mammals.

Immediately upon release into the display, a 350-pound lioness began using the display’s new Live Oaks as scratching posts. ISS quickly responded by armoring the trunks with banded three-inch pole fencing. Meanwhile, the baboons removed 85 percent of their vegetation during the first 30 days after opening, so baboon-resistant species, including Cordgrass, Wedelia and Colacasias, were installed.

Decomposed Arizona granite was brought in to create the illusion of mud pathways and dry streambeds. Raked daily, the gritty product packs tightly and stays clean when wet. Larger grades of pea gravel, egg rock, river sludge and boulders complete the effect.

The author is the ISS project manager at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Fla.