The Oregon-based SRG Partnership is to lead a team tasked with developing a 25-year master plan for Oregon Zoo.

SRG, together with CLR Design and Atelier Dreiseitl, will spend a year evaluating operations at the zoo and creating a master plan for projects funded by the US$125m (£80.5m) zoo bond measure passed in 2008. The plan is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2011.

Ahead of the zoo bond measure, zoo staff identified animal care and programme requirements, along with target budgets for projects which included six animal exhibits, a new educational facility, upgrades to pipes, roads and energy systems and a new veterinary clinic.

In addition to these, the consultancy team will advise on sustainability initiatives including harvesting rainwater, improving heating and cooling systems, and reclaiming and recycling water from animal exhibits.

A new layout of zoo facilities will be mapped out and schematic designs, illustrations and descriptions created for each project. The new designs will improve visitor circulation and address grading, landscaping, construction materials, lighting and exhibit signs.

Once the plan is completed, the zoo will spend around eight years building the animal exhibits and other new facilities outlined within the bond.

Image: Oregon Zoo