CINCINNATI ZOO WOLF EXHIBIT REDESIGN
“We have doomed the wolf not for what it is, but for what we deliberately and mistakenly perceive it to be – the mythologized epitome of a savage ruthless killer – which is, in reality, no more than a reflected image of ourself.”
- Farley Mowat
Problem
Gray Wolves are a Keystone Species. This means that their removal from the ecosystem will result in a domino effect of ecological changes known as a trophic cascade. In order to bring the environment back in balance, the return of wolves to their historical territory is necessary.
Many people oppose this return out of fear for themselves, their families, or their livestock. How can we increase public understanding of and support for wolf restoration?
What tools can we use?
Yellowstone Wolf Restoration
Range Riding
The Working Circle
Currently, researchers use tools like stun darts to capture wolves and study them. They also fit captured wolves with radio collars to keep track or population location and migration.
Many organizations are working to transition to noninvasive techniques and to work in tandem with ranchers to create shared landscapes with wolves.
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.
Education may not translate into immediate action, but it does result in reevaluation and as people gain knowledge and appreciation of wolves and their place as predators in the ecosystem, they can become concerned about wolf survival and recovery.
Decades of research have unveiled multitudes of facts about this species. That research, used in public education, has motivated people to help and to allow wolves to begin reclaiming small portions of their former habitat.
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities
Defenders’ approach is direct and straightforward – We protect and restore imperiled species throughout North America by transforming policies and institutions and by promoting innovative solutions. We speak with one voice informed by scientific, legal and policy expertise, hands-on wildlife management experience and effective advocacy.
Our conservation efforts are targeted at the full range of vulnerable North American biodiversity, from plants to pollinators to predators. We recognize that we cannot protect any species without simultaneously protecting the habitats and other species on which it relies.
Working Circle was created to find a better way forward for wolves, livestock and people.
Working Circle was formed as a community based initiative to develop and support the development and implementation of strategies that support working ranch sustainability
with the presence of predators on shared landscapes while addressing the related
social dynamics.
Conservation requires a strategic, meaningful, comprehensive, and compassionate approach to ensure long-term success. We strive to address the on-going concerns and conflicts both on the ground and socially surrounding large carnivore conservation and ranch sustainability.
Initial Ideation
Site Visit
Old fashioned appearance
Dark
Small, difficult to parse information on conservation
Outdated communication
Initial Concepts
Retheming Existing Space
A
B
C
Concept A Ideation
Concept A Render
Concept C Render
Concept A Ideation
Updating the Space
In order to create the sense of modernity the issues facing wolves demands, it was necessary to not only update the existing rustic space, but to create an entirely new space with a modern design.
A
B
Creating a New Space
A
Fusion Models
B
A
B
Keystone Species Interactive Game
Floor Plan and Location
Foamcore Model
