In the Roo Valley Expansion at the Cincinnati Zoo, 32 Little Blue Penguins (Eudyptula minor) rely on expert care to stay safe and healthy. Maintaining their habitat requires far more than fresh fish and routine checkups.
Little Blue Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins due to their small size, thrive in engaging environments. In addition to 15,000 gallons of indoor swimming space and 40,000 gallons outdoors, their habitat features sprinklers, waterfalls, sand, boulders, and flat play areas designed to support natural behaviors. Learn more about these penguins at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Any pet owner understands the level of care required to keep animals healthy. When building and maintaining habitats, especially for species living outside their native climate, specialized expertise is essential.
Aquariums, habitats, and exhibits require a unique approach to design that extends beyond traditional disciplines like engineering, landscaping, or architecture. Water integrity, including levels, temperature, and filtration, is critical to maintaining safe environments. Light control above and below the water also plays a key role, along with proper water flow to support natural movement and feeding patterns.
A lot more happens inside an animal habitat than in a basic fountain or swimming pool. Monitoring every fish, whether part of the exhibit or part of the food chain, is essential to prevent excess waste buildup and contamination. Filtration systems function like a waste collection system. They must be regularly emptied, cleaned, and maintained to keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy.
Zoos and aquariums rely on trained maintenance teams to routinely inspect tubing, connections, airstones, skimmers, and other critical components. This proactive approach ensures optimal water quality and long term system performance. Learn more about aquarium and animal exhibit maintenance best practices to keep your systems operating efficiently.
Maintenance specialists also manage water chemistry using non toxic, biodegradable, and eco friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for animals and humans.
Animal habitats require the highest level of structural integrity and cleanliness. Viewing surfaces must be regularly cleaned and polished to maintain visibility and safety. Glass and acrylic panels also require routine inspection of joints and seals to prevent leaks, even under the pressure of tens of thousands of gallons of water.
When zoos and aquariums expand or enhance habitats, they rely on experienced partners. ASI has worked with hundreds of aquariums and exhibits worldwide, supporting conservation, advancing research, and creating immersive experiences for both animals and visitors.
Read more about our featured work in 4 amazing ASI projects.
