Zoo Midland is being built from the ground up, with careful planning and collaboration among the zoo’s array of professionals. Architect firms, alongside Zoo Midland’s Project Coordinator Charles Harrington and Zoo Director Jason Green, are working together to design and construct a zoo that adheres to regulatory city, state, and federal requirements.
"Our commitment to meeting, and even exceeding, regulatory standards is steadfast," Green told Midland Times. "As a collaboration of professionals, we are creating a safe, enriching environment for both our animals and our visitors."
City regulations focus on zoning, land use, and community impact. Zoo Midland's architects have designed the zoo to integrate seamlessly with the local environment, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding areas. To be located at the former Nueva Vista Golf Club property, a 52-acre site, the zoo's layout and infrastructure are designed to promote traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for all visitors.
Harrington emphasized the critical role of adhering to city regulations with his responsibilities including navigating city processes, organizing meetings with utility providers, and coordinating all regulatory activities to ensure smooth progress as construction advances.
According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), animal welfare in zoos encompasses diet, environment, physical health and fitness, social environment, and the ability to fulfill species-specific and individual behavioral motivations. The process of Zoo Midland’s teams takes all factors into the design of the habitats, keepers areas, the hospital, and animals commissary to ensure a safe and all around healthy environment for the animals.
State regulations typically encompass animal welfare, health, and safety standards. Zoo Midland is designed to provide optimal living conditions for its animals, with habitats that mimic natural environments and enrich the animals' lives. This includes adequate space, appropriate social groupings, and opportunities for mental and physical stimulation.
Federal regulations, enforced by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS), operate through a system of licenses and inspections to ensure conformity to a range of animal welfare, public safety and additional standards. “Zoo Midland aims to achieve more than just the basics of animal care standards. This involves inspections and adherence to the highest of animal care and management to ensure that our zoo is operating as it should,” said Green.
As construction progresses, Zoo Midland will continue to work closely with regulatory agencies and the community to ensure that the zoo not only meets but exceeds all necessary standards. “This zoo is incredibly important to all of those behind it and it's incredibly important to me,” said Green. “We want this to be a place everyone can be proud of – safe, educational, and a unique and meaningful experience for all.”