The function of the building and forces of the site directly influenced the architecture of this 35,000-sq.-ft. center, which replaced the original non-compliant animal health facility built in the 1960s.

The new center houses five major components: a hospital, animal ward, quarantine area, animal commissary and new administrative and research building.

The hospital and animal wards on the right side of the zoo’s entry road are complemented by the isolated quarantine wards on the left and are spanned by the steel-framed bridge containing administrative offices. This bridge houses all of the offices for the veterinary staff and provides a critical internal link between two program elements that are required to be kept physically distinct, yet accessible to veterinary staff.

The new surgery unit contains advanced medical equipment and a hydraulic-lift surgery table that can support animals up to 2,000 pounds. Advanced diagnostic and imaging technology is provided, along with surgery suites designed for a diverse and aging animal population. Specialized environments for species requiring wet, dry or combined environments are also included. The research laboratories allow the veterinary staff to participate in joint research projects with local universities and scientific institutions. Key areas of study are genetics, endocrinology and nutrition.

Quotable:

“In my view, the work of architecture has been exhaustive, inspired and as inclusive of everybody's ideas as can be conceived.”

Dr. Charles Sedgwick, director of animal services,
Los Angeles Zoo