As a conservation organization, the Phoenix Zoo has a responsibility to consider sustainability and green practices with each new project. In the case of the Komodo Dragon Exhibit, we set a goal to limit the negative impact the exhibit construction would have on the environment.

From the outset, the exhibit was designed to minimize the loss of vegetation. Each element of the exhibit was placed in a way that allowed for the existing trees to remain. During construction, some adjustments were made to ensure our goals were successful. For example, the location of the bridge inside the exhibit was changed in order to save a giant palm.

Reusing existing resources instead of purchasing new was an important element of the Komodo exhibit. Long-time members may remember the old “Tropical Adventure Hut” which is now the foundation for the night house. All of the steel from that building was reused inside the exhibit, saving the fossil fuels it takes to produce and ship new steel. We also limited the energy needed to haul in fresh dirt by using what we had on the grounds.