Where the Wild Things Are

During tough economic times, zoos remain one of the most economical choices for a family outing. Parents can give their kids a fun, educational experience while letting them cavort and enjoy flora and fauna from around the world firsthand without the attending travel expenses jet lag or language barrier.

Capitalizing on zoos’ budget friendliness and timeless appeal, Dallas Zoo unveiled Giants of the Savanna on May 28. The 11-acre expanse brings visitors up close and personal with lions, elephants and numerous other African animals. To provide pertinent information and a sense of place, Zoo officials hired OPA Graphics (New Orleans) to create Giants of the Savanna’s signage and graphics. According to David Barr, project manager for the more than 30-year-old company, OPA’s relationship with the Dallas Zoo’s director, Gregg Hudson, spans more than 15 years, when the shop created signage for an exhibit at the Fort Worth Zoo.

“Through our work with the Audubon Zoo of New Orleans, we’ve gained a reputation for creative distinctive zoo graphics,” he said. “We have more than 25 years of zoo-sign experience. To operate a successful business, we believe you should commit to what you do best.”

For zoo-exhibit graphics, Barr strongly believes in approach these products as a complete design/build process. He adheres to this policy in order to streamline the process and avoid change-order pitfalls that could ensue when working with a design firm with a divergent agenda.

“Zoos require as much or more attention to detail than any other type of signage and graphics,” Barr said. “Zoo officials and the architects of their facilities want all elements, no matter how minute, to reflect the desired theme and ambience.”

Also, he said such complex construction project require constant communication with the numerous vendors involved. Barr said it’s important to plan for probable contingencies due to frequently fluctuating schedules or budgets.

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The client wanted the graphics to evoke an African theme as much as possible. Barr referred to this as “scavenger signage:” “We want the signage to give the impression of being made from found materials. This doesn’t mean junky, but impeccably polished signs like you’d see at Disney World wouldn’t fit.”

He recognizes zoos’ primary mission as educational institutions, and strives to creative interactive environmental graphics: He says customers want effective, yet minimal, graphics that let visitors enjoy the experience with minimal distractions from seeing the animals.

OPA fabricated the primary signage using routed HDU decorated with paint faux-finishes. The exhibit-graphic panels comprise digitally printed wood panels finished in a clear, fiberglass resin. To further fulfill an educational function, OPA also incorporates such interactive features as digital signage, tactile exhibits (some of which play audio clips) and animated touchscreens.