Lincoln Park Zoo Reveals Renovation Plans For Kovler Lion House
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Kovler Lion House at Lincoln Park Zoo will not only have roaring lions, but it is bringing back the roaring 20's.
Lincoln Park Zoo announced Thursday its renovation plans for the iconic Kovler Lion House, expected to be finished sometime in the 2020's.
The historic building known to many originally opened in 1912. It was first renovated in 1990, and then twice more in 1997 and 2007 to expand and improve the exhibits. In 2016, the zoo announced plans to renovate the Kovler Lion House as a part of The Pride of Chicago, the zoo’s $135 million capital campaign. According to the zoo, these renovations will be the last project for the campaign, which also included the Searle Visitor Center in 2018, the Hurvis Family Learning Center in 2017, the Walter Family Arctic Tundra in 2016, the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove in 2016, the Regenstein Macaque Forest in 2015, and Lionel Train Adventure in 2014, in addition to renovations to the zoo’s Kovler Seal Pool, Main Mall, and East and West Gates.
The $35-million renovation will include a state-of-the-art habitat for a pride of lions, including potential future offspring. The updated lion habitat will span the full northern side of Kovler Lion House and offer "intricate rockwork to increase vertical complexity and environmental options to the lions while providing embedded heating and cooling elements for a climate controlled habitat. Tree structures and deadfall will be made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified trees and a food zipline, simulating prey, will be installed for lion feeding as an enrichment opportunity."
The new design of Kovler Lion House will accommodate various needs and preferences determined by the lions themselves.
Construction is expected to begin by fall 2019 with an opening date to be determined. Goettsch Partners is the design architect and PJA is the exhibit designer for Kovler Lion House.
The Kovler Lion House was named a historic landmark in 2005 by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
