Pantera Walk
San Antonio, Texas, USA
A world-class, first-of-its-kind catwalk bridging jaguar enclosures.
Client
Size
Completed in
The bridge is designed to mimic a pathway through the tree canopy, but with unprecedented visibility for visitors.
Timothy B. Blonkvist, Principal-in-Charge, Overland Partners
The first of its kind in the world, this sky walk feature functions as an elevated trail system for the jaguars allowing them to wander safely between habitats of other species. The zoo’s Neotropica exhibit is modeled after the Amazon region and allows for a unique environment designed to host multiple species in the same areas, including birds from the Amazon, monkeys and other mammals, fish and reptiles alongside the endangered jaguars.
The Pantera Walk is the signature feature of this tropical realm, bridging the existing jaguar enclosure and capturing the attention of visitors as it hangs above them. It offers the jaguars more than 120% additional space and the capability to allow more animals in the habitat at once since they are typically solitary creatures. The catwalk has a series of gates for the safety of zookeepers and other animals, is made from a fiberglass product molded to resemble the texture of tree bark and is surrounded by bird-proof netting to protect the birds as the jaguars pass through the aviary exhibit.
Without a solid barrier, visitors get the thrill of proximity, as if the jaguars were almost on the loose.
Timothy B. Blonkvist, Principal-in-Charge, Overland Partners
Let’s create meaningful experiences that move and inspire.