A piece of Africa in the Hanover Experience Zoo: In the new theme world Afi Mountain, visitors experience a unique protection project with the Drillwald.
The Drill enclosure is modelled after the natural habitat of these primates in equatorial Africa. Home to one of the world’s greatest diversities of primates, the real-life island of Bioko off the coast of Cameroon served as inspiration for the design. At Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Drills as they move through dense vegetation and a system of rocky tunnels. Numerous glass panels and mesh systems allow for encounters at eye level. Fog effects and ambient sounds enhance the feeling of being part of the rainforest. The immersive concept of the Drill Forest, located within the themed world of Afi Mountain, was developed by dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur under the direction of Kieran Stanley. Implementation was carried out in cooperation with emproc Bauprojektmanagement GmbH & Co. KG.
Conservation meets close-up animal encounters
The Drill Forest in Afi Mountain combines the protection of endangered primates with a unique, close-up experience between humans and animals. In Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover, visitors encounter Drills in a setting that feels remarkably natural and embark on a journey through the rainforest. A massive buttress root tree marks the entrance to the realm of these highly endangered monkeys, followed by a rocky tunnel system offering various views into their world. Between the rocks, large glass fronts allow guests to observe the animals up close – and Drills even climb over the heads of visitors. The enclosure offers plenty of activities to keep the primates stimulated: rocky landscapes, a small stream for play, and high tree canopies. A group of guenons shares the habitat with the Drills, creating a diverse and naturalistic environment. Various zones within the enclosure provide hiding places, retreat areas, and foraging opportunities, supporting the animals’ wellbeing.
Participation encouraged
A lush planting concept made entirely of non-toxic greenery contributes to the enclosure’s authentic character. The entire Drill and guenon area is spanned by a massive net, blurring the boundaries between habitat and visitor space. Guests feel as though they are part of the animals’ vibrant world. An explorer path leads across the stream and through the Drill Forest, inviting children and adults alike to dive in, learn more about these endangered primates, and even climb and jump themselves.
Behavioural Enrichment
The team at dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur relies on the concept of behavioural enrichment, which means actively stimulating and engaging animals, while integrating visitor experiences into the animals’ environment. With the Drill Forest, Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover offers an immersive encounter where the distance between humans and animals seems to disappear.
Masterplan for the Zoo of the Future
In 1995, the bold reimagining of Hannover Zoo began with the “Zoo of the Future” masterplan – part of the EXPO initiative. Within 15 years, a new kind of zoo emerged in the capital of Lower Saxony, one that takes its role in conservation, education, and research seriously, while also embracing its function as a leisure destination that offers relaxation and entertainment for its guests.
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
Client: Hanover Zoo
Project: Afi Mountain
Services: LPH 1 – 9 according to the HOAI
Planning & construction period: 2016 – 2017
Opening: 2017
Property size: 2,530 m²
Available Enclosure Size: ca. 625 m²
Gross Building Volume of the Visitor Cave: ca. 450 m³
Construction cost: approx. ca. 3.39 Mio. Euro
