GLMV Zoos

12/21/2023

Ever heard of Jaali and Nia? Well, they're not just any black rhinos – they're
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens' ultimate power couple, giving even Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce a run for their money.

These black rhinos, the smallest of their African kin, face critical endangerment. Consequently, we undertook the crucial task of crafting an exhibit that would truly feel like home for Jaali and Nia. Allen Monroe, the President and CEO of the Living Desert, sheds light on our commitment: "Our habitat was meticulously designed to cater to every need of the rhinos, incorporating numerous special features."

For an in-depth look into the enchanting world of these adorable rhinos, check out the feature in People magazine: https://people.com/rhino-born-on-christmas-eve-finds-love-at-california-zoo-8418109

12/18/2023

Our conversation yesterday with Ruskin Hartley of DarkSky International was illuminating!

Natural darkness is a critical habitat that we’re losing at an astonishing rate and the conservation community has not caught up to the profound nature of this change. Like clean air and clean water, a dark night sky should be put in the pantheon of things that are worth protecting. There are simple things we can all do tonight:

- Use light only if needed
- Direct light so it falls only where needed.
- Light should be no brighter than necessary.
- Use light only when it’s needed.
- Use warmer color lights where possible.

See comments for DarkSky's Five Lighting Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting.

12/11/2023

Do we REALLY know our neighbors? The Neighboring Movement believes that we can create lasting change in the world and increase the quality of life for individuals, communities, and beyond through an asset-based approach to neighboring. Thank you to Catherine Johnson, Neighborhood Animator and Co-Founder of the Neighboring Movement, and Kristopher, Program Assistant, for engaging in this provocative conversation around strategies for fostering connection, building trust, and growing stronger communities from a place of abundance.

https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-asset-based-community-development-with-the-neighboring-movement/

12/08/2023

Are you a landscape architect? Do you know someone who is? Our team is growing! The Zoo & Aquarium Division at GLMV Architecture is seeking a licensed and experienced landscape architect to join us in dreaming of and designing the zoos and aquariums of the future. This position can be remote, with occasional travel.

Let's work together, apply here 👉 https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2092065

11/10/2023

Good master plans provide a visionary roadmap to get a facility from where it is to where it wants to be, but great master plans can galvanize and inspire entire communities. At smaller institutions, being honest about the feasibility and timing of projects due to space, budget, and bandwidth limitations can easily stifle a blue-sky approach to planning, but they don’t have to! In this conversation, Gene Peacock, Director at Zoo Boise, and members of the Zoo & Aquarium Division at GLMV Architecture, Dale Stafford, Landscape Architect, and Jamie Ohrt, Intern in Architecture, discussed Zoo Boise’s innovative and comprehensive Master Planning process.

Read all about it here: https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-small-zoo-master-planning-as-a-vehicle-for-conservation/

10/13/2023

There was no doubt in our minds that, collectively, zoos and aquariums are a powerful force for the conservation of wildlife and wild places. We also believe that strategic, coordinated action is critical to ensuring impact and are proud to have partnered with the IUCN Species Survival Commission and Reverse the Red to offer a series of virtual workshops that provide organizations of all sizes with tools and a roadmap for moving from mission to outcomes in their conservation strategy. Facilitated by:
➡️Dr. Kira Mileham of IUCN Species Survival Commission,
➡️Mike Clifford of Reverse the Red and GLMV Zoos,
➡️Jen Charette of GLMV Zoos,
there’s just one spot left in the final session of the year, November 2, 16, & 30. Learn more on our website: https://www.glmv.com/.../moving-from-mission-to-outcomes.../

*Note: the fall session registration deadline is October 19.

🌍 Discover how botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoos are vital in saving species. We recognize their contributions, urge others to collaborate with them and for us all to reach our full conservation potential.

Together, we can safeguard Earth's biodiversity!

Read more: ow.ly/8KCH50PVnNr

10/09/2023

We invite you to join us in celebrating and extending our heartfelt congratulations to Mike Clifford. Mike, our esteemed Director of Special Projects and Strategy Director for Reverse the Red, has been recognized as one of the Blooloop Power Ten honorees in the category of Zoo & Aquariums Influencers for 2023.

⭐Mike, your dedication and expertise have earned you this prestigious honor, and we couldn't be prouder of your achievement.

To learn more about Mike and his contributions, you can visit his profile here: https://blooloop.com/animals/influencer/michael-clifford/

09/19/2023

We're thrilled to share the incredible experiences and impactful moments our zoo crew had at the 2023 AZA conference, leaving us utterly inspired! During this remarkable event, we not only soaked up inspirations but had the privilege of taking the stage to share our insights and passion with the zoo community. Our very own Jen Charette, Zoo Community Impact Manager, joined forces with the Topeka Zoo to present "My World." While the dynamic duo of Dale Stafford, Landscape Architect and Jesse Daniel, Project Coordinator, teamed up with the Riverbanks Zoo to discuss their presentation on The Darnall W and Susan F Boyd Aquarium Reptile Conservation Center exhibit. As members of committees and critical conversations, our team is more committed than ever to advancing the collective mission of zoos and aquariums to protect and conserve wildlife and wild places.💪🐼🌿

09/05/2023

If you’ve ever tried to cut a steak with a butter knife or use a flathead screwdriver when a task clearly calls for a Philips-head, you intuitively understand the importance of form and function relationships. As a forensic biomechanist, Dr. Jeremy Lomax has spent his career studying the complex relationship between biological organisms’ forms and functions, from fish anatomy and behavior to understanding and preventing human injuries. We joined Dr. Lomax in conversation around how studying the form-function relationship shapes our understanding of movement, injury prevention, and product design.

📖 Continue reading here: https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-the-form-function-relationship-from-people-to-piranhas/

08/31/2023

GLMV Architecture’s Zoos and Aquariums Division, a nationally recognized leader in zoological conservation initiatives within zoos and aquariums, and always on the lookout for new and exciting opportunities to expand on these efforts, announces a new partnership with their very own, Mike Clifford, in support of his new role with the international conservation consortium Reverse the Red. At the same time, we are equally excited to announce Stephanie Stowell, former director with the Albuquerque BioPark and longtime executive leader within AZA, to GLMV Zoos as Director of Innovation and Planning. These changes will allow GLMV to enhance its already groundbreaking immersive designs and be better partners for conservation.

Click here to read more about our exciting update : https://www.glmv.com/zoo-aquarium-division-update/

07/19/2023

🎥Join us for a virtual tour of the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC), hosted by Lochlan Wooten, Chief Operating Officer and Christie Vondrak, Chief Administrative Officer.

An extensive renovation of a 30-year-old building, ARCC is now home to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s most diverse population of animals. Terrestrial and aquatic conservation labs, a jellyfish wall, an octopus tank, and climate zones including deserts, tropics, and South Carolina temperate forests create a multi-sensory, immersive journey through biomes of the world. By highlighting species of critical local and global conservation importance, ARCC tells a compelling story that inspires guests to join Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in taking action to save wild animals and wild places.

📘You can read more about ARCC here : https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-virtual-tour-of-riverbanks-zoo-and-gardens-aquarium-reptile-conservation-center/

https://youtu.be/D5ExahcUNM4

Thank you so much to Riverbanks Zoo & Aquarium for taking us on this virtual tour of their renovated Reptile Conservation Center!

06/28/2023

“Conservation needs to move beyond random acts of kindness and instead mobilize strategic, coordinated action” – Sally Jewel, former Secretary of the Interior, addressing 2016 IUCN World Congress

Did you know that GLMV Zoos and the IUCN Species Survival Commission have partnered to offer a series of virtual workshops that provide organizations of all sizes tools and strategies for moving from mission to outcomes in their conservation strategy? Dr. Kira Mileham of IUCN SSC and Mike Clifford and Jen Charette of GLMV Zoos will facilitate two more sessions this year, each limited to five organizations. Learn more on our website:
https://www.glmv.com/work/moving-from-mission-to-outcomes-ensuring-your-conservation-impact/

*Note: the summer session registration deadline is July 5th.

What participants are saying:

“This workshop has given us valuable tools to improve our conservation impact and align our organizational investments for efficiency. Our staff engagement and leadership support has thrived since our participation. It was one of the most impactful trainings I have participated in!”

“The GLMV and IUCN Conservation Workshop Series is a novel opportunity to reflect on the history of zoos and aquariums in species conservation. At its core is a strong focus on strategic thinking and invaluable guidance on practical operationalization. Both of these elements support the development of well-focused, clearly articulated, and measurable species conservation outcomes that we all strive towards as a professional community. I would not hesitate to recommend the workshop series to my peers."

“Conservation needs to move beyond random acts of kindness and instead mobilize strategic coordinated action” – Sally Jewel, former Secretary of the Interior, addressing 2016 IUCN World Congress

06/14/2023

Protecting the planet’s biodiversity is central to the mission of zoos & aquariums, and our profession is uniquely poised for impact through strategic, coordinated action. Awareness and understanding of the most urgent needs, changing political landscapes, and innovations in ex-situ and in situ strategies are critical to progress towards healthier ecosystems. Our Echo team joined Kira Mileham, Ph.D., Director of IUCN SSC Strategic Partnerships, in a conversation on the most pressing issues facing global conservation today.

📖 Read more here: https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-hot-topics-in-global-conservation/

https://youtu.be/rvbfZx6YD2s

05/19/2023

That's a wrap! Our final day of ECHO23 left us with three powerful sessions;

Reclaiming Society's Reductive Identities with Niya Pickett Miller of Samford University and Julian Maha of KutureCity.

Risky Business: Hard Choices & Unpopular Decisions, a panel led by Libba Vaughan of Leadership Birmingham.

Justice for All: Bridging the Divide with Senator Doug Jones.

Mike & Jesse have the recap.

Looking forward to ECHO24 at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden!

05/19/2023

The first day of ECHO23 closed with Counteracting Disinformation that Erodes Trust in Science with Diane Benscoter of Antidote.org. Mike & Jesse have the session recap.

05/17/2023

ECHO23 is underway and Jesse Daniel & Mike Clifford share the key points of this morning's session, Reclaiming the Virtues of Curiosity, Freedom to Fail, and Divergent Thinking, with Dave Bindewald of the Center for Play & Exploration.

05/15/2023

It's the eve of ECHO23, and the GLMV Zoos team is ready to welcome more than thirty international zoo & aquarium leaders to Birmingham. Here we go!

05/12/2023

What guests want in their visit and how we respond is ever evolving. How do we ensure we're providing an integrated guest-centric experience from start to finish? We joined Shannon Fitzgerald, Chief Brand Officer at SSA Group, in a conversation exploring what the guest experience could become when we look at it through a different lens, holistically.

SSA Group partners with cultural attractions across the nation to drive revenue, innovation, and impact. SSA manages all revenue generating services for cultural attractions through best-in-class integrated services across food, retail, and admissions. This unified operational platform means more opportunities to maximize your mission and evolve the guest journey.

Read more about it here: https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-how-will-guests-drive-the-future-innovation-of-your-cultural-attraction/i

https://youtu.be/bh24QUCGYjg

04/28/2023

Our Zoo & Aquarium team had an amazing experience on their division retreat thanks to the KC Zoo Aquarium, which graciously hosted us for a fascinating tour of their aquariums. We believe that a team that has fun and learns together stays together, and this adventure was a perfect example of that. Thanks again to the KC Zoo Aquarium for making their retreat so memorable!

03/22/2023

As children, play and the freedom from the fear of failure help us learn about the world and connect seemingly unrelated ideas. For some adults, however, those qualities slip away to be replaced by rigid social constructs in how we approach our work and personal lives. As professionals in an industry that encourages exploration to foster inspiration, we need to practice what we preach, encouraging a playful outlook and using divergent thinking to solve day-to-day issues.

A special thank you to Dave Bindewald, Founder of the Center for Play & Exploration, for lending his expertise to the conversation.

03/14/2023

We couldn’t be more excited for our partners at Topeka Zoo to be celebrating the opening of the largest habitat in its history, Giraffe and Friends! Home to the Zoo’s three Reticulated Giraffes, Sarge, Liz, and Hope, and welcoming new “friends”, Lesser Kudu, Ostrich, Grey Crowned Cranes, and Thomson’s Gazelle, this habitat provides modern amenities including a giant indoor giraffe playroom, maternity room, training suite, and both an indoor and outdoor feeding platform. It’s been the talk of Topeka all weekend and we can’t wait to see more soon!

https://www.wibw.com/2023/03/10/topeka-zoo-opens-new-giraffe-friends-exhibit/?fbclid=IwAR14sUsniBzo6oE6RC8sAoweA0Z-mjlHaIfwaYDiZAWa8x1fdt-gNi3-T7U

The newest $8.3-million-dollar zoo expansion opened its doors to the public Friday morning.

03/09/2023

Congratulations to our partners at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden on the recent opening of the Darnall W and Susan F Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center! This completely renovated 30-year-old building is now home to the Zoo’s largest and most diverse population of animals, highlighting species of critical local and global conservation importance. GLMV Zoos’ Director of Innovation & Planning, Mike Clifford, attended the ribbon cutting and captured these stunning images. Great work, team!

📸 See the original project renderings here: https://www.glmv.com/work/riverbanks-zoo-aquarium-renovation/

02/08/2023

Congratulations to The Living Desert for their USA TODAY 10Best nominations this week! GLMV Zoos is proud to have partnered with The Living Desert team in the design of Australian Adventures. Join RoxAnna Breitigan, Director of Animal Care, on a virtual tour of the exhibit on our website: https://www.glmv.com/take-a-virtual-tour-of-the-living-desert-and-glmv-zoos-new-australian-adventure-habitat/ and cast your vote today: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-exhibit/ (and every day until March 6th)!

🦘🦘🦘🌵🌵🌵☀️☀️☀️

12/23/2022

The very premise of zoos and aquariums is to engage guests with live animals from around the world, learning from and being inspired by them. However, with advancements in technology and robotics, hyper-realistic animatronic animals are on the rise. Some, like prairie dogs, gorillas, and wild dog pups, are so realistic they have fooled their living counterparts and facilitated the capture of unprecedented camera footage. Could animatronic animals become more commonplace in zoos and aquariums? Could these robotic animals uniquely advance our mission and goals? Below, you will find a summary of the key takeaways from the conversation.

The very premise of zoos and aquariums is to engage guests with live animals from around the world, learning from and being inspired by them. However, with advancements in technology and robotics, hyper-realistic animatronic animals are on the rise. Some, like prairie dogs, gorillas, and wild dog pu...

11/16/2022

Our divisions are busy jet setting across the country and our Zoo & Aquariums Division is no exception. Our Project Coordinator, Jesse Daniels and Jamie Ohrt, our Associate AIA, are having a good time at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, FL! 2022

11/10/2022

It’s a tough time to be a kid. With the physical and emotional stressors of a global pandemic, war, racial inequality, climate change, species extinction, and the digital age, pediatricians warn that the mental health crisis among kids has risen to a national emergency. An unprecedented number of children & young adults are suffering from soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality.
Animation production company Wonder Media has made it their mission to do something about it, creating animated stories to reach young people in trauma. Tackling difficult subjects such as cyberbullying, sexual abuse, su***de, hunger, and even the dangers facing Ukrainian refugee children, Wonder Media’s animations are making difficult subjects easy(er) to discuss.

Read more about October's Echo Digital Here:

It’s a tough time to be a kid.  With the physical and emotional stressors of a global pandemic, war, racial inequality, climate change, species extinction, and the digital age, pediatricians warn that the mental health crisis among kids has risen to a national emergency.  An unprecedented numb...

09/29/2022

Staff from GLMV, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and AWARE Institute had a great conversation about the innovative design process for a new Mexican wolf habitat during the August ECHO Digital : Data Driven Design. Special thank you to Craig Ivanyi, Executive Director, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Cheryl Meehan and her team at AWARE Institute.

Click here for the full summary: https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-data-driven-design/

Be a part of the next discussion! Click here to subscribe > http://ow.ly/L24g50KXcW4

09/22/2022

As the science behind animal welfare changes, the purpose of zoos and aquariums evolves, and societal norms and expectations shift, generations of animal care professionals have remained integral to the mission, operations, and future of zoos and aquariums. In this session, we heard from five voices representing the next generation of zookeepers.

Click here for the full summary: https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-the-next-generation-of-zookeepers/

Be a part of the next discussion! Click here to subscribe: http://ow.ly/YmYz50KQOiT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7b1-VviweM

09/19/2022

Happening Today! Join us for a virtual tour of the Sunset Zoo’s newly opened Expedition Asia, hosted by Scott Shoemaker, Zoo Director and Jared Bixby, Curator of Education.

Spanning just over an acre, Expedition Asia is home to some of the most charismatic and endangered species in Asia and serves as the first project built from the Sunset Zoo’s master plan. With a forward-focus on empathy building, conservation and education, this exhibit not only provides major upgrades to care facilities for Malayan tigers, sloth bears and Amur leopards, but also an enhanced visitor experience with ADA-compliant access to the oldest part of a historic WPA-era Zoo.

The virtual tour will be followed by Q & A with Scott, Jared, and GLMV designers.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdeCspj4pH9H0CxfmZAji6yNuQ1iwwyzs

09/09/2022

Last week, four members of our Zoo team (Jamie, Mike, Dale, and Jen), attended the AZA conference in Baltimore, MD. Our very own Mike Clifford served as a co-presenter for a session over the recently completed Rhino Savanna at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. We're sure they had a wild time.

08/04/2022

This year GLMV celebrates 6 years of the passionate and innovative thinking of Mike Clifford as Curator of Innovation and Partnerships within the Zoo Division. Fellow employees appreciate Mike's collaboration, enthusiasm, and creative approaches from creating amazing zoo exhibits around the country to improving company culture. Happy Anniversary Mike!

07/28/2022

Hey, Zoo & Aquarium leaders.

Does your organization have ambassador animals?

Why? What differentiates them from other animals at your facility?

What impact is your ambassador animal program having? How do you know?

Can you provide your ambassador animals with equal opportunities to thrive as your exhibit animals?

What is the real driver of choices around ambassador animals at your organization? What should it be?

These paradigm shifting questions and more emerged from GLMV Zoos’ first Innovation Think Tank intended to reimagine homes for ambassador animals. Find these questions, tips for facilitating a conversation around ambassador animals at your organization, and design recommendations from Mike Clifford, Director of Innovation and Partnerships and Jen Charette, Zoo Community Impact Manager in our most recent newsroom post

https://www.glmv.com/echo-innovation-think-tank-reimagining-homes-for-ambassador-animals/

07/22/2022

All aboard for the fist ride on the Martha C. Buford Safari Express! Members of GLMV Zoos attended the ribbon cutting for Sedgwick County Zoo 's newest attraction. The team consisting of GLMV Architecture, Inc. , Eby Construction Company and Chance Rides designed and developed the more than 1 mile track that houses two trains, and features behind the scenes views exclusive to train passengers. Two stations allow riders to move across the zoo and will accommodate future zoo growth. Congratulations to the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Martha C. Buford family and all who made this project come to life for the betterment of Sedgwick County Zoo!

07/20/2022

We at GLMV Zoos want to wish the animal care professional community a very happy National Zookeeper Week. Thank you for your tireless dedication to caring, advocating, and showing up for the animals in zoos & aquariums!

07/14/2022

GLMV Zoos is proud to support the AZA Felid TAG’s annual meeting at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Mike Clifford, Director of Innovation & Partnerships, is up next with a presentation on advancing cat welfare and sustainable populations through exhibit design!

07/07/2022

Earlier this year, RoxAnna Breitigan, Director of Animal Programs at The Living Desert, took us on a virtual tour of Rhino Savanna, a sprawling 4-acre mixed-species habitat home to 12 African species including black rhinos. Check out the video and our take on 5 key innovations in the GLMV Zoos ECHO Digital Library.
https://www.glmv.com/echo-digital-virtual-tour-of-rhino-savanna-at-the-living-desert-zoo-gardens/

06/28/2022

GLMV Zoos is delighted to have been approved for Corporate Membership to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)! As a WAZA Corporate Member, we support the vision and mission of WAZA through planning and design services that prioritize conservation, sustainability, and animal welfare. We are galvanized by a passion for advancing the conservation of wild animals and wild places through objective-driven transformational experiences and look forward to deepening our engagement with the global zoological community!

http://ow.ly/ykRc50JIppv

05/21/2022

As attendees return to their home organizations with new ideas, connections, and relationships we reflect on our final day of sessions. Thank you to:

Richard Senior with WholeTrees Structures for challenging leaders to consider opportunities to influence systemic change through their collective purchasing power.

Vera Bothner of Bothner & Bradley and Dr. Sheree Utash, President of Wichita Area Technical College for sharing their stories of resilience through reputation and community support.

David Bland, Founder of Precoil, for his strategies for testing assumptions and business ideas through desirability, feasibility, and viability.

Justin Ochs for an imaginative exercise on Zoo futures.

GLMV Zoos + Friends University Habitat Design Research Interns, Michaela Morgan and Lizzie Swartwood, for sharing preliminary results of their research.

ECHO provides space for the collision of provocative ideas and courageous zoological community leaders with the goal of igniting revolutionary change. Together, we will shape the Zoos of tomorrow 🌍🦏🐝🌳🦋🦈🐢🦅