Who we are
Philosophy
Gail Y. B. Lash, Ph.D.
Nevin Lash, ASLA
 

What we do
• Master Planning
• Zoological Design
• Visitor Services
• Community  Ecotourism
• Peace Education 
 

Selected Projects
Master Planning
Zoological Exhibits
Ecotourism Projects
Peace Projects

Selected Publications

Charles Paddock Zoo: Existing Conditions Plan
 

Introduction  In 2003, Ursa International was contracted to create a Concept Master Plan for a 4 acre zoo is central California.  This AZA accredited zoo had been established since 1965 from a collection of rescued animals.  Limited renovations and new projects have been undertaken which as resulted in a well loved yetoutdated zoo.  The incoming zoo director was determined to provide a quality experience for his visitors and engage the zoo in active conservation  breeding for endangered species from around the world.  He and his staff locked on to Conservation International's "Hot Spots" environments as an organizing  principal for establishing a new collection plan (see below). An ambitous redevelopment plan is envisioned that leave little of the original zoo intact.  New thematic areas will be developed around 5 of the 25 "Hot Spots", that include species that 1) there is a housing need in zoos, and 2) there is institutional experience with the species as well as 3) are excellent exhibit species that the zoo visitors will appreciate.  Some of the existing species will be worked into the new collection plan, such as Sumatran Tiger, yet many will be new for the zoo. The Plan is currently approved by the Board of Commissioners for the town of Atascadro, and a fundraising plan is underway.

Entry Plaza    Entry Building/Gift Shop    Tiger Garden    Snack Bar    Education Classrooms/offices California Floristic Provence    Channel Island Fox    Fisher    Shorebirds/Sturgeon    High Sierra vegetation Madgascar/Indian Ocean Islands    Sifaka Lemur    Mouse Lemur    Straw colored Bats    Fossa Guinean Forest of West Africa    Okapi/Duiker    Pygmy Hippo    Red River Hog/Debrazza Monkey Indo-Burma    Sumatran Tiger    Red Panda    Gibbon    Mouse Deer    Reptiles/Small Mammals Tropical Andes    Spectacled Bear    Ocelot    Tapir/S.A. Birds/Small Primates

Hot Spots Copyright  Conservation International Earth’s Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions