SPI Insights

Plans for a new veterinary hospital and education center at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco are entering the design phase after the City Council approved a contract for architectural services with construction drawings anticipated in six months.

Part of a four-phase bond project approved by voters in 2019, the estimated $8.33 million complex will provide space for education classes and programs, after hours events, rental space, traveling exhibits, and an area for housing the Animal Ambassador collection of animals.

The veterinary hospital would contain recovery space for large mammals and aquatic species, including an aquatic room with a pool for animals like river otters, aviary with flying space that is both covered and heated, room with padded walls for hoof stock, and climate-controlled rooms for reptiles.

Additional requirements are surgical facilities that are clean, with adequate lighting, ventilation, and temperature controls, and that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. The animals must have access to inhalant anesthesia equipment with a gas scavenging system and oxygen. Aseptic surgical facilities should include separate areas for animal preparation, surgeon’s scrub, instrument preparation, and postoperative recovery that is safe and secure.

The building must include a necropsy suite with separate entry/exit featuring wide transportation docks, a quarantine facility with separate exhaust system and HVAC, adequate storage space; office space with separate exhaust system and HVAC; and a small sleeping quarters with a restroom and shower for staff providing overnight care.

Later project phases funded by the bond include construction of an estimated $4.4 million exhibit highlighted by black-footed African penguins, replacement of the zoo’s hoofstock barn, and renovations to the commissary.