The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Lions and Giraffes

Both the lion and giraffe exhibits underwent significant regrading, providing larger, safer spaces for the animals to enjoy. The construction of outdoor non-public holding yards and a remodeled holding building twice its original size will allow the Zoo’s lion population to grow. Long-legged giraffes benefit from much flatter and more stable footing, which also supports a 33 percent expansion of their outdoor habitat. The lion and giraffe exhibits are now tied together by new visitor paths and modified habitat yards that include multiple viewing locations. Stainless steel mesh and glass barriers will bring visitors closer than ever to the lions, improving the viewing experience dramatically over the previous wood barriers that enclosed the animals.

African Penguins

When the Maryland Zoo needed to build the perfect habitat for one of their most beloved resident species, Century rose to the occasion. Our team played an instrumental role in creating what is now the largest outdoor penguin exhibit in North America – a fitting home for the continent’s largest African penguin colony. Century’s work on the African Penguin project included mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering systems for four buildings; a large pool; and visitor and utility landscapes for the 1.4-acre site. The work also included a 2,130 square foot animal holding building and a 375 square foot “Embassy” building where visitors can interact with penguins. To say the least, this African penguin colony is living lavishly thanks to Century Engineering.

Bobcats

Century provided structural engineering design and construction phase services for the renovation of an existing exhibit to create a new Bobcat Exhibit. Modification to the existing space included enclosing the exhibit with a cable supported steel mesh “roof”. The mesh drapes over a main support cable spanning the length of the exhibit and attaches to the perimeter. The existing shotcrete rock work was modified to increase the viewing space to zoo visitors so all guests can view and learn more about the fascinating bobcat species. 

Suspension Bridge

Century provided structural engineering services for the repair and reconstruction of a timber framed pedestrian bridge. During a heavy rain and wind event, a large tree fell across the bridge causing extensive damage. Our team analyzed the existing framing to determine its adequacy to support the required loads. The repair designs were coordinated with construction professionals to minimize the cost of reconstruction and to simplify the repairs. You will be sure to see children of all ages scampering across the fun and safe bridge, anxious to get to the next great exhibit.  

Other Work Includes

• African Watering Hole Aviary
• Bird Mews
• Grain Barn Renovations
• Main Entrance Foundations 
• Mansion House Electrical Service Upgrade
• Mansion House Emergency Generator
• Marsh Aviary Exhibit
• Oasis Food Facility
• Pizza Depot
• Snow Damage Evaluation
• Village Green and Chimp Restroom Renovation
• Zebra Building Roof Support Modifications