2019 AZA TOP HONORS EXHIBIT AWARD

This multi species exhibit immerses visitors into a Peruvian village at the base of the Andes mountains where the elusive Andean bear calls home in the Cloud Forest. Through the architecture, exhibit design, and theming, visitors get a real feel for Peru – one of the most diverse places on the planet. As visitors enter the exhibit through what appears to be stone ruins from long ago, they’re introduced to the diversity of species and habitats in Peru and its connection to the Andean bear. Large timber story poles feature curved content panels with colorful imagery and carved Peruvian influences. Each pole is 7 feet tall and 14 inches in diameter coming in at about 500 pounds each. Visitors circulate in and around them like trees in a forest with interpretation on both sides highlighting different habitats and the residents that live there. An interactive guinea pig wheel and bronze touchables also engage visitors as well as a touchscreen featuring two components – Bears of the World and a Bear Challenge quiz that asks visitors to match each bear with their home in the world.