Giant Tortoise Exhibit
Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Zoo wanted to transform an underutilized site between the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and the Deserts Dome, yet the challenges extended beyond creating a new exhibit. A compact site, aging infrastructure, utility conflicts, retaining walls, and ongoing Skyline ride access requirements created a series of constraints that required skillful planning and creative problem-solving.
Working within these limitations, the project team developed a new indoor-outdoor habitat for Aldabra giant tortoises that supports animal welfare, visitor engagement, and long-term operational needs. The exhibit was designed around AZA standards and species-specific husbandry requirements, including critical lighting, temperature, humidity, and habitat considerations necessary for the health and wellbeing of the tortoises.
Today, the exhibit provides guests with memorable, close-up encounters with the tortoises while supporting animal care, operational efficiency, and long-term exhibit performance. It also demonstrates how creative problem-solving, technical expertise, and the strategic use of the Zoo’s in-house expertise transformed both the animal habitat and the guest experience.
Go behind the design of this project in our Design Journal.
Project Team
Owner: Indianapolis Zoo
Architecture, Zoo Planning, Project Management: MSKTD & ASSOCIATES
Concept, Indoor Exhibit Theme, All Habitat Plantings: Indianapolis Zoo
Interior Design: MSKTD and Indianapolis Zoo
Structural Engineering: JPS Consulting Engineers
MEP Engineering: MSKTD
Civil Engineering: MSKTD
Project Management/Construction Administration: MSKTD
Construction: Turner Construction