As a place for displaying and protecting wild animals, the design and construction of zoos need to give full consideration to the living habits of animals, the viewing experience of visitors and safety. In the process of zoo construction or renovation, how to reasonably divide the animal exhibition area is a crucial link. Stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh is a new type of fencing material. This mesh has high strength, corrosion resistance, aesthetics and other advantages. It has gradually become the preferred material for zoo exhibit division. In this paper, we will discuss in detail how to use stainless steel rope mesh to divide zoo exhibition area. In order to provide reference for the construction or renovation of the zoo, this paper will cover the design principles, material selection, construction technology, maintenance management and other aspects.

1. The feature and advantage of animal enclosure fencing mesh

1.1 High strength and durability

Stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh is braided by high-strength stainless steel wire. It has extremely high tensile strength and impact resistance. The durability of stainless steel rope mesh is far better than that of the traditional wire fence or wooden fence. And it can withstand the impact of harsh climatic conditions and animals, ensuring the long-term safety of the exhibition area.

1.2 Corrosion resistance

Stainless steel rope mesh has excellent corrosion resistance to rain, wet conditions and animal excrement. This makes it aesthetically pleasing and functional in outdoor environments over the long term, reducing maintenance costs. Liulin can also provide black oxidised stainless steel rope mesh. Stainless steel rope mesh after black oxidation treatment will form an oxide film on the surface. This oxide film will further increase the corrosion resistance of the product, making it more suitable for high humidity or corrosive environments. The black product has a more modern appearance and is suitable for scenes that require landscaping.

1.3 Transparency and aesthetics

The structural design of the stainless steel rope mesh gives it good permeability, which will not block the view of visitors nor affect the natural behaviour of animals. Stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh in original colours are suitable for a wide range of design styles. The appearance is simple and generous. Its appearance can be harmoniously integrated with the natural environment of the zoo to enhance the overall landscape effect.

1.4 Environmental protection and safety

The stainless steel rope mesh material is non-toxic and harmless. And it will not pose a threat to the health of animals and visitors. Its smooth surface and no sharp edges can effectively prevent animals and visitors from being injured and ensure the safety of the exhibition area.

2. Design principles for zoo exhibit division

2.1 Animal welfare priority

When dividing zoo exhibits, the primary consideration is the welfare of animals. The design of the exhibit area should try to simulate the natural habitat of the animals and provide sufficient activity space, shelter and rich environmental stimuli to meet the physiological and psychological needs of the animals.

2.2 Visitor experience optimisation

A zoo is not only a home for animals, but also a place for visitors to watch and learn. The zoning of exhibits should ensure that visitors can clearly observe the natural behaviour of the animals while providing a comfortable viewing environment and interactive experience.

2.3 Safety and security

Exhibit areas must be divided to ensure the safety of animals and visitors. The height, strength and structural design of the enclosure should be able to effectively prevent animals from escaping and visitors from entering the exhibition area, while avoiding conflicts between animals.

2.4 Ecological and landscape harmonisation

The division of exhibition area should be coordinated with overall landscape design of zoo to maintain harmony of natural ecology. Through reasonable vegetation configuration and water feature design, create an exhibit environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

3. Stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh in zoo exhibit delineation

3.1 Boundary demarcation of exhibition area

Stainless steel rope mesh can be used to delineate the boundaries of different animal exhibits. Its high strength and permeability make it effective in isolating different species of animals and preventing conflicts between them, while maintaining visitors’ viewing sightlines. For example, stainless steel rope mesh can be used as an isolation barrier between a large cat exhibit and a herbivore exhibit to ensure the safety of both parties.

3.2 High-altitude fence design

For animals that are good at climbing or flying, such as primates or birds, stainless steel rope mesh can be used to design overhead enclosures. Its flexibility and high strength can effectively prevent animals from escaping, while maintaining good ventilation and lighting effects. For example, in bird exhibits, stainless steel rope mesh can be used to build large walk-in aviaries to simulate natural habitats.

3.3 Segregation of water exhibits

Stainless steel rope mesh can be used for underwater containment in aquatic exhibits such as alligator ponds or waterfowl lakes. Its corrosion resistance allows it to be used for long periods of time in wet environments, preventing aquatic animals from entering other exhibits or visitor areas. For example, in an alligator exhibit, stainless steel rope mesh can be used as an underwater fence to ensure that alligators don’t get into the visitor walkway.

3.4 Visitor access and observation deck enclosure

Stainless steel rope mesh can also be used to enclose visitor walkways and observation decks. Its permeability allows visitors to clearly observe the animals in the exhibit while ensuring their safety. For example, stainless steel rope mesh can be used as a guardrail on the viewing platform of a fierce animal exhibit to prevent visitors from getting too close to the animals.

4. Design and construction of stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh exhibition area division

4.1 Exhibition area planning

In the design stage, the first thing you need to do is to plan the exhibition area according to the species, number and living habits of the animals. Determine the size, shape and location of each exhibit area to ensure that the animals have enough space for activities and a suitable living environment.

Design the stainless steel rope mesh fence structure according to the needs of the exhibit. Determine the height, mesh size and support structure of the fence to ensure that it can effectively isolate animals and withstand external impacts. For example, for a large beast exhibition area, the height of the fence should be more than 4 meters and the size of the mesh hole should be less than 10 centimeters to prevent animals from escaping.

Selecting the right stainless steel rope mesh material ensures that its strength and corrosion resistance meets the needs of the exhibit. Commonly used stainless steel materials include 304 and 316 stainless steel, the latter of which offers higher corrosion resistance and is suitable for wet or marine environments.

4.2 Stainless steel rope mesh installation

In the construction phase, foundation construction is required first. According to the design requirements of the fence, excavate the pit and pour the concrete foundation to ensure the stability of the fence. The depth of the foundation should be determined according to the height of the fence and soil conditions, usually 0.5-1 meters.

Install the supporting structure of the fence, including the uprights and beams. The uprights are usually made of steel pipes or H-beams, and the crossbeams are made of angles or channels. Ensure the verticality and levelness of the support structure by using a level and plumb line for correction.

Fix the stainless steel rope net to the support structure, using special clamps or bolts for connection. Ensure the tension and flatness of the rope mesh to avoid slackness or twisting. For overhead fences, lifting equipment can be used for installation to ensure construction safety.

After the installation is completed, carry out anti-corrosion treatment for the support structure, such as applying antirust paint or hot-dip galvanizing treatment, in order to extend its service life. For stainless steel rope mesh, additional anti-corrosion treatment is usually not required. But its surface condition should be checked regularly to clean up dirt and rust in time.

5. Maintenance and management of stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh exhibition area

Stainless steel rope mesh exhibits are regularly inspected to ensure the stability and integrity of the fence. Inspections include the stability of the support structure, the tension and surface condition of the rope mesh. Managers need to find and repair damaged parts in time.

Regularly clean stainless steel rope mesh to remove surface dirt and rust and maintain its beauty and functionality. It can be cleaned with a soft brush and water, avoiding the use of caustic cleaners.

Evaluate the reasonableness of the exhibit design and the safety of the enclosure by observing the behavior of the animals. If abnormal animal behavior or signs of damage to the enclosure are detected, timely measures should be taken to make adjustments or repairs.

Strengthening safety education for visitors, reminding them to abide by zoo rules and not to climb fences or feed animals. Raise the safety awareness of visitors by putting up warning signs and publicity materials.

6. Case study

6.1 A large zoo beast exhibition area renovation

A large zoo used stainless steel animal enclosure fencing mesh as the fencing when remodeling the beasts of prey exhibit. At the design stage, according to the living habits of lions and tigers, the height of the fence was determined to be 4.5 meters, and the size of the mesh was 8 centimeters. During the construction phase, 316 stainless steel rope mesh and hot-dip galvanized steel pipe support structure were used to ensure the strength and corrosion resistance of the fence. The renovated exhibit not only improves the welfare of the animals, but also enhances the viewing experience for visitors.

6.2 Construction of an aquarium exhibit in an ocean park

A marine park used stainless steel rope mesh as an underwater containment barrier in the construction of an aquatic exhibit. During the design phase, the height of the fence was determined to be 3 meters and the mesh size to be 5 centimeters, based on the living habits of sharks and sea turtles. During the construction phase, 304 stainless steel rope mesh and concrete foundations were used to ensure the fence’s stability and corrosion resistance. The constructed exhibit not only ensures the safety of the aquatic animals, but also provides a clear view for viewing.

Conclusion

Stainless steel rope mesh, as a new material, has a wide range of application prospects in zoo exhibit division. Its advantages of high strength, corrosion resistance, permeability and aesthetics make it able to effectively meet the needs of animal welfare, visitor experience and security. Through reasonable design, construction and maintenance, stainless steel rope mesh can provide a reliable solution for the construction or renovation of zoos, and enhance the overall level of operation and social benefits.

In the future construction of zoos, with the continuous progress of material technology and construction technology, the application of stainless steel rope mesh will be more extensive and diversified. Zoo managers should actively explore and innovate. Zoo managers combined with the actual situation, the rational use of stainless steel rope mesh to create a safer, more beautiful and functional animal exhibits. This is conducive to making greater contributions to animal protection and public education.

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