Zellner Construction partnered with the Memphis Zoo to bring the Pacific Northwest to life in this immersive, five-acre exhibit. Completed in 2006, Northwest Passage blends rich cultural storytelling with innovative animal habitats, offering visitors up-close experiences with polar bears, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and more. The exhibit features underwater viewing areas, interactive elements like “sniffing slots” and a marine observation bubble, and a 500-seat amphitheater for sea lion shows. The space integrates First Nations architecture, educational features like the Longhouse Classroom, and more than 500,000 gallons of purified water to support marine life. This project showcases Zellner’s ability to build environments that educate, entertain, and inspire.







