Zellner Construction served as General Contractor for the Memphis Zoo’s Northwest Passage, a 5-acre immersive exhibit environment designed to recreate the natural habitats of polar bears, sea lions, harbor seals, black bears, bald eagles, and ravens. The project combined highly themed visitor experiences with complex animal care infrastructure, creating a destination exhibit that blends education, entertainment, and specialized zoological environments.

A defining feature of the project was the integration of more than 500,000 gallons of purified fresh and saltwater supported by sophisticated life support systems and specialized mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and waterproofing components. The exhibit includes above- and below-water viewing areas, allowing visitors to experience marine mammals from multiple perspectives in a naturalistic setting. Additional project elements included a 500-seat amphitheater for sea lion presentations, the Longhouse Classroom for educational programming, and an underwater viewing building with event space designed to support community functions, donor receptions, and zoo programming.

Interactive and interpretive elements were central to the visitor experience. Features such as “sniffing slots” in the polar bear rockwork and a climb-in viewing bubble within the sea lion habitat created memorable, hands-on engagement opportunities. Throughout the exhibit, themed architectural components and cultural elements—including authentic totem poles, dugout canoes, ceremonial masks, and the Chief Seattle Donor Garden—reinforce the storytelling and immersive character of the environment.

The result is a landmark exhibit that showcases Zellner Construction’s ability to deliver technically demanding, experience-driven projects where specialized building systems, themed construction, and public-facing environments must work together seamlessly.