Seattle, Washington
On June 26, 2003, Jaguar Cove opened and was hailed as the first naturalistic exhibit of its kind. It was also “Gordo’s” first opportunity to experience the fragrance of a diversity of plant materials, walk on grass, logs and sandy beaches; explore caves; paw into fish-inhabited ponds; and stalk humans at ground level and overhead–a bit confused by their protection behind glass. Visitors enter the exhibit through a 28′ high rotted-out Ceiba Spire to a position under a 90′ long fallen tree. Glass spans vertically from trunk to ground surface and runs its length to create the vantage point for up-close Jaguar encounters. The 4000 sf woven wire mesh enclosure is designed as a breeding facility. 

Project credits: John Swanson, Principal, Lead Designer; Fred Redmon, Architect while with The Portico Group