Project overview
Vanir served as the program manager for the Audubon Nature Institute’s (ANI) capital improvement projects at various locations throughout the Gulf Coast region. All projects featured cutting-edge, educational attractions that enhanced cultural enrichment and used the latest technologies. ANI attracts visitors from all over the world with its top-ranked zoo and aquarium. Projects have included:
- Audubon Zoo: Asian Elephants and Orangutans, Elephant Overlook, Cool Zoo III amenities, Jaguar Jungle Phase II and Cooper Plaza
- Aquarium of the Americas: Splash pad, roof replacement, skylight replacement, Woldenberg Park general restoration, IMAX conversion, bus turnaround and cooling tower replacement
- Louisiana Nature Center: New education center and planetarium; botany center replacement
- Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center: Alliance for Sustainable Wildlife Phases I and II
Working in unusual environments
ANI’s animals are critical to its species breeding programs; thus, it was important for Vanir to incorporate best management practices to achieve minimal impact to the animals’ environments. The Vanir team ensured that all animal, worker and patron safety precautions were enforced throughout the construction process.
