Odense Zoo Plans Its Largest-Ever Construction Project
A 9,000 m2 Asian area is planned to be built at Odense Zoo in the future.
© dan pearlman Group
(eap) Odense Zoo on the Danish island of Funen is pushing ahead with the largest construction project in its history: With “Fantastiske Asien”, a new themed area covering around 9,000 square meters is planned to be created, dedicated to the flora and fauna of Asia. The zoo first presented the project in 2022. The investment volume amounts to 180 million Danish kroner (approx. 24 million euros). The new area will house Indian rhinoceroses, gibbons, Asian otters, Visayan warty pigs, hornbills and Asian owls, among other species. A tropical house is also part of the project, where visitors will be able to observe rhinos and otters underwater. In addition, the existing tiger enclosure will be expanded.
The preliminary project phase, which was supported by the Villum Foundation with two million Danish kroner, included an international architectural competition. The German design and architecture firm dan pearlman emerged as the winner. With the selection of the planning partner, the Fantastiske Asien project is now entering the next development phase. According to the zoo, the design will serve as the basis for the further development of the project and the upcoming fundraising.
Carsten Hansen, Chairman of the Board of Odense Zoo, explains: “For us, it has been crucial to find the right partner to turn our high ambitions into a concrete project. The dan pearlman Group has demonstrated that they can do just that, with a proposal that combines high animal welfare, compelling experiences, and space for educational outreach.” ■
