San Antonio Zoo Naylor Giraffe Barn

Naylor Savanna marks a historic milestone as the largest habitat expansion in the zoo's 110-year history. This new landscape significantly increases the living spaces for giraffes and rhinos, doubling their previous area, and triples the space designated for zebras, ostriches, sitatunga, and a variety of other species.

A centerpiece of this development is the all-new giraffe barn, a state-of-the-art facility that showcases the beauty and functionality of heavy timber construction. Timberlyne provided the structural heavy timber framework that forms the backbone of this impressive facility, delivering both the strength needed to support the barn's expansive design and the natural aesthetic that complements the savanna environment.

The barn was thoughtfully designed to ensure excellent viewing opportunities for visitors, even when the giraffes prefer to stay indoors. The exposed heavy timber beams and columns create an authentic, safari-lodge atmosphere while providing the structural integrity required for this large-scale facility.The barn features multiple individual giraffe rooms, enabling personalized care and observation of each animal. It also includes a spacious family room for group interactions, a VIP encounter area for special experiences, and floor-to-ceiling viewing windows that provide an immersive experience.

Timberlyne's heavy timber solution not only delivers exceptional structural performance but also aligns with the zoo's commitment to sustainable construction practices. The natural wood elements create a warm, inviting environment that enhances the visitor experience while providing the durability and longevity essential for a facility of this magnitude.
This facility not only enhances visitor engagement but also accommodates the zoo's plans for future expansion of its giraffe herd, with Timberlyne's robust timber framework designed to support potential future modifications and expansions.