Solution: County Materials donated two 36-inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) sections to create an innovative feeding station at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Designed to replicate natural foraging behaviors, the custom installation enhances the zoo’s elephant habitat by providing a durable, functional structure that supports the animals’ health and enrichment.
Innovative Design for Animal Care
The Milwaukee County Zoo’s elephant habitat expansion strongly emphasizes animal health, enrichment, and natural behaviors. To support this vision, County Materials donated two 36-inch reinforced concrete pipe sections that were carefully adapted into interactive feeding stations. Openings cored into the concrete allow elephants to reach inside with their trunks, encouraging them to root and forage for food just as they would in the wild. Only the top third of each pipe is exposed above ground, ensuring stability and long-term safety.
Zookeepers regularly place food within the structures, providing daily opportunities for exercise, problem-solving, and play. The reinforced concrete construction withstands constant interaction from the zoo’s largest residents while enduring outdoor conditions year-round. Traditionally used in storm and sanitary applications, this project highlights the adaptability of RCP in a completely new context. By transforming a reliable infrastructure product into a tool for animal enrichment, County Materials partnered with the Milwaukee County Zoo to elevate elephant care and demonstrate the versatility of precast concrete solutions.
Project Highlights:
This project illustrates how County Materials’ reinforced concrete products can be customized to meet specialized needs. The elephant feeding stations combine structural durability with innovative design to support animal welfare in a one-of-a-kind application.
