New Enclosure Will Promote Conservation, Improve Quality of Life
November 12, 2025 – Colorado Springs, CO — Working alongside lions, a giraffe herd, and a friendly porcupine, the Encore Electric team in Colorado Springs is powering a major update to the giraffe enclosure and gift shop at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The project includes a new 12,000 square-foot giraffe barn, a café, and gift shop, creating opportunities for guests to explore this corner of the Zoo in a new way and improving daily life for the giraffe population. Encore Electric is installing a new 1,600-amp electrical service panel, a new generator, and a camouflaged electrical system designed to provide power to the expanded habitat and guest spaces at the Zoo.
The project site sits in the African Rift Valley exhibit of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo along the southeast edge of the property looking over the larger Colorado Springs area. The new habitat is in addition to the existing giraffe barn that will give the giraffe herd additional room to roam in a space that is full of enriching activities for giraffes.
A few features that will be seen in the new habitat include hills, temperature-controlled spaces, and additional feeding areas, giving the herd more space to explore as well as a 25% expansion of their outdoor space. The roof of the barn, cafe, and giftshop expansion is made of an ETFE layered plastic material, and the exterior wall of the habitat will include windows, so the giraffes will be able to experience the change of the skies and take in the mountain view of Colorado Springs. The open views and other new features will allow the herd to view changes in environment and sun-and-moon cycles, which have been found to promote the wellbeing of giraffes living in zoo environments.
A priority for the Encore Electric team has been building the electrical infrastructure in a way that will be out of sight from the giraffe herd and zoo guests. The new barn roof is supported by a series of beams that hide electrical raceways, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical systems. Electrical pulley systems for hanging feeders and heaters are tucked behind beams, hidden from public view to maintain the aesthetic of the African Rift Valley habitat.
While powering the project, the Encore Electric team has had the opportunity to work closely with staff and alongside animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Teammates arrive at the jobsite early in the morning, with their arrival time often aligning with the awakening of the lions who can be heard roaring in their habitat next to the existing giraffe barn.
The existing giraffe barn will be connected to the new habitat by an electric gate that can be opened to separate the herd between the different exhibit areas as needed. Encore Electric electricians provided power to the gate, working under the careful watch of the giraffes they are building for.
“Working at the zoo has been an awesome experience so far,” said Brent Maday, electrical apprentice. “From the beautiful view in the morning, seeing the giraffes say hello, hearing the wolves and the lions howl and roar, it has been a truly unique job. I cannot wait to see the job through.”
“I think it is cool that we can look up and see the giraffes as we work. I look forward to seeing the result of the new giraffe enclosure,” said Sam Ghosn, electrical apprentice.
“It has been a privilege to be asked to return to the zoo for my second project for the animals,” said Encore Electric Superintendent Ken Stott. “This project is a once in a lifetime legacy for all of us to be a part of together.”
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work on construction projects at the zoo, where every task contributes to creating better spaces for animals and enriching experiences for visitors,” said lead journeyman Antonio Santana. “It’s rewarding to know our work helps support conservation and education in such a unique and meaningful environment.”
The Encore Electric Prefabrication and VDC teams have been critical to the success of the Encore Electric team on this project. The prefabrication team completed all of the project’s panel builds and the VDC team has played an active role throughout construction, coordinating project plans and models to ensure a seamless building process. Support from prefab and VDC has helped the project team to make tight deadlines and navigate the complex building requirements of the job.
“It’s been awesome to work at the Zoo. It’s cool to work on a project that my family and friends are going to visit and have pride in the work we get to install,” said Colton Murray, apprentice.
“It’s a privilege to be on a job site like this,” said Yousif Seraj, apprentice. “Every step closer to the end and every milestone we hit means one day we can all look back and be proud of what we built. This is a legacy project we’ll be able to bring our family to down the road and show them we had a part in building.”
The seven-person Encore Electric construction team on the project has had the chance to work closely with project partners and each other, gaining hands on experience, learning, and bonding over the once-in-a-lifetime experience of working alongside some of the world’s most unique animals.
“It is an extraordinary project site that is not only high-profile, but truly loved by our community,” said project engineer Monica Logan. “To be a part of the history of the Zoo is something we take great pride in. The team we have here respects one another and pushes each other to grow professionally.”
“Throughout the International Center for the Care & Conservation of Giraffe project at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Ken Stott has demonstrated a proactive, solutions-oriented approach from day one,” said Southern Colorado Business Unit Leader Andy Sizemore. “The team’s ability to coordinate work around the giraffes’ feeding & training schedules and safely navigate the presence of thousands of daily visitors speaks to their exceptional planning and adaptability. This project presents unique challenges, and I’m incredibly proud of the team’s dedication and craftsmanship in delivering a result that Encore Electric will be proud of for years to come.”
The project is expected to be completed and ready to welcome the giraffes to their new home in Summer 2026.
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