Thematisation and redesign of the otter enclosure

We have created an impressive otter enclosure in the Schwarze Berge Wildlife Park, which impresses with the use of artificial rocks and targeted planning. The artistically designed rocks, which are arranged in different sizes and shapes, offer the otters a natural and varied environment.

The artificial rocks create numerous hiding and climbing opportunities by imitating natural caves and niches. This offers the otters both safety and exciting play areas.

Thematisation and redesign of the enclosures for bears and wolves

In the Lüneburg Heath Wildlife Park, we have created a unique enclosure in which bears and wolves live together in harmony. The lifelike artificial rocks and the impressive waterfall create an authentic habitat in which the animals feel completely at home.

Climbing and hiding places offer the majestic inhabitants plenty of space and opportunities to retreat in an environment that is modelled on their natural habitat.

A highlight of the area is the impressive waterfall. It not only offers the animals opportunities to play and cool off, but also creates a natural soundscape that enriches the overall experience.

Thematisation and redesign of the AareAlpen facility

Over a period of around 6 to 6.5 months, we were able to completely thematise the new ibex enclosure, which is one of the largest ibex enclosures in Europe.

With construction management, art director, set dressers, welders, concrete builders, modellers and illusion painters, a high degree of attention was paid to a nature-identical appearance, which sometimes meant that already created formations and patinations had to be changed several times in order to come as close as possible to nature and create a unique experience for animals and visitors. In total, over 3,000 m² of modelled nature-identical surfaces were created, some of them in very impassable, steep terrain… where otherwise only ibexes can get ahead.

Many thanks to the entire team at Dählhölzli Zoo in Bern. It was a pleasure.

Redesign and expansion of the existing bonobo enclosure.
KaGo & Hammerschmidt’s decorative work is an essential part of the redesign of the bonobo enclosure.
The building is modelled on a research camp in the jungle and we designed, among other things, replicas of the earth, plank root trees, wooden huts and wooden canopies made of robinia wood.

• Total area: ca. 900 qm
• Building time: ca. 2 months, with 7-9 employees on site
• Completion: June 2019

One of the largest predator enclosures in Europe!

The predator enclosure (tigers and lions), which was themed by us, is one of the largest predator enclosures in Europe in terms of area.

We themed the interior of the enclosure as a dilapidated jungle palace with artificial rock designs, tree replicas and illusion paintings, based on AnkorWat.

The exterior of the complex was also designed with artificial rocks. The lift shaft was clad with artificial rock, a waterfall rock was created in the tiger enclosure and a rock tunnel with a length of over 15 metres. The brickwork was also finished.

• Total area: ca. 700 qm artificial rocks / ca. 500 qm Illusion painting
• Completion: End of 2018

Artificial rock designs in the “Savannah” area at Antwerp Zoo. This includes the restaurant, the buffalo enclosure and the enclosure for giraffes and zebras.

A total of approx. 3,000 m² of artificial rock in sandstone look including stalactites and stalagmites, a grotto replica, a children’s adventure area with climbing wall and slide as well as a lifelike watercourse and a rock formation with integrated plant arrangements. In the giraffe and zebra enclosure, our hand-modelled rocks form a natural barrier between humans and animals.

• Building time: 2015-2016

This project was the largest in KaGo & Hammerschmidt’s company history to date. In 16 months, a completely new section called “Islands at Chester Zoo” was created.

KaGo & Hammerschmidt undertook all the artificial rock work in all areas and various animal enclosures in the indoor and outdoor areas and on the walkways. Also the reproduction of various trees, façade design with ornaments, masks and figures, illusion painting on walls and doors, large plank root trees and fallen, broken trees, earth replicas, waterfall designs and stream decorations, caves, bridges, underwater design, root work and much more.

• Building time: ca. 16 months
• Up to 40 employees on site
• Completion: Juli 2015

Alaska Section

Design of the seal and polar bear enclosure above and below the water based on a polar mountain landscape. Construction of a tunnel underneath the enclosure from which the underwater world can be marvelled at.

• Total area: ca. 10.000 qm
• Building time: 2 Jahre
• Up to 60 employees on site
• Completion: April 2006

Africa Section

Artificial rock designs in various enclosures for monkeys, porcupines and other animal species.

• Total area: ca. 2.000 qm
• Building time: 6 Monate
• 8 employees on site
• Completion: July 2006

• 7.000 qm artificial rock
• Employees: 17
• 15 months construction time
• Completion: July 2011

Tropical aquarium

Redesign of the tropical aquarium and various animal enclosures with artificial rocks in various designs – above and below water – as well as walls and trees of different types. Reconstruction of an old mine tunnel, various buildings and a sunken submarine.

• Total volume ca. 4.000 – 4.500 m²
• 7 Months of construction time
• Employees: 18
• Completion: June 2007

Tharziegen-Rocks

Restoration work on the listed, 100-year-old artificial rocks by removing old and dilapidated rock structures, bracing side surfaces, anchoring crevices and ledges and a final protective coating over the entire rock construction, where individual rocks are between 12 and 15 metres high.

Elephant house

Design of the elephant house in the style of an Indian temple, with columns, filigree sculptures, wall fragments and imitation rocks. Creation of a water-spouting animal head combination and ornaments.

• Total volume ca. 800 m²
• 2 Months of construction time
• Employees: 6
• Completion: Oktober 2006