Thermal assessment of zoological exhibits I: Sea lion enclosure at the Audubon Zoo
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1996 |
Authors: |
V. A. Langman, M. Rowe, D. Forthman, B. Whitton, N. Langman, T. Roberts, K. Huston, C. Boling, D. Maloney |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
gunite, longwave radiation, shortwave radiation |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1996)15:4<403::AID-ZOO5>3.3.CO;2-E The objectives of this study were twofold: first, to develop noninvasive techniques for measuring the thermal characteristics of materials commonly used in construction of zoological exhibits; and second, to use these techniques to compare a portion of the Audubon Zoo’s sea lion exhibit before and after renovations completed in 1993. We characterized the thermal environment of the sea lion enclosures by diurnal measurements of the two primary heat gain components, longwave and shortwave radiation. Measurements of wet sea lion coats showed that they absorbed 91.6% of all types of shortwave radiation. The surface of gunite “rocks” in the enclosure in 1991 reflected 41% of shortwave radiation, while the same area, after renovation, reflected only 8% of shortwave radiation. Darkening the color of the gunite surfaces and adding two effective shaded areas to the enclosure decreased the shortwave heat load in the exposed beach areas and the longwave heat load in the shaded areas. We conclude that thermal properties of materials used in zoo enclosures are an important determinant of the animals’ heat load and should be considered in the design of captive habitats. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.