Case Study
Dublin Zoo
Bespoke Hydraulic Gate System
for Dublin Zoo's Elephant Habitat
Installation of bespoke hydraulic automatic gate system for the elephant habitat including seven gates with central power unit.
A fully bespoke hydraulic gate system ensuring animal containment and zookeeper safety across seven automated gates in Dublin Zoo's elephant habitat.
A new elephant habitat required a bespoke gate system for animal safety and keeper access.
Installation of bespoke hydraulic automatic gate system for the elephant habitat at Dublin Zoo including seven gates with central power unit
Project Snapshot
Client
Dublin Zoo
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Sector
Sports & Entertainment
Region
ROI, NI, UK
The Project
Dublin Zoo introduced a bull elephant into their herd as part of an international breeding programme, requiring the construction of a purpose-built habitat equipped with a sophisticated automated gate system. The system needed to provide reliable containment at all times, enable zookeepers to move safely throughout the enclosure for veterinary and husbandry work, and operate without fail in all circumstances.
The specification called for a total of seven automatic gates across the habitat: two external and five internal, each incorporating a smaller pedestrian gate to allow zookeeper access independently of the main gate operation. A bespoke hydraulic power unit was required to drive all seven gates from a single central source, with battery back-up to maintain operation in the event of a power interruption.
The Solution
Dublin Zoo have introduced a bull elephant into the herd as part of the zoo's international breeding programme. The elephant is housed separately, in a brand new habitat specifically built for him, complete with two external automatic gates and five internal automatic gates.
Bespoke hydraulic power unit
7 automatic gates (2 external, 5 internal)
Pedestrian gates within each automatic gate
Wireless controllers for zookeeper safety
Battery back-up system
In each of these automatic gates are smaller pedestrian gates, which ensures zoo keepers have full access to conduct veterinarian examinations.
The Result
Electro Automation designed and installed a complete bespoke hydraulic gate system across the elephant habitat, incorporating a central power unit with two pump and motor units, lock valves, a fully programmed electrical gate control panel, ultrabeam frequency transmitters and receivers, UPS transmitter back-up, and bespoke hydraulic actuators throughout. Food-grade hydraulic oil was specified throughout to meet zoo safety standards. All seven gates are driven from the single central power unit, with full battery back-up ensuring continued operation regardless of mains supply status.
Wireless controllers give zookeepers safe, independent control of individual gates during veterinary examinations and routine husbandry work, without needing to be in proximity to the elephant. The system has performed reliably since installation, providing Dublin Zoo with the safety-critical gate infrastructure required to support their international breeding programme and the welfare of one of the largest animals in their care.
A reliable, safety-critical gate system protecting both animals and zookeeping staff.
Dublin Zoo's elephant habitat operates with a fully bespoke hydraulic gate system that ensures the safety of both animals and staff across seven automated gates driven from a single central power unit.
