News & Insights
VIDEO: Zoo Atlanta, sustainable zoo design
Behind the scenes: creating a world-class African Savanna
Zoo Atlanta envisioned more than a new habitat. Home to more than 200 animal species across 40 acres in Historic Grant Park, the zoo set out to create a world-class African Savanna that would advance its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The goal was to create naturalistic, immersive environments that elevate both animal wellbeing and the guest experience.
As Zoo Atlanta’s trusted design partner for more than two decades, Salas O’Brien served as architect of record, lead designer, and sustainability consultant. The team designed the African Savanna and transformed the historic Grant Park Cyclorama into Savanna Hall, a premier event destination and new administrative headquarters overlooking the habitats. Sustainability remained central throughout the project, resulting in LEED Gold certification for both Savanna Hall and the Zambezi Elephant Center.
Building within an active zoo presented unique challenges. Construction had to be carefully sequenced around the daily needs of animals, guests, and staff while allowing the zoo to remain fully operational. Every phase required close coordination to safely deliver the new habitats and facilities.
The result is more than a successful project. It reflects a long-standing partnership built on trust, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to creating spaces that serve animals, visitors, and the community for generations to come.
Bill D'Onofrio, RA, AIA, NCARB
Bill D’Onofrio is a Registered Architect with over 30 years of experience and a broad, versatile skill set spanning design, project management, and quality control. His depth of expertise and leadership have been instrumental in building strong, long‑term client relationships across a wide range of project types. Bill led the full development of Epsten Group’s Quality Control Manager role and oversees projects in government, K–12, higher education, commercial, and residential sectors. In addition to project oversight, he directs the firm’s overall operations, including business development, marketing, finance, accounting, and human resources. Bill serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Olu Oshinubi, Ph.D
Dr. Olu Oshinubi brings deep expertise in building science, sustainable design, and BIM technology across a wide range of project types, including industrial, data center, aviation, zoo, commercial, healthcare, K-12, sports and recreation, justice, and civic facilities. With a strong technical background and a collaborative approach, he helps project teams connect design intent, constructability, performance, and long-term building value. His work reflects a commitment to practical, sustainable solutions that support both client goals and high-performing built environments paired with a gift for mentoring teams and creating stakeholder alignment. Olu serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].