Snow Leopard Enclosure, Chester Zoo, UK | Pilkington

Pilkington UK, a leader in advanced glass technology provided specialized glass solutions for the new Snow Leopard Enclosure at Chester Zoo. The zoo is a prominent attraction in the UK dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Pilkington Optiwhite™ and Pilkington OptiView™ Ultra were integral to the project's design, enhancing both the viewing experience and the welfare of the snow leopards.

The Project
The new Snow Leopard Enclosure at Chester Zoo offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Designed to replicate the rocky terrain of the Himalayas, the habitat provides an immersive viewing experience central to which is the use of specialized glazing. This design not only enhances the visual appeal of the enclosure but also meets the highest standards of animal welfare and safety. The two snow leopards, Yashin and Nubra, are the first of their kind to be housed at the zoo, making this project particularly significant for both the conservation efforts and the zoo’s history.

Products used
To ensure an optimal viewing experience while addressing the unique challenges posed by housing snow leopards, Pilkington UK specified advanced glazing solutions. The enclosure features two large glass viewing screens, each measuring 7.5 x 2.5 metres. These panels consist of three layers of 10 mm heat-strengthened glass, laminated with two 1.52 mm thick PVB interlayers, providing robustness and safety. Pilkington OptiView™ Ultra was chosen for its superior anti-reflective properties, reducing light reflections to below 1%, while Pilkington Optiwhite™ ensures high light transmission and excellent color clarity. This combination not only offers visitors an exceptionally clear view of the snow leopards but also helps to minimize glare and reflections, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the bespoke glazing composition addresses potential stress loads from the leopards and provides a secure barrier that maintains its structural integrity even in the unlikely event of damage.

Lee Shaw, Technical & Customer Support Manager at Pilkington UK, noted: “Contributing to a Chester Zoo first has been a really special opportunity for Pilkington UK. Our glazing will help to provide an immersive experience for guests, offering an exceptionally clear view of the new snow leopards while maximizing light transmittance and maintaining safety.”

Cathy Lunn, Facilities and Development Director at Chester Zoo, commented: “The glass Pilkington UK has specified enables our guests to clearly view the snow leopards in their habitat, contributing to the immersive and educational experience that we wanted to achieve.”