The opening of the new lion and meerkat exhibit at the Great Plains Zoo in 2024 marked the return of lions to the zoo for the first time in 30 years.

The exhibit is home to Simba and Amahle, who arrived as part of the Lion Species Survival Program.

While promoting animal well-being, the exhibit offers year-round indoor/outdoor public viewing opportunities with two indoor viewing spaces, a training window, a rock viewing area, and multiple outdoor yards for the lions.

The new indoor/outdoor exhibit for the Zoo’s meerkats is larger than the previous habitat and will support the addition of more meerkats in the future.

TSP collaborated with Ackerman-Estvold Engineers by providing structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services. Lloyd Companies was the prime contractor.