Swaim has designed a Giraffe exhibit, Polar Bear exhibit, and an entire South American habitat section for the Reid Park Zoo. The South American Habitat covers a 2-1/2 acre site comprised of a dozen animal exhibits, a walk-through aviary, six animal holding buildings and guest service facilities. The majority of the buildings are designed to blend in with the exhibits and vegetation in order to minimize their visual impact through the use of form, texture and color. Those buildings intended for public use, such as the snack bar and restrooms, possess a South American character due to the colors and materials used including rough-hewn wood and corrugated metal. The combination of natural landscaping and simulated rock environments throughout the site, exhibit pathways, multiple species exhibits and interactive graphics create a dynamic experience that educates the public about environmental conservation and animal habitats.

The public Giraffe barn and the ‘Veldt’ exhibit are designed to create an African Habitat. Artificial rock, waterfall, stream, and deep pool combine to create a natural habitat for the Polar Bears which are seen from above and below grade viewing areas. These exhibits, combined with the renovated Zebra and Ostrich exhibits and new ‘African’ restrooms, create an exciting experience for the public.