COST of Wisconsin, Inc. has been a full service zoological exhibit contractor for five decades. In 1957, COST was hired by the Milwaukee County Zoo to create a truly unique zoological experience with open air, bar-less exhibits. This revolutionary project pioneered the modern zoological parks and gardens of today. Since then, COST has fabricated exhibits for over half the zoos in the U.S. and for several international clients.
Our longevity in the industry has enabled us to meet unique challenges common in customized, one-of-a-kind projects. COST works diligently to create aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, and animal-safe exhibits. Highly qualified artisans and construction personnel utilize conventional materials to reproduce and enhance the exhibits we build. But 
this is only half the equation. Our entire team has deep respect for the animals that are placed within the exhibits we build, so great efforts are taken by construction personnel to ensure a safe habitat. Furthermore, our immersive environments are developed to engage zoo patrons, in hopes that they too will better understand wildlife and the challenges of preservation and conservation.
COST begins each project with scaled models based upon specifications provided by architectural drawings. These models are then used to properly execute the approval and construction processes. COST’s experience in many different materials including Shotcrete, GFRC, FRP, urethanes, epoxies, various woods and acrylic, allows us to recreate any environment. Earth bank textures, rock work, water features, faux trees and decorative coral inserts are just a few of the features we develop within zoological exhibits. To further the realism, natural stone, aging processes, mineral deposits and lichens are all added to our rock features providing an undisturbed, timeless and truly authentic finish.
Simulated coral created by COST is widely used by aquariums and zoological parks worldwide. An extensive library of Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean and Red Sea Coral molds allows us to create nearly any type of underwater environment. COST’s coral specialist is also an avid diver. His knowledge of coral placement and configuration ensures that any reef project will rival that of natural reefs found around the world. COST also provides acrylic window installation and complete life support system construction providing a complete scope of services for aquarium projects both large and small.
The gallery of photos is an overview of our work in zoos all over the world. These projects represent work we perform in all types of materials and construction disciplines, providing our clients with a single source solution to meet their zoo exhibit needs. Please visit our contact us page for more information or to request additional information about our work in zoological exhibits.
