Category Archives: Recent Projects

Helsinki Zoo Mammoth Dig

Just completed is a children’s mammoth excavation in Helsinki Zoo, Finland. The 10 meter long skeleton is buried in sand and is designed to be a fun and safe way for young archeologists to practice their bone unearthing skills.

The mammoth dig (or mammuttimonttu if you prefer) is a temporary attraction and the skeleton, which is made in five seperate pieces, will be moved to a different part of the zoo at a later date. With a total weight of 2,200kg, the bones, which are made from steel reinforced concrete can be moved with heavy lifting equipment and assembled elsewhere when required. The present location will one day be turned back into a (living) creature enclosure.

The zoo made a short film showing the moving of the mammoth to its new home. We made the bones under cover a few hundred metres away from its current location.

Mammoth excavation

Mammoth dig

Avonturia Caves

It’s a good thing to visit past projects and see them through different eyes. I worked on this artificial cave project with Houthoff Zoo Design last summer. It is at Avonturia in The Netherlands and is part of a unique project which combines a mini zoo and an adventure playground.

I went back there with my young daughter and watched as she excitedly ran ahead but hesitated at each dark corner. The caves have a real spooky feel about them with lots of shadowy nooks and the people at Avonturia have made good use of lighting to create these affects. The ambient music fits perfectly and the whole atmosphere is one of excitement and suspense.

artificial cavern

artificial rock steps

artificial water cave