Arctic Ring of Life (Detroit Zoo)

Working with Turner Construction as a joint venture partner, White Construction was contracted to provide Construction Management services for the state-of-the-art $14.9 million facility that houses the fauna and flora distinctly adapted to the Arctic environment. This exhibit was designed to explore the relationship between the native Inuit people and the wildlife of the Arctic region.

The interactive facility is located on over four acres and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can tour an Inuit village of the early 1900’s in addition to viewing polar bears and other arctic animals in vast open tundra areas.

The exhibit’s most acclaimed attraction is the spectacular 70 foot long clear underwater tunnel that allows visitors to roam side by side with polar bears and seals in their natural marine environment. The twelve foot wide, eight foot tall tunnel is large enough to accommodate adults and children alike, and provides a unique underwater viewing experience.