When most people hear the term bullet proof glass, they think robbery prevention. However, bullet resistant glass is actually used in a variety of situations and settings.
In an effort to enhance the visitor’s experience, many zoos are installing bulletproof glass to provide secure, unobstructed views of the animals. The properties that make bullet resistant glass so effective in protecting individuals during a robbery make it a natural choice for zoo enclosures. The glass has an additional benefit of sound dampening, which means less noise and distraction for the animals from visitor traffic.
Bullet Resistant Glass in Zoos
The following zoos have installed bullet resistant glass with outstanding results:
- In 2011, UK’s Edinburgh Zoo installed ten huge sections of ballistic glass – each weighing a half ton – to serve as a barrier between visitors and the zoo’s 250lb giant pandas. The giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, walk alongside of the cage, providing visitors a close up look at these magnificent animals.
- The Folly Farm Zoo in Wales incorporated 39mm thick bulletproof windows to give their visitors an up close and personal view of the lion exhibit.
- The bulletproof glass enclosure of the lions at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY was put to the test when a lioness ferociously pawed at the glass while a man posed for photos in front of it. Fortunately for him, the glass did its job!
Implementing bullet proof glass in zoos is a win-win situation for everyone, providing the visitor an amazing experience while protecting the animals from distracting and upsetting noise.
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