Interpretive Mural Design: Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary

Wilder institute/Calgary Zoo

Contributions > Interpretive Design / Environmental Graphics / Large-Scale Print Design / Illustration / Exhibit Storytelling / Production Coordination

Overview

A vibrant mural revitalized the hippo building, reconnecting visitors to the zoo’s global conservation mission. The existing mural had deteriorated, resulting in a lost opportunity to communicate the impactful conservation work occurring beyond the zoo’s walls.

Approach

Collaborated with interpretive planning, conservation, animal care, and production teams to reimagine the space and establish a new visual narrative.
Explored initial concepts featuring multiple environments, then focused the direction on a single landscape to maximize depth, scale, and presence.
Centered the mural on the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary in Ghana, a community-led initiative protecting one of the last remaining hippo populations.
Illustrated a landscape that included species familiar to zoo visitors, fostering a direct connection between the exhibit and global conservation efforts

Outcomes

Delivered a large-scale, immersive mural that translated complex ecological and partnership systems into an accessible visual story.
Enhanced the exhibit’s ability to engage visitors with conservation themes and the zoo’s mission.
Achieved a cohesive integration of educational content, art, and environmental storytelling.

Impact

Strengthened visitor connection to international conservation initiatives.
Elevated the visual identity and storytelling quality of the hippo building.
Supported the zoo’s goal of inspiring action and awareness through purposeful design.