Zoo & Animal Enclosure Trench Drains
Zoos and wildlife facilities require highly specialized drainage systems that prioritize animal safety, cleanliness, and environmental control. From enclosures and walkways to food prep areas and veterinary zones, effective trench drainage is vital for maintaining hygienic, odor-free, and safe habitats. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are engineered for durability, non-slip performance, and corrosion resistance — built to handle animal traffic, cleaning agents, and outdoor exposure while ensuring long-term reliability and easy maintenance.
Key Requirements
-
Load Rating
Typically A15 to E600, depending on the application area.
• Animal habitats and enclosures: A15–C250 for foot and light-equipment traffic.
• Keeper service lanes and vehicle paths: D400–E600 for maintenance vehicles.
• Public pathways and viewing decks: B125–C250 for pedestrian and cart loads.
• Food preparation and medical areas: A15–B125, designed for hygiene and washdown.
Drainage systems must accommodate diverse conditions — from soil and organic debris to frequent sanitation cycles.
-
Material Durability
Zoo environments involve moisture, organic waste, cleaning detergents, and outdoor weathering.
• Stainless steel (304 or 316) channels and grates for indoor animal care, washdown, and veterinary areas.
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) or Polymer Concrete channels for outdoor habitats and pathways.
• HDPE channels for lightweight installations in landscaped or retrofit areas.
• Cast-iron or ductile-iron grates for high-load maintenance roads.
• Composite or rubber-coated grates for animal paw safety and traction.
-
Site Conditions
• Enclosures and habitats require drains that handle both cleaning runoff and natural water sources.
• Systems must be animal-safe, with grate openings designed to prevent hoof, paw, or claw entrapment.
• Drainage should connect to sanitary or containment systems for waste treatment and environmental compliance.
• Outdoor systems must withstand freeze–thaw cycles, UV exposure, and constant moisture.
• Surfaces should be sloped 1–2% toward drains to promote complete washdown flow.
-
User Requirements
• Animal safety: Paw- and hoof-safe, non-slip grates that protect animals and staff.
• Hygiene: Smooth, non-porous channels that prevent bacterial and odor buildup.
• Durability: Withstand daily washdowns, cleaning chemicals, and animal activity.
• Noise control: Low-vibration, rattle-free systems to minimize animal stress.
• Ease of maintenance: Removable grates and sediment baskets for easy cleaning.
• Environmental protection: Integrate with containment and treatment systems to prevent contamination.
Recommended TrenchDrainCo Systems
TrenchDrainCo Stainless Habitat Series
316 stainless steel trench drain designed for animal-care zones, enclosures, and aquatic habitats.
TrenchDrainCo 300 Series
Heavy-duty fiber-reinforced concrete system for outdoor enclosures, paths, and service roads.
TrenchDrainCo HDPE Environmental Series
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant system for landscaped and naturalized habitats.
TrenchDrainCo Rubber-Coated Safety Grates
Optional non-slip, noise-dampened grates for animal-friendly installations.
Engineering Notes
When designing trench drainage for zoos and wildlife parks:
- Match system materials to the enclosure environment — stainless for washdown, FRC for structural areas, and HDPE for natural landscapes.
- Ensure all grates are animal-safe (heel-proof, paw-safe, and slip-resistant).
- Use corrosion-resistant fasteners and sealed joints to prevent leaks and odor buildup.
- Position drains strategically along cleaning paths, washdown areas, and natural water features.
- Include sediment traps for straw, soil, or organic debris.
- Integrate with water treatment systems for eco-sensitive or aquatic exhibits.
- Use silent grate-seating systems to reduce noise that can stress animals.
Engineered for animal safety and facility hygiene
Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system tailored for zoos, animal habitats, and wildlife enclosures.
📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com
