Zoo Zürich Pantanal Voliere May 09: Contract Goes Abroad

The Zoo Zürich has finally resolved its construction challenge for the new Pantanal aviary. After six months of searching, the zoo awarded the contract to two international firms: Cimolai from Italy and Stakotra from Slovakia. This decision marks a significant shift in the project’s direction. Zoo director Severin Dressen confirmed that both companies are “proven steel construction specialists” capable of handling the unique structural demands. The contract award signals the end of negotiations with local Swiss builders and opens a new chapter for this ambitious wildlife facility expansion.

Why the Contract Went International

The Zoo Zürich’s decision to award the Pantanal aviary contract to foreign firms reflects the complexity of this specialized construction project. After months of negotiations with Swiss builders, the zoo determined that international expertise was essential.

Specialized Steel Construction Expertise

Cimolai and Stakotra bring decades of experience in large-scale steel structures. Cimolai will supply the distinctive steel arches that form the aviary’s framework, while Stakotra handles the substructure. Both firms have completed similar projects across Europe, making them ideal partners for this technically demanding build.

Local Disputes and Delays

The previous negotiations with Swiss construction firms encountered significant obstacles. Reports indicate a contentious dispute with Zurich-based steel builders contributed to the six-month delay. The zoo ultimately decided that international firms offered better value and technical capability for this unique project.

Project Timeline and Construction Details

The Pantanal aviary represents one of Switzerland’s most ambitious zoo construction projects. With international partners now confirmed, the project can finally move forward with clear timelines and deliverables.

Assembly Begins This Summer

Construction assembly at the Zoo Zürich is scheduled to begin in late summer 2026. This timeline allows Cimolai and Stakotra adequate preparation time for fabrication and logistics. The phased approach ensures quality control and proper coordination between the Italian and Slovakian teams.

Structural Innovation

The Pantanal aviary’s design demands innovative steel engineering. The structure must accommodate large bird species while maintaining visitor safety and animal welfare standards. The Slovakian firm Stakotra will manage the foundational substructure, while Cimolai’s steel arches create the distinctive curved framework that defines the aviary’s aesthetic.

Impact on Swiss Construction and International Procurement

This contract award reflects broader trends in European construction and procurement practices. Large-scale projects increasingly seek specialized expertise regardless of geographic boundaries.

Competitive Landscape for Swiss Builders

The Zoo Zürich’s decision highlights competitive pressures facing Swiss construction firms. While Switzerland maintains high labor costs and strict regulations, international competitors often offer specialized expertise at competitive rates. This trend may prompt Swiss builders to develop niche capabilities or form international partnerships.

Economic Implications

The project’s international structure creates economic activity across multiple countries. Fabrication occurs in Italy and Slovakia, while assembly and project management happen in Zurich. This distributed model reflects modern construction practices where specialized firms collaborate across borders to deliver complex projects efficiently.

Final Thoughts

The Zoo Zürich’s contract award to Cimolai and Stakotra marks a decisive moment for this long-delayed project. After six months of negotiations with local Swiss builders, the zoo selected international firms with proven expertise in specialized steel construction. This decision reflects the project’s technical complexity and the competitive realities of modern construction procurement. Assembly begins in late summer 2026, finally moving the Pantanal aviary from planning to execution. The project demonstrates how major infrastructure investments increasingly draw on global expertise and international partnerships. For Swiss construction firms, this outcome underscores the importance of dev…

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