Elephant Feeder for NC Zoo

Served as project lead and technical mentor for a student design team working with the North Carolina Zoo to develop a durable enrichment feeder that promotes natural foraging behavior in elephants. Design requirements prioritized animal safety, resistance to repeated mechanical stress from trunk interaction, and ease of use for animal care staff.

Guided the mechanical design of a feeder constructed from a modified high-density polyethylene (HDPE) barrel, selected for its impact resistance and safety in animal environments. Oversaw the design and placement of reinforced openings fitted with PVC pipe inserts to create internal straw compartments. Opening geometry and pipe spacing were intentionally sized to restrict immediate access, requiring controlled manipulation by the elephants’ trunks.

The final design increased feeding duration, provided cognitive and behavioral stimulation, and demonstrated durability under repeated high-force interactions. The feeder was evaluated in collaboration with zoo staff and met operational requirements for enrichment effectiveness and keeper usability.