Tigers, zebras and reptiles aren’t typically part of an electric construction project, but they were an integral part of the process for TEP’s recent collaboration with the Reid Park Zoo.
TEP is working with the zoo on its Pathway to Asia expansion project, which will open in fall 2026. From our construction crews to our Business Development team, TEP has partnered with the zoo to ensure that it has the energy and infrastructure it needs for the significant addition.
The new Pathway to Asia area will include a new tiger habitat, interactive aviary, and spaces for other animals, including gibbons, a Komodo dragon and red pandas. A new event space also is planned.
A key motivation for the expansion project was the desire to provide a better home for the tigers.
The new tiger habitat will be the highlight of the new expansion that is being built on the former zoo parking lot.
TEP crews relocated power lines underground and provided meters and equipment for the expansion. Solar panels that used to cover parking spaces in the former parking lot are being moved to the maintenance side of Reid Park.
“It was quite a lengthy project, but it was worth it,” said Heriberto “Eri” Coronado, the zoo’s Capital Planning & Development Manager. “There was a lot of planning involved and we had to prepare ourselves internally. That’s where TEP came to shine. We didn’t have to disrupt our operations with this work.”
During construction, TEP and contractor crews made sure to consider the wellbeing of the zebras, which have their back-of-house resting area nearby. Contractors worked closely with the zoo’s animal care team so they could move the zebras to the exhibit area during active construction.
“I don’t think that’s something that we’ve had to deal with before, especially in our line of work,” said Aracely Lucero, TEP’s Key Account Manager and a TEP liaison with the zoo.
TEP also coordinated with the zoo when it had to shut off electricity to make sure the reptiles were accommodated.
“For some of our animals and our reptiles, having continued, electricity is absolutely critical,” said Nancy Kluge, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Reid Park Zoological Society. “TEP was so helpful with the planning and timing to make sure that there was no interruption of critical life support systems for these animals. TEP worked with us so we would have generators ready at appropriate places and everything went smoothly. It was really wonderful.”
The zoo is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a designation by the U.S. Green Building Council. Solar panels installed at the new reptile location will support this application.
“As we look toward LEED certification and renewable education and making sure we’re energy efficient, TEP has been with us,” Kluge said.
In addition to infrastructure support, TEP is a longtime partner with the zoo on our community investment and volunteer efforts. Dallas Dukes, TEP’s Vice President of Customer Experience and Corporate Strategy, serves on the zoo’s board as its treasurer.
TEP regularly makes financial and in-kind donations to the zoo, in particular during holiday Zoo Lights with animal sculptures designed by TEP’s welders.
“TEP been a critical partner of the zoo for many, many years,” Kluge said.
