Building Custom Habitats: Epoxy & Sculpting

Creating dynamic, naturalistic habitats can transform both animal welfare and guest engagement. Join colleagues for an introduction to epoxy and sculpting techniques used to build custom exhibit features, from realistic rockwork and climbing structures to immersive environmental backdrops. This session will explore material selection, carving and shaping methods, waterproofing strategies, and finishing techniques that bring habitats to life while maintaining durability and safety.

Presenters will share practical lessons learned from in-house fabrication projects, discuss animal-safe design considerations, and compare the benefits and challenges of DIY construction versus outsourcing specialized work. Whether you’re looking to enhance an existing habitat or develop a new exhibit element, this webinar will provide actionable tips and inspiration for creating custom environments that are functional, engaging, and built to last.

Key topics include

  • Selecting safe and durable materials
  • Carving and shaping hardscape elements
  • Creating realistic rockwork and natural textures
  • Waterproofing and sealing techniques
  • Coloring, detailing, and finishing methods
  • Animal safety and long-term maintenance considerations
  • DIY fabrication versus outsourced construction approaches

This session is ideal for living collection professionals, exhibit developers, facilities teams, and anyone involved in creating or maintaining animal habitats within science centers, museums, zoos, and aquariums.

Date:
Thursday, October 29, 2026
1:00-2:30 pm ET

Price: Free

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