Author: Office Admin

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Open Aquarium & Reptile Center

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Satchell Engineering & Associates, leader in the aquatic life support design (LSS) welcomes the grand opening of the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.

FINALLY! The ribbon has been cut and the doors are officially OPEN for guests to come and experience the Darnall W and Susan F Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center.

We cannot wait to share our strides in conservation with guests visiting from near and far!
But that’s not all! We have more exciting developments to be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned to social media and our website at riverbanks.org for updates! Read More.

SeaWorld set to open its first rescue center outside of the United States

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In Collaboration with SeaWorld and Miral — SeaWorld Rescue is going global with the opening of its first center outside of the United States Abu Dhabi.

The new center will be the first dedicated marine research and rescue center in the Middle East / North Africa (MENA) Region.

The YasSeaWorld Research and Rescue (YSWRR) will be a key contributor to marine-life conservation in the region by conducting research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education programs.

“The waters of the Arabian gulf are an important marine ecosystem and integral to the fabric of the Abu Dhabi community. The conservation of their marine animals and ecosystems is vital, and we are excited to be a part of this important effort. Expanding SeaWorld’s nearly 60-year legacy of animal care and conservation globally and having the opportunity to share our knowledge with the region is an honor and a privilege,” said Dr. Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

The center, located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, was developed and will be operated by Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and SeaWorld.

Continue Reading About The Project

SE&A Celebrates 10 Years

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Ten years ago, Satchell Engineering & Associates, Inc. (SE&A) opened its doors to the LSS industry. For this momentous occasion, we would like to share with you how SE&A became what it is today.

Back in 2013, Robert was contemplating his future in the LSS industry. After 20 years in the aquatic LSS engineering field, Robert needed to decide what direction to take moving forward. At the time, his wife Judy was doing engineering consulting. Rob’s childhood friend and colleague, Anthony, was also around while they were meddling with their plans. While Anthony was waiting for his hip replacement surgeries, he had a little time to brainstorm ideas with them. Judy and Anthony looked at each other and then looked at Robert and said, “Hey Robert, why don’t you start your own LSS company”. That is the single moment in time that changed all their lives forever.

What happened next was a whirlwind. We sat in Robert’s home office, got a large white board, some markers and started to brainstorm. First, we needed to come up with a company name. Knowing that Robert’s name was widely known and respected in the LSS industry, it was decided that Satchell Engineering & Associates, Inc. would provide instant recognition and creditability.

Immediately we were off and running. Within the first week we created a legal corporation, a company logo, the company website and started marketing SE&A. Once we found office space to rent, we opened the doors to Satchell Engineering & Associates, Inc. and brought in an accountant and Senior Designer. Robert handpicked our Senior Designer that he had worked with for many years. We sent out the news that Robert was offering Aquatic Life Support Systems and water filtration engineering as Satchell Engineering & Associates.

Our first three projects were thrust into design and engineering within the first few months we were opened. Fast forward 10 years, and it is amazing at what we have accomplished. We have acquired a larger office and expanded our company to include additional engineers, drafters, and support staff. We have completed 100’s of LSS projects globally including the largest indoor marine park in the world slated to open this summer!

None of this could have happened without the support of our clients, friends, and family members who have supported us from the beginning. We look forward to seeing what the next 10 years brings to Satchell Engineering & Associates, Inc. We hope you all continue to join us on our journey!

Thank you,

Satchell Engineering & Associates

OC Zoo New $9 Million Expansion Large Mammal Habitat

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Satchell Engineering & Associates team was proud to be part of the OC Zoo $9 million expansion Large Mammal Exhibit in Irvine California. The new habitat opened to the public on Friday, May 13th, 2022. The new habitat houses three young mountain lions and a black panther. SE&A provided the life support LSS for the habitat that includes waterfalls with streams that run into larger pools.  Read More.

Cincinnati Zoo Takes in Three Orphaned Manatees for Rehabilitation

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Three young manatees arrived at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s newly-renovated Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Manatee Springs early this morning, where they will be rehabilitated until they are ready to return to their native Florida waters.  The Zoo has been participating in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) for the past two decades and has cared for 23 manatees, including the newest residents.

“We started renovating our manatee facility after our last two residents, Pippen and Truffleshuffle, returned to Florida in September of 2020 and stepped up the construction schedule so we could provide a home for these three orphans.  We were originally slated to receive two animals. The third animal was added as result of the significant influx of rescued manatees at SeaWorld Orlando,” said Cincinnati Zoo curator Winton Ray.  “We look forward to helping these youngsters grow and eventually return to their native home.”

Two of the manatees already had names, Alby and Manhattan, and the MRP gave Cincinnati Zoo the opportunity to name the third.  The manatee team got creative and chose “SwimShady”, a play on the name of the song/nickname of rapper “SlimShady”. A gar named “Snoop Logg” is also a Manatee Springs resident!

Meet the Manatees:

  • Alby (male) – Rescued as an orphan from the Halifax River in Volusia county, Florida on 8/27/2019. At the time of his rescue he weighed 51 lbs. Alby weighed 215 lbs on 10/27/2020.
  • Manhattan (male) – Rescued as an orphan from St. Augustine Beach in St. Johns County, Florida on 10/28/2019. At the time of his rescue he weighed 62 lbs. Manhattan weighed 227 lbs on 10/05/2020.
  • SwimShady (male) – Rescued as an orphan from Berkley Canal in Brevard County on 12/19/2020. At the time of his rescue he weighed 198 lbs.

Eighteen manatees rehabilitated at the Cincinnati Zoo have returned to Florida waters.  Most recently, Truffleshuffle shuffled out near Apollo Beach in the Tampa Bay area.

“The goal of the MRP is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release manatees, and we’re honored to play a role in this important conservation work,” said Ray.  “In addition to rehabbing manatees, we get to educate and inspire visitors when they see these amazing creatures!”

Cincinnati Zoo is one of two facilities outside of Florida that provides non-critical care for manatees.   Providing second-stage care opens up valuable space at critical care facilities like SeaWorld Orlando and gives Midwesterners the opportunity to learn about these remarkable animals.

The Florida manatee, downgraded from endangered to threatened in 2018, is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality. Exposure to red tide, cold stress, and disease are all problems that can affect manatees. Human-caused threats include boat strikes, crushing by flood gates or locks, and entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear. Populations range-wide are believed to be at least 13,000, with more than 6,500 in the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico, mostly in Florida.

Como Park Zoo Seal and Sea Lion Habitat Nearing Completion

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After many months of design and construction, the new 260,000 gallons saltwater seal and sea lion habitat at Como Park Zoo is almost complete.  The habitat has a state-of-the-art aquatic life support system that utilizes regenerative media filters.  This provides exceptional underwater viewing conditions, while exceeding all regulatory and collection management requirements.  The opening of the new habitat is expected Spring 2021.  To learn more about project please click here.

 

Grand Opening Alpine Big Bear Zoo

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Explore the new Big Bear Alpine Zoo, grand opening set for November 5, 2020. Satchell Engineering & Associates was proud to be part of the relocation of the new Big Bear Zoo.  The zoo is known as a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals a safe haven until they are able to survive on their own again in the wilderness.  SE&A provided the water filtration design for all the exhibits that have water associated with them, including the Grizzly Bear and Black Bear.  To learn more about the zoo, please click here.

Cincinnati Zoo Roo Valley Now Open

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Satchell Engineering & Associates team was proud to work with the Cincinnati Zoo staff to complete the new habitat for little blue penguins located in Roo Valley.  The new 36,800 freshwater pool is home to 30+ little blue, “fairy penguins”. The new exhibit also features multiple waterfalls.

The water that flows through Roo Valley, and into the pengion is 100% rainwater, as well as a green roof over the penguins and geothemal well system to heat and cool the pools to reduce energy usage.

Read more about the new exhibit Click Here

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Deputs New Dolphin Home

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YES!!! It is completed, the new Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  See Hope, Winter and the other dolphins enjoy their new aquarium. Learn More.

Satchell Engineering & Associates are proud to be life support design team for the new Clearwater Marine Aquarium Expansion project that includes a Dolphin exhibit with five interconnected pools: four main pools in addition to one med pool.  Dolphin pool 1, 2, 4, and 5 will feature both above and underwater viewing, while Dolphin pool 3 will feature above water viewing only.  The total volume of the five pools is approximately 1.7 million gallons. The new complex triples the amount of dolphin habitat than the old one.

The exhibit water will be recirculated and treated by a specialized life support system (LSS) to maintain water quality appropriate for animal health and viewing.  The main observation window is 40 feet ling and 14 feet high to allow the guest a great look at the dolphin enjoy their habitat.

The aquarium is, first and foremost, a center for animal rescue, rehabilitation, and release. All its animals on public display are rescues that could not survive on their own in the wild.

See the dolphins enjoy the new Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex. See Video