Dallas Zoo – Signage That Brings the Wild to Life
When the Dallas Zoo decided to refresh and expand its exhibits, it wasn’t just about new animals or updated habitats — it was about creating a cohesive guest experience. That meant one big thing: signage. Bold, weather-resistant, easy to read, and designed to fit the unique vibe of each exhibit.
This project spanned nearly a year, as the Zoo worked through a full round of updates. Their request was clear: signage that could stand up to the Texas weather while still telling a story. Our role was to bring that concept to life — through steel, plasma cutting, graphics, welding, and plenty of imagination.
At Mecca, we don’t just make signs. We craft environments. This one was no exception.
The Challenge
The Zoo wanted a family of signs, but not a cookie-cutter look. Each sign needed its own identity, from donor walls to exhibit markers, while still feeling part of the same ecosystem. That meant mixing fabrication techniques, materials, and finishes — all while staying true to the Zoo’s overall brand.
For us, that was the fun part.
Our Approach
Durability first. We used CNC plasma cutting, welding, and powder coating to make sure each piece could handle rain, sun, and curious hands.
Design with variety. Every sign had a different personality — from playful silhouettes to elegant donor recognition.
Fabrication with finesse. Steel, wood, and graphics came together in unique combinations, making each sign stand on its own while still contributing to the bigger picture.
The Gallery
This wasn’t just one sign. It was a series of moments, each with its own purpose and personality.
Entry Sign for the Dallas Zoo - Building Excitement
The first thing you see to get you excited about the zoo. oxidized steel paired with wood panels, honoring the supporters who helped bring the exhibit to life.
Techniques used: CNC plasma cutting, oxidized steel
Wilds of Africa Entry Sign – The Star of the Show
This was the most complex and challenging build of the project — and also our favorite. Multi-layered steel fabrication, angled cuts, and powder-coated finishes came together to create a bold, sculptural entry point for one of the Zoo’s most popular exhibits. It pushed our technical skills and rewarded us with a piece that still turns heads today.
Techniques used: CNC plasma cutting, welding, layered fabrication, powder coating
The Giants of the Savanna Sign is also impressive!
Simmons Hippo Outpost – Playful & Immersive
For the Brierley Hippo Encounter, we built a massive 9x4 ft CNC plasma-cut hippo that instantly became a playful focal point. Inside the Outpost, we also fabricated the Kiboko Society Donor Wall — oxidized steel paired with wood panels, honoring the supporters who helped bring the exhibit to life.
These pieces weren’t just signage. They became part of the environment — merging design, storytelling, and recognition into one.
Techniques used: CNC plasma cutting, oxidized steel, wood fabrication, vinyl graphics
Wayfinding & Exhibit Markers – Guiding the Adventure
Across the Zoo, we created a collection of directional and exhibit signs that guided guests while keeping them immersed in the story. These pieces might not be as large as the Wilds of Africa or the Hippo Encounter, but they played an equally important role: tying the whole Zoo together.
Techniques used: Steel fabrication, powder coating, graphics integration
The Result
What started as a request for durable, easy-to-read signage became something bigger: a family of features that elevated the Dallas Zoo experience.
The Wilds of Africa sign became a sculptural landmark.
The Hippo Outpost pieces added fun and storytelling.
The wayfinding system ensured clarity without losing creativity.
Together, these signs transformed how guests navigate and experience the Zoo. They’re more than functional markers — they’re part of the adventure.
At Mecca, we believe signs should do more than inform. They should inspire. And at the Dallas Zoo, every piece is a reminder that design and fabrication can make a wild difference.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PAUL MECCA is the President of Mecca Design & Production, where he’s been transforming bold ideas into reality since 2006. An expert in out-of-the-box fabrication, Paul has a deep knowledge of materials, methods, and creative problem-solving. He specializes in turning marketing visions into tangible, unforgettable brand experiences.
