Independent Zoo and Aquarium Consulting Services

Unleashing Potential:
Tailored Solutions for Zoo & Aquarium Projects Worldwide

What we do

IZACS provides ’outside the box’ consultancy and advisory services to zoos and aquariums globally to support the creation of memorable and sustainable experiences.

Our services focus on pre-purchase due diligence, feasibility studies & master planning, project management, LSS conceptualisation, animal welfare and operational readiness of new builds and refurbishments, repositionings and rebrandings.

Our approach is tailored to meet the specific needs of each project, ensuring that value is delivered across the guest experience, ownership model, animal welfare programs and supporting operational teams.

Our Services

Design Advisory & Strategic Support for Architects and Planners

Designing animal-focused environments requires more than creativity—it demands a deep understanding of operational needs, guest experience, animal welfare, and regulatory frameworks. At IZACS, we support architects, master planners, and designers by offering targeted advisory services throughout all stages of a zoo or aquarium project.

Our team brings decades of specialist experience to help ensure that the vision aligns with the practical realities of animal care, life support systems (LSS), exhibit functionality, and future operations. We assist in reviewing concept plans, refining spatial layouts, and stress-testing proposed solutions to ensure they are fit for purpose—from animal and guest perspectives alike.

Whether during early concept development, design documentation, or value engineering, our input ensures your project is grounded in industry-specific best practice—minimising risk and delivering spaces that work holistically for animals, operators, and visitors.

Pre-Purchase / Technical Due Diligence

IZACS offer an independent and informed perspective to businesses that are looking to acquire, sell or refurbish an existing zoo or aquarium. We help buyers gain a clear understanding of the technical condition, risks, and opportunities associated with the property or asset, enabling informed decision making, risk mitigation, and value optimisation during the acquisition, sale, or project planning process.

Feasibility Studies

Detailed feasibility studies of proposed projects include a review of regulatory/planning requirements, the development of a high-level program, capital and operational costs and review of technical possibilities. The study will identify the required team and animal welfare requirements whether it is a new build or the refurbishment of an existing attraction. The final report will provide expert guidance and present the project's viability, risks and mitigation strategies, benefits, challenges, and recommended strategies for decision-making.

Masterplanning

During the master planning phase, our key services include site analysis, concept development, architectural design coordination, exhibit planning (including animal acquisition / relocation strategies), visitor flow analysis, sustainability integration, regulatory compliance assessment, stakeholder engagement, and overall project coordination to ensure a comprehensive and successful plan for the facility's development and long-term viability.

Project Management

IZACS delivers comprehensive Project Management services for all facets of zoos and aquarium projects from inception to completion. Drawing on our global experience, our strategic approach is client-centric representing the needs of each project, yet remains flexible to ensure we can change course when we need to. We pride ourselves on communication, listening carefully to all project stakeholders, and can deliver controversial news without reservation. We provide certainty on project outcomes and take pride in delivering projects within agreed budget, timeframes and specification.

Design Lead & Innovation

IZACS leads the way in innovation to create captivating attractions for visitors worldwide. Our forward-thinking approach and extensive (hands-on/practical) experience ignites the creativity of designers and architects, resulting in exhibits that are not only functional and practical but also centered around the visitor experience. We actively pursue imaginative designs to deliver immersive attractions that engage and thrill customers.

Theming & Lighting Development

With our extensive experience in the zoo and aquarium sector, we ensure that theming & lighting is fit for purpose from both a guest and, more importantly, an animal perspective. Our services include working with the theming & lighting designer to develop the overall theme, review the design, value engineering the scope if needed while still maintaining the overall intent. We provide on-site theming inspections and will join the commissioning of the lighting to ensure that all elements align with the intended design and functionality, ensuring an engaging and enriching environment for both animals and visitors.

Procurement

We provide comprehensive procurement services for consultants and contractors, ensuring seamless project execution. Our services include identifying potential partners, preparing detailed scopes of work, and developing comprehensive tender documents. We manage the entire tender process, from issuing the tender, assessing proposals and negotiating with shortlisted consultants and contractors to assisting in the preparation of the technical aspects of consultant agreements and construction contracts.

Water Treatment Specification & Concept Development

With our experience in planning, building and operating water treatment systems / life support systems (LSS) we are well versed to specify, conceptualise and implement life support systems for animal exhibits, aiming to create sustainable, enriching, and safe environments for both animals. Our services include the management and supervision of the commissioning and handover of the system to the operational team.

Animal Acquisition & Delivery Strategy

A successful aquarium or zoo project begins with a well-considered animal acquisition and delivery strategy. This includes defining an achievable, ethically sound collection that aligns with the project’s narrative, operational capacity, and long-term goals.

Detailed animal requirement briefs inform key design components—such as life support system (LSS) specifications, exhibit layouts, quarantine protocols, and back-of-house (BOH) planning. Biosecurity, logistics, and phasing are considered to ensure smooth animal movement and integration.

Collection sourcing guidance is paired with delivery planning and staffing forecasts, ensuring the animal care team is properly scaled and prepared from day one. The result is a coordinated, realistic strategy that supports successful project delivery and long-term operation.

Troubleshooting & Strategic Diagnostics

Even the most well-planned facilities can encounter challenges post-opening. IZACS offers a comprehensive troubleshooting service to help identify and resolve operational issues across public aquariums and zoos.

Whether you're dealing with underperforming life support systems (LSS), visitor congestion, unclear KPIs, guest satisfaction concerns, or complex animal welfare issues, our team conducts structured reviews to uncover root causes and deliver clear, actionable solutions.

We combine technical, curatorial, and operational expertise to analyse performance holistically—balancing animal needs, guest expectations, and operational realities. Our goal is not only to fix problems, but to future-proof your facility against recurring inefficiencies and misalignments.

From site visits to diagnostic audits and strategic workshops, our support is tailored to your context, timelines, and internal capabilities.

Project Management Training & Workshops

Many zoo and aquarium teams are tasked with managing small to medium-sized capital works, upgrades, or refurbishments—often without formal project management training. We offer tailored workshops designed to empower in-house teams to confidently deliver projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard.

Through a mix of practical exercises and real-world examples, participants learn how to define project scope, prepare tenders, evaluate contractor proposals, manage contracts, and track project budgets. Our structured, hands-on format ensures every participant walks away with a solid understanding of tools and techniques they can immediately apply.

This service is ideal for zoos and aquariums looking to build internal capacity and reduce reliance on external project managers for smaller works. We give your team the confidence, systems, and practical knowledge to manage projects with certainty and control.

Previous Projects

  • Taronga Zoo, Australia

  • Western Plains Zoo, Australia

  • Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Australia

  • Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s, New Zealand

  • COEX Aquarium, South Korea

  • Sea Life Busan Aquarium, South Korea

  • Shanghai Cheng Feng Ocean Park

  • London Aquarium, UK

  • Sea Life California, US

  • Sea Life Munich, Germany

  • Sea Life Hanover, Germany

  • Sea Life Manly Oceanworld, Australia

  • Sea Life Sunshine Coast, Australia

  • Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Australia

  • Sea Life Bangkok, Thailand

About us

IZACS is a Joint Venture between Craig Thorburn Consulting Ltd and BSK Projects Pty Ltd.

We are dedicated to transforming the world of zoos and aquariums worldwide.

Our mission at IZACS is clear: to provide ‘outside the box’ consultancy and advisory services that support the creation of memorable and sustainable zoo and aquarium experiences. What sets us apart is our deep, hands-on experience across all facets of these projects. We’ve worked as operators, consultants, and contractors, giving us a 360-degree understanding of the challenges and opportunities within this specialised field.

We don’t just offer advice; we actively help shape and deliver better zoo and aquarium projects, ensuring they’re not only successful but also impactful.

We’re also proud to leverage our international experience and a global network of experts to provide the best solutions for our clients.

We believe in what we do because we know we can make a difference. If you’re looking to elevate your zoo or aquarium project, let’s connect and explore how IZACS can bring your vision to life.

Meet the Team

Benedikt Schikora and Craig Thorburn bring together a unique blend of expertise, honed over years of global collaboration. Their shared passion for wildlife and the environment fuels their innovative approach to creating world-class zoo and aquarium experiences. With backgrounds in Marine Science and Architectural Engineering, they complement each other perfectly, offering a diverse skill set that allows them to expertly manage and deliver immersive, sustainable visitor attractions through IZACS.

  • Benedikt is a seasoned professional with a degree in architecture, dedicating the past 20 years to the zoo and aquarium sector. Having worked for the world's largest aquarium operator for almost a decade, he possesses a profound understanding of operational needs and aquarium management.

    His extensive international project experience, combined with meticulous attention to detail and intricate construction knowledge, ensures the successful delivery of the projects he is involved with.

    Most of his past projects have been completed in complex, live environments, where clear communication and consideration of operational requirements are paramount. His experience spans both local and international arenas, and his drive and passion for tackling challenging tasks is evident in his unwavering dedication to each project.

  • Over his 34-year career Craig has had experience working within operating aquarium businesses as an aquarium diver, aquarist and curator. Craig was a director of a Civil and Structural Engineering practice delivering zoo and aquarium projects before joining Merlin as a regional curator for Asia Pacific. The last 4 years have been focused on independent consulting work and developing / supporting not for profit marine conservation projects.

Contact Us

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