Zoos, aquariums, animal rescue groups and other animal care organizations, require reliable refrigerated storage. Whether storing frozen food for exotic animals or refrigerated medical supplies, zoos and aquariums require walk-in coolers and freezers that can maintain precise temperatures. Polar King walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers and refrigerated trailers feature a seamless fiberglass design and can be fully customized to meet specific organizational needs.
Polar King Energy Savings
The annual operating costs of traditional metal panel units can be as much as 62% higher than that of a Polar King. With seamless fiberglass construction, our units prevent moisture penetration, retaining the R-Value of the insulation. This will not only extend the life of your walk-in cooler or freezer but also provide a long-term return on your investment.
Polar King and Coral World Ocean Park
Coral world Ocean Park is a small aquarium in the U.S. Virgin Islands that provides a place for tourists and locals to enjoy and learn about the ocean and its inhabitants. Coral World’s mission is to inspire and educate visitors to protect our worldwide ocean by providing meaningful and fun experiences with marine life. We bring our guests up close with our animals and the ocean in our high quality, one of a kind interaction programs with sea lions, sharks or dolphins.
The park needed a custom-built walk-in freezer that was onsite to store food for their animals. Due to their location near the ocean, they required a unit that could not only resist saltwater damage, but that could also withstand hurricane force winds.
“The freezer is beautiful! It does what it’s supposed to do, and we’ve seen a decrease in our utility bills that our owners love!” Kristine Tartaglio, Coral World Ocean Park
In addition to concerns over rust and rugged construction, Coral World Ocean Park also needed to consider energy efficiency. Electricity in the Virgin Islands is very expensive, and they were trying to convert to more sustainable power sources. Switching from an old, inefficient freezer to Polar King saves them a significant amount of money each month in utility costs.
Polar King Has Been a Proud AZA Member since 2016
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 230 facilities in the United States and overseas. AZA accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience.
Case Studies
Polar King, a leading provider of high-quality commercial refrigeration solutions, recognizes the importance of supporting the unique needs of zoos and nature reserves, and has conducted comprehensive case studies to provide valuable insights into how their products can enhance operations in these environments. By closely examining the specific challenges faced by zoos and nature reserves, Polar King has gained a deeper understanding of the critical role refrigeration plays in preserving the health and well-being of animals and maintaining the integrity of sensitive ecosystems. These case studies delve into topics such as temperature control, humidity management, specialized storage requirements, and the safe preservation of animal feed and medications. By collaborating with experts in the field, Polar King has developed refrigeration solutions tailored to the specific needs of zoos and nature reserves, ensuring the utmost care for the animals and the efficient management of resources. These case studies provide valuable guidance for zookeepers, wildlife conservationists, and facility managers in selecting the right refrigeration solutions to meet their unique requirements, ultimately contributing to the overall success of these important conservation efforts.
Western Nort Carolina Nature Preserve Download
Frequently Asked Questions
How does fiberglass construction address the moisture, corrosion, and saltwater exposure concerns common in coastal zoo and aquarium environments?
Fiberglass does not rust, corrode, or absorb moisture, which makes it a more reliable construction material than metal panel systems in coastal and high-humidity environments where saltwater exposure accelerates deterioration. Polar King’s 100% seamless fiberglass construction eliminates the panel joints and metal fasteners that are the first points of corrosion failure in conventional walk in units. The Coral World Ocean Park case study on this page documents a real-world example of a Polar King freezer maintaining structural and thermal performance in a coastal Virgin Islands environment subject to both saltwater air and hurricane-force wind conditions.
What types of storage does walk in refrigeration for zoo and aquarium use need to support beyond standard animal feed?
Walk in refrigeration for zoo and aquarium use typically needs to accommodate veterinary medications, vaccines, biological samples, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies alongside animal feed and frozen food. Some facilities also use refrigerated storage for botanical materials, horticultural specimens, and perishable enrichment items. Because these product categories often have different temperature, humidity, and access requirements, the storage configuration should be planned around the specific needs of each department or animal care area rather than treated as a single-use application.
How does the energy efficiency of a Polar King unit compare to a conventional metal panel walk in freezer?
The annual operating costs of conventional metal panel walk in units can run as much as 62 percent higher than those of a Polar King unit, primarily because metal panel construction allows moisture to penetrate the insulation over time, degrading the R-value and forcing the refrigeration system to work harder to maintain temperature. Polar King’s seamless fiberglass construction prevents moisture infiltration, preserving the insulation’s R-value throughout the life of the unit and reducing ongoing energy consumption.
Can a walk in cooler or freezer for a zoo be configured to store both animal feed and veterinary or medical supplies in the same unit?
Yes, though the appropriateness of a shared unit depends on the temperature requirements and contamination risk considerations for the specific products being stored. Polar King units can be built as combination cooler and freezer configurations with independently controlled temperature zones, which allows different product categories to be stored at their required temperatures within a single structure. For zoos with stricter separation requirements between food and medical supplies, two separate units can be sized and positioned to fit the available site footprint.
What wind and weather resistance standards should a walk in freezer meet for coastal or open-air installation?
Walk in freezers installed in coastal or open-air environments should be evaluated for resistance to sustained wind loads, wind-driven rain, and the corrosive effects of saltwater air, in addition to standard temperature performance requirements. Polar King units are approved for use in Miami-Dade County high-velocity hurricane zones under Product Control Notice of Acceptance No. 21-0914.04, which is one of the most stringent wind resistance certifications in the United States. The Coral World Ocean Park installation documented on this page is a real-world example of a Polar King unit meeting both hurricane resistance and saltwater corrosion requirements in a coastal environment. Buyers in hurricane-prone or high-wind zones should reference this certification during their site planning and permitting process.
What customization options are available for zoos and aquariums with multiple refrigerated storage locations on campus?
Polar King units are fully custom built to specification, allowing zoos and aquariums to configure each unit independently based on the temperature range, interior layout, access requirements, and exterior finish needed for a specific location on campus. Multiple units can be ordered as part of a single project and positioned at different animal care areas, commissary locations, or veterinary facilities without requiring a centralized cold storage infrastructure. Exterior finishes, including custom paint colors matched to a provided PMS sample, allow units to blend into the surrounding environment or match existing campus architecture.
What is Polar King's relationship with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums?
Polar King has an established relationship with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has participated in AZA annual conferences and mid-year meetings as an exhibiting vendor. This relationship does not confer a formal procurement preference for AZA-accredited institutions, but it does mean Polar King has direct familiarity with the cold storage needs of AZA member organizations and has provided units to zoos and aquariums within the AZA network. AZA-accredited institutions with government or nonprofit procurement requirements should confirm whether a GSA contract or other procurement vehicle applies to their purchasing process.
