At Vogelsang Ireland, we pride ourselves on engineering solutions that work reliably – even in the most unique of settings. One such example is Dublin Zoo’s Gorilla Rainforest, where our VX series rotary lobe pump has been running consistently and effectively for several years, helping to maintain a lifelike and enriching habitat for one of the zoo’s most iconic species.
Dublin Zoo – A National Treasure with Global Purpose
Founded in 1830, Dublin Zoo is not only one of the oldest zoos in the world, but also one of Ireland’s most visited attractions, welcoming over one million guests annually. Its core mission revolves around conservation, education and research, and it's an active participant in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).
The Gorilla Rainforest, opened in 2011, is a standout feature of the zoo – a €3 million development designed to reflect the natural environment of western lowland gorillas. Covering 12,000 square metres of hilly terrain, trees, water features, and secluded spaces, it offers both the gorillas and visitors an immersive experience.
A Demanding Environment for Pumping Technology
To replicate the complex ecosystem of a rainforest, Dublin Zoo required a durable, high-performance pump capable of moving large volumes of water reliably across varied terrain. Water needed to be pumped from the lower lakes to elevated areas, powering multiple artificial waterfalls and streams throughout the enclosure.
"The zoo needed a powerful pump that could easily pump water over several metres in height and, in this way, ensure the waterfalls remained operational during the zoo’s opening hours,” explains Mark Hughes, Managing Director of Vogelsang Ireland. “A submersible pump wasn’t suitable due to sediment issues, so we specified a dry-installed VX series rotary lobe pump, which is well suited for this type of application thanks to its resistance to foreign matter, self-priming capability, and tolerance for dry running.”
Installed in a purpose-built pump station two metres above the main lake’s water level, the pump efficiently lifts water to higher ground where it cascades back down through a series of falls – ensuring constant circulation and a visually dynamic environment.
Reliable, Robust, and Built for the Long Haul
The rugged VX series pump delivers an impressive throughput of 185 m³ per hour, operating eight hours a day, every day. Handling foreign matter in water without blockage is a key benefit in an open-air habitat with leaves, debris, and wildlife activity.
“The pump has been running reliably for years now. It keeps water levels stable across the landscape. It easily conveys foreign bodies in the water without clogging.”
William Phillips, Facility Manager at Dublin Zoo.
Servicing the System – and Enjoying the Setting
"Our Vogelsang Ireland service team carries out scheduled maintenance twice a year, checking wear parts and overall performance. It’s one of the more enjoyable jobs on the calendar,” Hughes adds. “The setting is brilliant, and it’s great to know we’re contributing to something that supports both conservation and public engagement.”
Whether it’s for agriculture, industry, wastewater or something completely unique – Vogelsang Ireland has the technology and expertise to keep your systems running. If you have a challenging application or are planning an infrastructure upgrade, get in touch – we’re here to help.
