Our Blog - "The Fence Post"

Vinyl Coated Welded Wire Mesh & Fence at Zoo New England

Zoo New England operates Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA. Both locations use vinyl coated welded wire meshes and fencing in a variety of applications.

 

In the picture above, both 1"x2" and 2"x4" vinyl coated welded wire meshes are attached to wood post and rail fences to create an attractive and durable barrier around this display area. The tough, securely bonded vinyl coating resists abrasion and is ideal to use in heavy traffic areas. This wire fence will last a long time, reducing both frequency of replacement and cost of repairs.

 

Here two different sizes of vinyl coated welded wire meshes cover the top of a box holding a duck receiving medical attention. The vinyl coating protects the wire from corrosion, an important feature in areas exposed to constant moisture.

 

16 gauge 1/2" x 1" mesh encloses this cockatoo display. The attractive vinyl coating protects the wire underneath from corrosion. The surface is tough yet softer than bare wire.

 

Small, light weight vinyl coated welded wire mesh makes excellent netting to block off the top of an aviary. The mesh is durable and longer lasting than plastic netting. Cost of replacement is reduced.

 

Heavy 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" vinyl coated mesh is used as a fence alongside stainless steel netting, making a strong enclosure for this display.

 

Vinyl coated 1" x 2" welded wire mesh (turned on its side) makes a secure airlock-type transition between two display areas. Mesh is fastened to a wood frame. Coated mesh is ideal for use in high traffic areas.

 

For extra security, heavy gauge vinyl coated fences are attached to both sides of a wood post and rail fence. Small hands cannot reach into the display and the fence cannot be climbed.

Vinyl coated welded wire meshes come in a wide variety of gauges and mesh sizes. Something suitable is available for every application.

Can you think of other uses for these meshes in other locations - around the farm or home?

 

Wire Fence Mesh Used at Franklin Park Zoo, Boston MA

 

Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts use various types of woven wire meshes and fences.

Galvanized woven wire fencing

When strength, height and larger openings are required, woven fences that are galvanized are used. Deer and wildlife fence is a popular choice. Available in a 96" height, the mesh has graduated openings between the horizontal wires with smaller openings at the bottom of the fence. Vertical stay wires are 6" apart. 12.5 gauge high-tensile wires and fixed knot construction make it very strong. Class 3 galvanizing ensures a long lifetime. This is a versatile fence that can be used for both four legged and two legged animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another type of fence used is 2"x2" woven non-climb mesh. Made from lighter 16 gauge wire, it can be used to make enclosures for smaller animals and birds. Top and bottom wires are heavier 14 gauge. The square deal knots that are used hold the horizontal and vertical wires securely in place, yet the fence has some flexibility which allows it to conform to the irregularities of the ground. The mesh has an open feel and is easy to see through. In the picture below the fence is used for the vertical sides of the display.

These are some of the different types of fencing used at the two zoos. What types of wire meshes have you observed at the zoos you have visited?

 

Woven Top Netting Used In Zoo Displays

Top Netting at Birmingham Zoo - attached to 12.5 gauge woven 2"x4"mesh fence

 

You have a collection of valuable birds you want to contain within a certain area. You want the birds to be safe from predatory birds from above. You want to cover a large area. You want a high ceiling or open roof. Installation needs to be as easy, as safe and as fast as possible. The material you use must be soft and flexible enough so that the birds will not hurt themselves when they come in contact with the netting while they are in flight.

What can satisfy all these requirements?

Flight Pen Top Netting

Used by zoos, commercial game bird farms, animal rehabilitation and backyard hobbyists. The multiple strands of woven black polypropylene provide protection for your birds. Experience the benefits:

• Rolls are light weight and easy to handle
• Support structure can be less robust, less expensive
• Large size rolls make it easier to cover large areas
• No need to make a patchwork of smaller rolls
• Flexibility makes Top Net softer - less chance of injuring you and your birds
• Available in a wide variety of roll sizes, weight and mesh sizes
• UV resistant for long life
• Top Net will not rust
• Mesh is resistant to mildew and rot

Do you have any birds that need safety and protection?

  

    

Woven Wire Fence & Mesh Used By Zoos

There are many different styles of woven wire fence that can be successfully used in zoo displays. These wire fencing products can also be put to use around the home, farm and public areas such as parks and recreational areas. Think of these fences when you have any situation where animals need to be contained or excluded.

 

Double Wattled Cassowary & 2"x4" woven wire mesh - Birmingham Zoo

 

12.5 gauge 2"x4" mesh

Woven 2"x4" mesh is made with heavier 10 gauge selvage wires running along the top and bottom edge of the fence. This gives the fencing greater strength. Strong 12.5 gauge wire makes up the balance. A third piece of 12.5 gauge wire forms a smooth stiff knot around the horizontal and one piece vertical wires securely holding them together. Knotted construction gives the fence some flexibility making it easier to install over uneven ground. Woven 2"x4" mesh is available in three different finishes: Class 1 galvanized, Class 3 galvanized and Class 3 black. It can be used effectively with very large birds, other animals such as dogs, horses and zebras and any other animal that requires a strong fence.

 

Woven 2"x2" wire mesh fence on sides of display - Franklin Park Zoo

 

16 gauge, 2"x2" mesh

Made with the same knotted construction as the 2"x4' fencing, this lighter weight woven wire fence is made using 14 gauge wires on top and bottom and 16 gauge wires for the filler. As with its heavier brother, the fencing has inherent flexibility. 2"x2" mesh can be used with birds and other small animals - situations where a lighter fence will be effective.

 

 

Woven Deer and wildlife fence - Franklin Park Zoo

 

Deer and wildlife fence

Woven from 12.5 gauge high tensile wire, this strong heavily galvanized fencing can be used with many different kinds of animals. All feature spacing between horizontal wires that graduate from small at the bottom to large at the top. Heights range from 4' through 10'. Horizontal and vertical wires are held together with fixed knot construction. Deer and wildlife fencing is available with  a Class 3 galvanized finish. Some heights have a Class 3 black finish. The strength and height make this an ideal fence to use with a wide range of animals.

 

Deer fence gateway - Birmingham Zoo

 

Do you have any unusual animals that you want to keep in - or out?

Wire Mesh & Woven Netting At The Birmingham Zoo

 

The 122 acre Birmingham Zoo draws more than 500,000 visitors a year, making it Alabama's most popular attraction. On February 5th I was treated to a fascinating tour of the facility by Jeff Pribble, the Zoological Manager of Birds. He cares for and manages more than 90 different species of birds - over 400 in number. The zoo is on their way to a goal of 100 species. Such species as the Bali Mynah, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Secretary Bird and Double-wattled Cassowary are on display in clean, informatively labeled, well maintained environments that reflect their natural habitats.

The Birmingham Zoo uses a variety of meshes in their displays and around the grounds. Vinyl coated welded wire meshes are used in the displays as well as in safety insert panels along walkways, railings and fence. Woven polypropylene top netting is often used for the tops of the displays. For the bigger displays containing larger birds, woven 2"x4" mesh is used. A fine woven zoo mesh is also used for the displays of some of the smaller birds.

 

 Jeff Pribble & Duncan Page

 

Along with this fine avian section, the zoo also features a $15 million Children's Zoo displaying the urban and rural wild animals and environs of Alabama. Work on the Trails of Africa is currently underway. Featuring a cultural and botanical "immersion-themed motif", this promises to be a "world-class community asset". The zoo also features two small trains that carry passengers on a 3/4 mile loop throughout the zoo.

If you're in the Birmingham area, be sure to visit!