Are your materials safe for animals?

Yes. We use 100% natural, plant-based additives that are non-toxic and safe for direct animal contact. Unlike crumb rubber or synthetic alternatives, our materials don't shed microplastics or leach chemicals into the environment.

Can you create different surfaces for different species?

Absolutely. We develop species-specific surface specifications based on the animal's weight, gait, foot type, and behavioral needs. Elephant enclosures, for example, require very different engineering than hoofstock paddocks.

How do your surfaces handle daily pressure washing?

Our drainage-engineered blends are designed to handle heavy water flow without erosion, ponding, or material migration. The surface drains quickly and returns to a stable, usable condition within minutes of washing.

Can the surface look natural in a public exhibit?

Yes. Our natural materials have an organic appearance that blends with exhibit environments. We can adjust the sand and additive blend to match the aesthetic requirements of different exhibits and habitats.

Zoos & Animal Facilities

Safe, natural ground surfaces for every species.

Zoos, sanctuaries, veterinary hospitals, and animal care facilities need ground surfaces that prioritize animal welfare, drainage, biosecurity, and public safety — all while standing up to heavy daily use.

Trusted by leading equestrian programs

Universities, show parks, and private facilities

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

Ground surfaces in zoos and animal facilities aren't just aesthetic — they directly impact animal health, welfare, and behavior. Hooved animals need different traction than padded paws. Large animals compact surfaces faster than small ones. Exhibit surfaces need to look natural to visitors while performing like engineered systems for the animals living on them.

Biosecurity adds another critical layer. Surfaces must resist pathogen buildup, drain cleanly after daily washing, and be compatible with disinfection protocols — without introducing toxic materials into animal habitats. Synthetic alternatives like crumb rubber shed microplastics that accumulate in enclosures and water systems.

Performance Footing brings the same natural-materials approach we use in equestrian applications to zoo and animal facility installations. Our 100% natural additives are safe for direct animal contact and incidental ingestion, while our engineering approach ensures proper drainage, load-bearing capacity, and long-term durability under heavy animal traffic.

Common Challenges

What Zoos & Animal Facilities Face

Animal Safety & Welfare

Hooved, padded, and clawed animals all need different traction profiles. Slips and falls cause serious injuries in captive environments.

Biosecurity & Hygiene

Surfaces must resist pathogen buildup, drain cleanly, and be compatible with regular disinfection protocols.

Drainage Under Heavy Wash

Exhibit and holding areas are hosed and pressure-washed frequently. Surfaces must drain fast and not pond or erode.

Multi-Species Demands

Elephants, horses, big cats, and hoofstock all interact with ground surfaces differently. One-size-fits-all doesn't work.

Public-Facing Aesthetics

Exhibit surfaces need to look natural and well-maintained for visitors while still performing for the animals.

Durability Under Heavy Animals

Large animals compact surfaces quickly. Frequent rework is expensive and disruptive to animal routines.

Our Approach

How We Help

Species-Specific Surface Design

Custom blends tuned to the traction, cushion, and drainage needs of specific animal types — from hoofstock to large carnivores.

Natural, Non-Toxic Materials

100% natural additives that are safe for animals in direct contact — no synthetic crumb rubber, no chemical binders, no microplastic shedding.

High-Drainage Composition

Lock ratios designed for facilities that wash surfaces daily. Fast percolation with consistent surface stability.

Durable, Low-Maintenance Blends

Engineered to resist compaction from heavy animals and maintain performance between scheduled maintenance cycles.

Why Performance Footing®

Built for Zoos & Animal Facilities

Natural materials safe for direct animal contact and incidental ingestion

Custom surface specs for different species and enclosure types

Drainage performance compatible with daily wash-down protocols

No microplastic shedding into animal habitats or water systems

Experience with large-scale institutional facility requirements

"We needed a surface that was safe for the animals, easy to clean, and looked natural in the exhibit. This system checked every box."

Facilities Director

Regional Zoo & Conservation Center

FAQ

Common Questions

Ready to Get Started?

Let us help you find the right footing solution for your zoos & animal facilities.

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