Pueblo -- Five Colorado State University - Pueblo mechanical and civil engineering technology students have redesigned an outdoor exhibit at the Pueblo Zoo utilizing solar heating resulting in cost savings for the zoo.

The Pueblo Zoo's African Exhibit, which houses gazelles and storks, was using electrical heat to warm the animal's shelter during nights and cold months. With the solar-powered shelter, the zoo will save over $300 per year in electricity.

Mechanical engineering technology students Grant Harrison, David Noah, Nick Buccola, along with civil engineering technology majors A.J. Willits and Nick Guerra are responsible for developing, designing, constructing, and implementing the project. The students also were in charge in securing all the materials needed for construction.

"This has been a great experience in terms of creating a design based on what a customer wants," said Harrison, a senior from Colorado Springs, Colo. "We met with the zoo officials, took their needs and developed several suggestions to present. After agreeing on a design, we went ahead and built the structure."

The project, which started during the Spring 2003 semester and is scheduled for completion in November of this year, started with two months of research and ends after the final construction phase.

"I have really enjoyed the experience working with another scope of engineering," said Guerra, a senior from Pueblo. "It has taught me how to keep the lines of communication open from the aspect of the customer, the mechanical engineers, and the suppliers."

This was not the first Pueblo Zoo project tackled by CSU-Pueblo engineering technology students. Over the past 10 years, students have produced a lion squeezer, a large animal lift, a small animal elevator, and a large lion toy.

But according to Wade Bailey, a professor in CSU-Pueblo's Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, this was the first all-phase project given to CSU-Pueblo engineering technology students. It also is the first project that incorporated both disciplines and students of civil and mechanical engineering technology fields.

"The zoo has come to expect good things from our department," said Guerra, a senior from Pueblo. "We wanted to do our best not to let down the zoo or Professor Bailey."

The Pueblo Zoo has enjoyed their relationship with CSU-Pueblo.

"Number one, we are an educational facility and want to play a big part in the educational process at the University," said Marti Osborn, Pueblo Zoo Associate Director of Education. "And two, it's a win-win situation for both parties. We get engineering help that we otherwise could not afford, and the students receive an educational lesson."

For more information, contact Bailey, at 549-2612, or Todd Kelly, at 549-2013.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.