Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo Nears Completion of New Holding Barn
Exciting changes are underway at the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, beginning with a new holding barn—the first piece of a master plan to upgrade and expand the zoo. The facility will temporarily house current residents during enclosure repairs or rebuilds, serve as a quarantine space for new arrivals, and provide a place to rehabilitate injured local animals.
Construction began in response to an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) inspection, but the project goes far beyond accreditation requirements. According to Zoo Director Dr. Alan Tousignant, the new barn is four times the size of the previous facility, with twice as many holding spaces and major improvements throughout. “We’re trying to make this one as state-of-the-art as possible in terms of animal safety, space options, and flexibility to move animals,” he said. “Soup to nuts, everything is better than the previous one. It’s got great LED lighting, a much-improved water system, and proper electricity for heat lamps.”
A collaborative effort, the holding barn has been erected using internal and external expertise, including caging specialists, a local pole barn construction team, and our own zoo staff, who completed electrical wiring, plumbing, and interior paneling details. The finished space will include two large aviaries—one adaptable for larger animals—and six smaller areas for small-to-medium species, two with pools for otters and waterfowl.
Every element reflects attention to both human and animal needs. Metal mesh extends a foot below the floor to prevent burrowing escapes, and vertically sliding, pulley-operated doors allow staff to shift animals safely between spaces. Even the small details—like the metal crimps securing the mesh or the smooth wooden paneling that protects birds of prey from damaging their wings—demonstrate the zoo’s focus on safety and functionality.
That aviary paneling has a story of its own. The one-inch boards were milled from trees planted by Millbrook School students in the late 1950s and early 1960s. When those 60-foot trees were removed this summer to make way for a new boys dormitory in 2026, they were locally milled and repurposed for the barn—an example of Millbrook’s commitment to stewardship. “Millbrook boys back in the day created a product that we’re using now to build a space that today’s students will help run,” said Dr. Tousignant. “I love those full-circle moments where things really come together.”
The two-year process of approval and construction was made possible in part by the generosity of 91-year-old local philanthropist Barbara Tober, who, though not formally connected to Millbrook, was inspired by the zoo’s mission. “She loved this project because she wanted to be a catalyst and thought the master plan was great,” said Nancy Stahl, director of philanthropy. “She respects our leadership, loves our master plan, and hopes she inspires others to give.”
From partnering with generous donors to sustainably reusing materials, the new holding barn exemplifies what makes the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo—and Millbrook School—so distinctive. While the first step of the master plan is nearly complete, continuing this vital conservation work will take the support of our entire community. Be part of it—make a donation today!
