West Midlands Safari Park required high performance COMET+ Cabinet heaters and destratification fans to maintain a consistent indoor temperature of 21°C for its elephant enclosure. The existing electric heaters were unable to meet demand, prompting a full upgrade focused on energy efficiency, animal welfare, and safe heating for large enclosures, facilitated by Mark Tissiman @ MT Heating.
Project Requirements
• Deliver reliable temperature control for wildlife facilities housing elephants that can reach over 6 metres high and weighing over 5 tonnes
• Ensure all heating components were positioned safely out of reach of animals and staff
• Minimise disruption to daily operations during installation
• Improve heat distribution across varied terrain, including elevated sand flooring
Solution Delivered
Reznor supplied and supported the installation of a tailored commercial heating solution featuring:
• 2 x 90kW oil-fired Reznor COMET+ cabinet heaters with high-level ducting for safe, overhead heat delivery
• Reznor DS4-4 destratification fans to recirculate warm air from ceiling level to ground level, enhancing comfort and reducing heat loss
The old electric heaters were retained but disconnected due to inefficiency. All ducting and outlets were installed above elephant reach, and Smartcom control systems were positioned externally for safe operation.
Installation Highlights
• The enclosure featured 1 metre of sand, requiring specialist access equipment and coordination
• Elephants remained outdoors during the day, allowing uninterrupted installation
• No animals were disturbed or harmed during the process
The upgraded HVAC system now reliably maintains the required temperature throughout the enclosure, even during colder months. The integration of Reznor destratification fans has significantly improved heat circulation, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced comfort at ground level.
Mark Tissiman, mechanical engineer and director of MT Heating praised the free site survey, prompt quotation, and timely delivery with animal enclosure heating and welfare remaining the central priority throughout.
