The newest edition to the Denver Public Art collection “On The Rise” was recently installed inside Denver Zoo’s The Edge Amur tigers exhibit.

“On The Rise” was designed Wendy Khawaja, an artist and architectural designer who lives in Boulder, for the Denver Arts & Venues.

Denver Zoo sets new sustainability goals

The goal of the project was  to provide Yurki and Nikita, the zoo’s two Amur tigers, with a platform that would look great, but also allow the felines to utilize it for multiple activities including sleeping or playing. 

“‘On the Rise’ will give our tigers a unique way to do their favorite activities — explore, play exercise and sleep,” said Brian Aucone, Denver Zoo’s senior vice president for animal sciences.

Sales begin for Denver Zoo’s 30th Zoo Lights

“Aside from being a beautiful, intriguing piece of art for our guests, the sculpture gives our animal care team more enrichment options to help keep Nikita and Yuri healthy and happy.”

The sculpture consists of three circular, tiered platforms that are designed to prove the tigers a place to climb, jump, rest, splash and play on, according to a news release.

The newest attraction to the zoo’s ‘The Edge’ exhibit that stretches over an acre of land and opened in 2017 has been placed adjacent to its water exhibit as officials expect the tigers to enjoy the “sight, sound and touch of the water splashing between platforms,” the release read.

Denver Zoo no longer has free-ranging peacocks

“We are thrilled to welcome this unique new artwork into Denver’s public art collection,” said Denver Public Art Program Manager Michael Chavez.

“We’re always striving to try something new and I very much appreciate the collaboration and partnership with the Denver Zoo to make this one-of-a-kind artwork a reality.”