When exploring a zoo or museum, you are likely to see cork bark in various exhibits. Its natural texture and remarkable qualities make it a creative and sustainable choice for designing displays that mimic the natural environment.
Cork bark creates a tree stump for the signage in this zoo.
Cork bark, specifically virgin cork bark, adds a realistic look to your exhibit. Virgin cork bark is the bark that is obtained from the first two harvests of a cork tree. This bark tends to be less uniform and rougher than subsequent harvests and gives a more natural texture and appearance.
Some things to consider when incorporating cork bark in your exhibit:
Natural Habitat Recreation: Zoos and museums often incorporate cork bark to create realistic natural habitats. By replicating the look and feel of natural environments, it adds authenticity to the exhibit.
Non-Toxic: Cork bark is non-toxic so it’s safe for little critters like reptiles and spiders to sleep and hide in with no worry of harmful chemicals affecting the animals.
Texture & Depth: The naturally textured surface of cork bark provides lots of nooks and crannies for critters and adds depth to the exhibits.
Realistic Natural Backdrop: Cork bark is an excellent backdrop for showcasing plants such as orchids. They attach themselves to the bark and grow beautifully on it.
Buoyancy: Cork is buoyant, so it works well for a floating island for turtles or frogs.
Bird-Friendly: The deeply textured surface allows birds to easily perch on it, or even build nests. It's a versatile material for creating lifelike trees and stumps in exhibits.
Lightweight & Rot-Resistant: Cork is lightweight yet durable and rot-resistant, all important elements when designing long-lasting displays or exhibits.
Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable: Cork is harvested from trees without harming the tree and the cork bark grows back time and time again.
Cork bark is used as a floating island for this turtle.
Besides cork bark, granulated cork in various grain sizes is often used in displays. From tiny, sand-sized pieces to big chunks, cork offers versatility for creative designs. Cork grain is often used in store displays, window displays, and on film and theater sets.
Given all these advantages of cork, consider embracing its natural beauty in your upcoming exhibit designs.
Cork bark is an excellent backdrop in vivariums and terrariums, plants enjoy growing on the bark too.