View from a deck overlooking the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

South Africa

The Phinda Private Game Reserve is a 170 km2 private game reserve situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Grant Leisure was appointed curatorial advisor to the project by a Cape Town consortium that purchased 14,000 hectares of land between KwaZulu-Natal and Mkuze National park.

Grant Leisure spearheaded the effort to connect the 2 national parks, creating the Phinda Prvate Game Reserve. The land was then traded to the Minister of the Interior for the rights to construct 5, 25-room luxury lodges on the site. The KwaZulu tribe was appointed as partners to the project, whereby Grant Leisure developed a working social order allowing the tribe to participate with all aspects of the development and operation of the lodges.

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

San Diego, USA

Prior to moving to the United Kingdom, Principal Andy Grant was acting Deputy Director of the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. He was responsible for over 2,000 staff and a budget of $50 million. One of many notable successes includes increasing attendance from 1.1-1.6 million at the Wild Animal Park and turning a deficit of $1.2 million to a surplus of $0.6 million. He developed a master plan for both facilities, which are still in place today. Grant Leisure is the preferred consulting partner to San Diego Zoo Global.

Two giraffes standing together at the San Diego Zoo.
Guests at the London Zoo enjoying the penguin exhibit.

Zoological Society of London

London, United Kingdom

Grant Leisure was commissioned over a 5-year period to assist with implementing a wide range of capital and operational recommendations for both the London & Whipsnade Zoos. The contract additionally provided four key members of staff including a Chief Executive of Zoo Operations, Financial Director, Marketing Director, and Operations Director.

New Doha Zoo

Doha, Qatar

The Doha Zoo will be a one-of-a-kind experience for zoo-goers around the globe. The project has been appropriately touted a “mega zoo,” boasting driving and walking safari experiences, an immersive digital walkthrough experience, as well as interactive animal exhibits, shows, and dining interactions. Grant Leisure was commissioned to provide operational advisory services throughout the Design Development phase of the project.

Concept design rendering of the Doha Zoo in Qatar.
Headshot of Pat Janikowski of PJA Architects.
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I have known Andy for over ten years and have worked on both small projects as well as major new developments around the world. I can tell you that Andy is able to gauge the needs of the client in any situation and develop programs that are both functional and cost-effective. He also has a great sense of humor that at certain times is much needed to keep the team focused on the goal, especially during the most tense and pressured times.

Pat Janikowski, AIA, NCARB
President
Graphic of person prepping to be shot out of a cannon in front of an amusement park.

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Grant Leisure delivers broad experience in all facets of commercial real estate, land use, attractions development, and management consulting.

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