The Hatfield Family

ALUMNI BUILDERS THE HATFIELD FAMILY FABRICATION & COLLABORATION

The Hatfields have made their mark on Millbrook in many ways, especially at the Trevor Zoo. Ti any ’18 and Amber ’21 are recipients of the prestigious Frank W. Trevor Cup, awarded to the Millbrook senior who has demonstrated the greatest and most meaningful commitment to the mission of the zoo. Bryce Hatfield ’24 is now putting his time in across School Road with Zoo Director Dr. Alan Tousignant as his advisor.

As the Hatfield children have studied at Millbrook, their father, Chris Hatfield, has developed a professional relationship with the Trevor Zoo. As an owner of Hatfield Metals in Poughkeepsie, a family business for over 70 years, Chris has unparalleled expertise in metal design and fabrication and access to the latest technology and equipment. Hatfield Metal Fabrication employs over 60 people in the design, fabrication, and finishing of products like microchip manufacturing equipment and stainless vacuum tanks used in vaccine production. The shop hums with powerful and precise laser and water jet cutters, massive press brakes and shears, a powder coating shop, and all manner of fabrication processes.

Upkeep and improvements are constantly underway at the Trevor Zoo, and with the usual repairs and upgrades at the busy facility, the zoo must uphold Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards to maintain its prestigious accreditation. From animal enclosures to new safety measures for zoo visitors to improved accessibility, Dr. Tousignant and the staff are always working to make the Trevor Zoo the best it can be. Over the past several years, Chris Hatfield has assisted in these processes, designing and creating many custom metal components throughout the zoo. He has generously given his time and resources.

Among the most visible of his projects are the indoor exhibit fronts for the lemur displays in the Tropical House. Fabricated of AZA-mandated stainless steel, the three massive installations combine glass and steel mesh that balances the need for air circulation and clear sightlines with the need to protect lemurs and zoo visitors. The Tropical House is among the oldest zoo buildings, so any new infrastructure had to be highly customized to fit and function. “Chris listens to what our needs are,” said Dr. Tousignant, “and he really wants to figure out how to do things the absolute best possible way.” There are plans for a series of custom metal pathways for lemurs to freely roam among three different habitats. This project will greatly improve lemur quality of life and provide zoo visitors with more opportunities to see the lemurs.

“Everything can always be improved—there’s always something,” says Chris Hatfield. “But it’s always something fun to do.” Chris has grown especially fond of the otters and created a system of steel grates that allows water to flow freely through their habitat.

Hatfield projects include railings, decorative plant brackets, water tank holders, and shelving and design elements in the Mill. The shop recently fabricated 100 custom brackets used atop the new wolf enclosure in line with federal wolf safety standards. The ingenious design came through collaboration: “Chris has no ego, but plenty of practical know-how,” said Dr. Tousignant. “It is a pleasure to work with someone like that who also takes such pride in their work.”

With Tiffany and Amber finding success at college and Bryce taking part in all that makes Millbrook, Millbrook, Chris feels more connected than ever. “Everyone at Millbrook has always made time for us,” he said, “Doc is always running at 110%, and he has a lot of plans. So, when they need help, they give me a shout. I’m just glad to play a small part in the success of the zoo and the school.”