Colchester Zoo in Essex has announced plans for a new African lion habitat with indoor and outdoor spaces, and new visitor experiences.
The multimillion-pound project, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is in the pre-application phase and subject to additional surveys and planning permission.
Colchester Zoo is working with architects at Dearadh Zú to design the new habitat, which involves expanding the zoo‘s Edge of Africa area.
To encourage the lions’ natural behaviours, the 3,000-square-metre habitat will feature scrubland planting areas, mature tree cover, rocky outcrops, dens and water bodies.
Design focusing on animal wellness
It will also include a new lion house, an outdoor habitat, and indoor viewing, as well as a themed African boma village with a new F&B outlet.
“Our approach to the design of the new lion habitat is that of an activity-based design that promotes animal wellness by providing choices,” said Jonathan Mcloughlan from Dearadh Zú.
“One of the key aspirations of the scheme was to maximise the lion’s space on such a challenging site.”
In addition, Colchester Zoo is working with ecologists to conserve and enhance the landscape and biodiversity, and is using sustainable construction methods, solar panels and other green technologies.
The zoo said it will be a while before ground is broken on the development. In the future, it plans to refurbish the current Lion Rock area and turn it into a new gelada baboon habitat. Then, the current Gelada Plateau will be transformed into an aviary for the Ruppell’s vulture.
Once the vultures have been relocated, there will be more space at the zoo’s Kingdom of the Wild habitat for the giraffe, rhino, ostrich, kudu, zebra and crowned crane.
Colchester Zoo will become a charitable trust in January 2025. Before then, it is creating a ready-made plan for the lion habitat with architectural drawings, surveys and planning permission completed.
