Colchester Zoo - African Lion Habitat
African Lion Habitat
This new development will see the construction of an approx. 3000m2 naturalistic lion habitat, complete with scrubby planting areas, Mature tree cover, rocky outcrops, dens and water bodies, all of which will allow the animals to exhibit natural behaviours. Our approach to the design of the new lion habitat is that of an activity-based design that promotes animal wellness by providing choices.
The new scheme will see a state-of-the-art Lion house be constructed. This house, nestled within a rocky Kopje outcrop, will invite guests to explore over two levels. Here, visitors will come face to face with not only lions within their indoor habitat but also an array of other species that call the Kopje landscape their home.
The development is subject to additional surveys and planning application being secured.
Client
Colchester Zoo
Location
Colchester, UK
Year
2024 - Ongoing
Dearadh Zu’s Role
Project Design lead
Feasibility Design
Stakeholder Engagement & Workshops
Landscape & Exhibit Design
Soft Landscape design
Architectural Design
3D model / CGI Visualisations
Planning Application Support
Detailed Design
PROJECT FEATURES
One of the key aspirations of the scheme was to maximise the Lion's space on such a challenging site. To achieve this, we thought creatively about blending the new Lion building within the landscape and providing the Lion’s with access onto one of the building roof spaces to create elevated vantage points and present visitors with a unique viewing experience.
In addition to a new Lion house, outdoor habitat and indoor viewing, the development will include several other exciting visitor features, such as a themed African Boma Village, complete with new catering, toilet and play provision. As well as creating several immersive viewing opportunities.
In addition to developing habitats for the Lions, the design & zoo teams have been working closely with ecologists to ensure we are conserving and enhancing existing landscape and biodiversity on site. New native planting, creation of habitat homes through using felled dead wood, provision of varied substrates and the enhancement of the Roman River corridor are steps we are taking to ensure this development not only complements but enhances the wider landscape corridors and connections. As a design team, we are prioritising sustainability and green technologies and ensuring we deliver our BNG targets
Jonathan McLoughlin, Director, Dearadh Zú
“One of the key aspirations of the scheme was to maximise the lion’s space on such a challenging site in order to achieve this the lions would be given access to the roof of one of the buildings for a "unique viewing experience. This approach is known as “activity-based design" and would promote animal wellness through providing opportunity, choice and self-directed use of the landscape”.