Cheetah Territory

Dearadh Zu were appointed to support the zoo’s project management and animal teams in developing the concept design and detailed landscape design proposals for the new Cheeath habitat at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

The new habitat formed of three separate outdoor areas and two new animal houses will be constructed adjacent to the park’s Gleada habitat and provide visitors with fantastic viewing opportunities of the new animals in an undulating ‘Grassland’ landscape with a mature woodland backdrop.

Client
Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Location
Doncaster, UK

Year
2023

Dearadh Zu’s Role

Stakeholder Engagement & Workshops
Landscape & Exhibit Design
Soft Landscape design
Visualisations
Planning Application Support

PROJECT FEATURES

Cheetah Territory has been meticulously designed to faithfully replicate the expansive natural habitat of these magnificent creatures. It boasts a diverse landscape adorned with lush grasses and towering trees, creating a verdant oasis that mirrors the cheetahs’ native surroundings. Additionally, carefully curated rocky outcrops and sandy enclaves have been incorporated, providing perfect spots for the cheetahs to unwind and bask under the sun. (Dr Charlotte Macdonald)

The reserve is divided into three sections that can all be connected via sliders and gates. The overall scheme covers an impressive expanse exceeding 10,000 square metres, which equates to approximately 2.5 acres., which is believed to be the biggest in Europe. Each section has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the cheetahs’ specific needs and preferences, providing landscape enrichment to enhance animal wellness.

The reserve features separate accommodations for the male and female cheetahs, ensuring their comfort and well-being are prioritised in this carefully planned environment. A range of native tree and shrub species have been included to connect the scheme to its broader landscape context, applying borrowed landscape principles throughout the design.

Elevated visitor pathways provide viewing above fence lines, which have been designed to sit within Ha-ha ditches, providing unobstructed viewings of the animals. We Incorporated within the design a a number of natural water bodies and reed beds, which are bursting with biodiversity and life.

Image Credit: Yorkshire Wildlife Park