African Painted Dog Lodges

The landscape has been designed to evoke a grassland scrub habitat, and plant species have been chosen for their ‘scrub’-like characteristics. Areas of thorny scrub planting provide spaces for hiding and resting, long grasses provide cover and areas for groups to ‘lay around’ , whilst large ‘umbrella’ form multistem trees provide shade for the animals.

Throughout the lodge landscapes and standoff zones, the planting takes the form of seasonal perennials, grasses and ornamental trees, which help create that sense of Africa within the park. In addition to having ornamental species throughout that create an African, the scheme includes a mix of native trees, shrubs and scrub, all to enhance the site's biodiversity, and create new habitats, exceeding the project's 10% BNG objectives.

The animal habitat includes a range of boulders, logs, trunks, and platforms, which provide the animals with opportunities to climb and elevate themselves. There is also a shallow pond area, and several below-ground dens stacked with boulders and logs provide resting spaces. These landscape enrichment features have been situated near visitor viewing to maximise the experience for day visitors and overnight guests alike. A range of varied substrates, such as sand beds and bark areas, have also been added to the habitat.

A dedicated themed covered split-level timber structure with long glass viewing panels extends into the habitat, offering visitors unobstructed views of the animals. The thoughtful design of the split viewing ensures that everyone, including those with limited mobility and visitors with prams, can still experience the animals up close, fostering a sense of inclusivity and consideration for all visitors.

The new dog house, spanning approximately 75m2, contains 4 dens, a keeper area, a kitchen & prep space, and is linked to an off-show yard. This comprehensive facility is designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of our animal residents, providing a sense of reassurance about the high standards of care in the park.

Each lodge has been designed to reflect a traditional African structure with Hatched roofs, decking, timber balustrades, and covered outdoor seating areas. Each lodge also has a feature tree that emerges from the decking. The lodges are accessed from private footpaths away from day visitors. Two of the four lodges include secondary views of the Hippo development, providing an almost 360 immersive experience where animals surround overnight guests.

Image Credit: West Midland Safari Park