Colchester Zoo Shares Exciting Pre-Application Plans for New Lion Habitat

Since Colchester Zoo released their future vision plan as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations in 2023, work has now started to begin on one of their many projects which will kick-start their vision.

Colchester Zoo are pleased to announce that they are working on plans for a brand-new African lion habitat starting with the release of a set of visuals to demonstrate what they hope the new development will look like when it comes to fruition.

This is a project that the Zoo have been wanting to start for several years but following the effects of the pandemic, it has been delayed due to not being in a position for such an investment.

It’s important to note that this development is currently in the pre-application phase and is subject to additional surveys and planning permission. This new habitat is part of their ongoing, long-term development plans.

Colchester Zoo have been working closely with architects at DEARADH ZÚ to develop the design of the new and exciting habitat. The location of the new habitat will see the expansion of the current area, Edge of Africa, to create a holistic African adventure. The inspiration for the project comes from looking at nature, in particular, the rich biodiversity of the African scrub and Kopje habitats.

This new development will see the construction of an approximate 3000m2 naturalistic lion habitat, complete with scrubland planting areas, mature tree cover, rocky outcrops, dens and water bodies, all of which will encourage the animal’s natural behaviours.

In addition to a new lion house, outdoor habitat and indoor viewing, the development will include several other exciting features for visitors, such as a themed African Boma Village complete with a new catering outlet, toilet and play provision. The Zoo is pleased to be able to create several immersive viewing opportunities in this new development.

Jonathan Mcloughlan from DEARADH ZÚ said, “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 the indoor habitat but also with an array of other species that call the Kopje landscape their home.”

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 lions 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 developing a habitat for the lions, the architects and the Colchester Zoo team have been working closely with ecologists to ensure they 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 they are taking to ensure this development not only complements but enhances the wider landscape corridors and connections. The Zoo are prioritising sustainability and green technologies and ensuring BNG targets are delivered.

With this multi-million-pound state-of-the-art investment, the Zoo hope this will pave the way for the future with it being specially created not just for the lions, but also to enhance visitor experience for all ages. The new area will inform and inspire future generations to enter the world of conservation and help to care for wildlife and wild places.

Colchester Zoo is working with the architects to create the habitat with their ‘green zoo’ mission in mind. Looking at the latest sustainable construction methods, solar panels, air source heat pumps and various technologies to provide the optimum conditions for the lions with sustainability at the forefront.

With the Zoo becoming a charity in January 2025, it seemed the right time to start this project, to help reduce the amount the charity will need to invest by providing a ready-made plan with architectural drawings, surveys and planning permission complete prior to the take-over.

It will be a while before the first spade hits the ground and is likely to be the first big project for the charity to undertake once the transition is complete and settled. It will give a taste of what’s to come for Colchester Zoological Society.

Colchester Zoo is currently home to one male African lion, Bailey, who is a grand age of 17yrs being born on the 29th June 2007. Bailey arrived from Woburn Safari Park in April 2010 along with 2 lionesses that he was related to. As the pride were related, the Zoo were not part of breeding programme however, the hope is that in the future, Colchester Zoo will become part of the breeding programme with an introduction of a new pride once the habitat is developed. The African lion is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species making the conservation for the future of this species vitally important.

There will be a domino effect once the new lion habitat is complete. The current Lion Rock area will be the next project on the agenda to refurbish this into an alternative gelada baboon habitat which in turn will then open opportunity to revamp the current Gelada Plateau. This area will one day be transformed to create an aviary for the Ruppell’s Griffon vulture offering a brand-new visitor experience. Moving the vultures will then create additional space for the Kingdom of the Wild habitat providing more room for the giraffe, rhino, ostrich, kudu, zebra and crowned crane to roam.

However, all of this comes at a significant investment, one which the charity will have to manage and initiate when it is financially viable to do so. This is just the start of the journey towards the future vision and Colchester Zoological Society will need the continued support of loyal visitors and new, to be able to bring this dream to life.