Colchester Zoo announces plans for new lion habitat

It has been revealed that Colchester Zoo, in Maldon Road, is currently in the pre-application phase for a second lion habitat.

The zoo currently has a Lion Rock habitat, but this new space is something the organisation has wanted to start for "several years" but it was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

Working with architecture company DEARADH ZÚ, the new location would sit next to Colchester Zoo’s edge of Africa sector, in effort to create a “holistic African Adventure”.

The development would include a nature inspired habitat, with planting areas for scrubland, mature tree cover, rocky outcrops, dens, and bodies of water to “help encourage the animal’s natural behaviours”.

There will be a new lion house, outdoor habitat, indoor viewing area, as well.

Render - what the lion house would look like (Image: Colchester Zoo)

The inspiration for the project comes from looking at nature, in particular, the rich biodiversity of the African scrub and Kopje habitats.

Visitors to the zoo will also be able to enjoy an immersive themed “African Boma Village” with a “catering outlet, toilet, and “play provision”.

As this ambitious project is in the pre-planning phase, it will depend on additional surveys and a successful planning application form to Colchester Council.

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.”

Colchester Zoo is currently home to one 17-year-old male African lion called Bailey.

Majestic - Bailey the lion (Image: Jamie Reeve)

Bailey arrived from Woburn Safari Park in April 2010 along with 2 lionesses that he was related to.

In the future, Colchester Zoo is hoping to become part of the breeding programme and introduce a “pride” of lions once the new habitat is developed.

The architect team and Colchester Zoo are working with ecologists to ensure they conserve and enhance the landscape and biodiversity when making the new habitat.

This will be done through adding new plant life, using felled dead wood when creating the habitat, enhancing the zoo’s roman river corridor and more.

Render - a 'safari tent' viewing area (Image: Colchester Zoo)

With this “multimillion-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.

Once the development is completed, the current Lion Rock area will be refurbished.

However, as the new lion habitat is in pre-application phase, it will be subject to additional surveys and a successful planning permission application.

Colchester Zoo has stated “it will be a while before the first spade hits the ground” and it would be the first big project after the zoo transitions to charity status in January 2025.