Colchester Zoo could see various enclosures change under plans

The Maldon Road attraction announced plans to create a new multi-million-pound lion habitat last month.

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

Exciting - a rendered image of the new habitat lion enclosure from a ramp view (Image: Colchester Zoo)

However, the venue outlined extensive plans if the lion enclosure project, which is currently in the pre-application stage, went ahead.

A spokesman said: "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."

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

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

The plans for the new lion habitat 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 and indoor viewing area, as well.

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.

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

Majestic - Bailey the lion (Image: Jamie Reeve)

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 hopes 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.