Key project features

The proposed netted enclosure will be approximately 10m high and will feature two new animal houses with separate off-show areas for animal management. Both houses will include off-show areas and two large on-show day rooms with opportunities for covered visitor viewing. The double-height buildings will provide ample climbing space for animals indoors.

An external visitor viewing window will provide unobstructed views into the space and allow visitors to view the animals from the outside of the habitat. This covered viewing focuses views onto a waterfall and rocky outcrops. It is anticipated that animals will utilise this space for sunbathing due to its southern aspect.

The main enclosure will be a new 800m2 walkthrough with areas of lush planting and a winding stream. Visitors will enter the space through a porchway and will weave through the space via winding pathways before crossing a bridge. Throughout the space, animals will cross overhead on a series of interconnected arboreal rope pathways. Dedicated rustic platforms and covered huts will be provided to enhance the animals’ use of the space. This enclosure will become a mixed species habitat with several bird species also inhabiting the space.

The new walkthrough will be themed to reflect the vibrancy and colour of Madagascar through colourful cladding and seasonal planting. The overall landscape has been designed to reflect the animal’s Madagascar native habitats, with river corridors and areas of rock work and lush planting reflecting tropical forests. Planting has been chosen to provide screening, shelter and shade, enhancing animal natural behaviours.