Key project features

The project includes four lodges, which have been designed to provide views of the park's Hippo Pod as they leave the lake and make their way into their new grassland meadow habitat. These themed lodges will sit above a newly constructed water body and a mud wallow which provides other source of wallowing for the animals. In addition, two of the new African dog lodges will also gain views of the hippo habitat from their private external terraces, providing dual animal viewing.

The overall landscape has been designed to reflect the animal's wetland habitats; an extensive grassland area which features scattered Acacia trees, boulders, logs, and tall grasses will sweep down to the existing lake and provide the animals with new grazing opportunities, enhancing animal natural grazing behaviours.  

A new larger animal house will be constructed as part of the scheme to improve the management of these species in captivity while improving keeper facilities. The new house will include a number of offshow stalls and a indoor pool for the animals to enjoy. The scheme will also include a dedicated keeper service yard.

Visitors on the Safari walking trail will witness the animals via a new covered wetland viewing structure, which provides unobstructed views of the animals as they lounge around on the beach, take a dip in the lake or graze the meadows. The hippos will still have access to the current lake and beach, which will be enhanced, providing improved water quality through the use of aerators and reed bed systems, which will also create new wetlands and marginal habitats for native species. Around the existing viewing area, new trees, scrub and grass planting will enhance the immersive quality of the space by screening surrounding attractions.