The Heart of Africa zone at Chester Zoo is an exciting new development that will bring an authentic African savannah experience to the zoo. This project is part of Chester Zoo’s ongoing commitment to innovation and adaptation in their mission to prevent extinction.
Species and Habitats
The Heart of Africa zone is expected to feature a diverse array of African species, including:
- Gorillas
- Chimpanzees
- Okapi
- Red River Hogs
- Mandrills
Additionally, the zone will include free-ranging animals, although the specific details have not been disclosed yet.
Temporary Closures and Animal Moves
During the construction of the Heart of Africa zone, certain areas of the zoo may be temporarily inaccessible to visitors. As a result, some animals have been relocated to different habitats within the zoo, such as:
- Cheetahs moved to section H
- Painted dogs moved to the old cheetah habitat in section G
Lodge-Style Accommodation
One of the key features of the Heart of Africa zone is the inclusion of lodge-style accommodation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the African savannah experience. This development is part of Chester Zoo’s mission to provide unique and innovative experiences for its visitors.
Education Centre
As part of the Heart of Africa project, Chester Zoo has proposed the construction of an education centre. This centre will serve to increase visitor understanding of African grassland ecosystems, empower visitors to mitigate threats to Heart of Africa species, and showcase the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Planning and Development
The Heart of Africa zone is being designed by Proctor Matthews Architects, and the project has been the subject of various planning submissions and revisions. This includes the submission of revised plans for a reduced number of lodges and the replacement of a planned restaurant with an education centre.
Timeline and Cost
While specific dates and costs have not been provided, the Heart of Africa zone is expected to be a multi-year project with various temporary closures and animal moves throughout the development process.
Conclusion
The Heart of Africa zone at Chester Zoo promises to be an exciting and immersive experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the diverse African savannah ecosystem. With a focus on conservation, education, and innovative experiences, this project aligns with Chester Zoo’s mission to prevent extinction and inspire visitors to take action.
References
- Chester Zoo. (2022-11-23). New developments and temporary closures at Chester Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.chesterzoo.org/news/always-building-new-developments-and-temporary-closures-at-chester-zoo/
- ZooChat. (2009-10-26). The animals of Heart of Africa. Retrieved from https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/the-animals-of-heart-of-africa.113099/
- Chester Standard. (2024-04-26). Education centre plan for Chester Zoo Heart of Africa site. Retrieved from https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/24281346.education-centre-plan-chester-zoo-heart-africa-site/
- Capital Models. (n.d.). Heart of Africa, Chester Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.capitalmodels.co.uk/architecture_6/heart-of-africa-chester-zoo/
- Proctor & Matthews Architects. (n.d.). Heart of Africa, Chester Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.proctorandmatthews.com/project/heart-africa-chester-zoo-0