Natural Vision

We have some really exciting and ambitious plans to improve the zoo for you and our animals.

Natural Vision, our long term expansion plan, will transform the zoo into a world class animal and visitor experience.

Planning Approval

Planning permission for the project was formally received in November 2010 from Cheshire West & Chester Council and the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP.

Natural Vision will be built in a series of phases between 2012 and 2024 and will allow us to develop a number of themed zones linked to our animal collection and international conservation programmes.

The core zoo will expand by approximately a third to cover 50 hectares, becoming one of the largest zoos in Europe.

Islands

The first phase is Islands and will feature the delicate habitats and diverse ecosystems of Madagascar, Mauritius, Sumatra and other South East Asian island groups.

This exciting exhibit is scheduled to open in 2015.

An artist's impression of Islands        

Environment

Whilst the Natural Vision masterplan increases the size of the core zoo by approximately 30%, the majority of the zoo’s extensive land bank remains unaffected, and protected from development by its Green Belt status and by our commitment to maintaining it in an unspoilt state.

This land is home to a wide range of native wildlife species including badgers, bats and a great diversity of birds.

Economy

It is estimated that Natural Vision will safeguard more than 500 jobs in the region, and will create a further 660+ jobs in the zoo and surrounding area - many associated with the hotel development.

Corporate Sponsorship

If your business is interested in supporting our projects you can get in touch with our Development Team on 01244 650 289  /  01244 650 265 or email development@chesterzoo.org