The UK’s most popular zoo has completed a planning application for the first phase of expansion programme designed to transform it into one of the world’s top five zoos.
Chester Zoo, which annually attracts over one million guests, wants to build a “Heart of Africa” biodome as part of an ambitious project called Natural Vision. Plans submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council also highlight improvements to the main entrance and car park. In total the Natural Vision masterplan would increase the size of the zoo by 30%.
The Heart of Africa building is a 34-metre-tall tropical environment that will house an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of Gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, Okapi and other species.
Future expansion phases may include a hotel and conservation college.
