A zoo on the edge of Bristol has launched a project to champion carnivores, including African lions and tigers. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has released its first plans for a programme to support the welfare and conservation of some of the most iconic and threatened carnivores, including Arctic foxes, and critically endangered vultures.
As it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the charity which runs the zoo in Wraxall, North Somerset, has announced a new vision and five-year strategy, and now it has commenced works on Project Carnivora. The multi-phased ambitious project will transform the existing lion pride’s habitat and create brand-new spaces to welcome tigers, Arctic foxes and vultures, creating habitats where these incredible animals can thrive.
In a release, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm said: “The first phase, already underway, focuses on modernising and extending the lion habitat for Arusha, Kojo, and Tau, giving them more room to roam and enjoy exciting new enrichment opportunities. Visitors can look forward to new immersive viewing areas and interactive learning opportunities, with new activities and experiences that reflect the pride’s own habitat.
“In the next phase, the spotlight will shift to tigers. Working with the internationally renowned animal welfare charity AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection), Noah’s Ark plans to provide a forever home for a rescued tiger.
“AAP help to save animals from poor conditions overseas, supporting their rehabilitation before finding new homes for these incredible creatures. The new tiger habitat, opening in summer 2025, will offer visitors the chance to connect with these majestic animals while supporting global rescue efforts.”
While the majority of the project is being funded by Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, the charity is calling on the support of the public to raise the final £175,000 needed to build the new tiger habitat and provide a rescued tiger with a new lease of life in its forever home. Later stages of the ambitious project will also welcome Arctic foxes and critically endangered vultures, with new habitats specially designed for these species.
Larry Bush, director of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said: “Project Carnivora will offer carefully designed habitats in a secluded, rural setting that celebrate incredible predators, providing next-level care and raising awareness for their conservation.
“The project will be delivered in phases, with a focus on doing each to a really high standard to benefit the welfare of each species and provide an immersive and inspiring visitor experience. This is a truly ambitious project, and we’re calling on the public to help us make it a reality by donating whatever you are able.”
Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), added: “Good zoos such as Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm play a vitally important role in protecting the natural world and providing incredible homes to even more incredible wildlife. What strikes me is that not only will Noah’s Ark be providing top quality environments for much loved species such as lions and tigers, but also shining a light on under-appreciated wildlife such as vultures.
“We are proud to call Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm members of our leading association for the best zoos in Britain and Ireland.”
Visitors to the zoo will already see changes underway. In the new extended lion enclosure, mounds have been built to allow them to reach higher ground and large boulders are being placed – a favourite climbing pastime for some of the current pride.
The perimeter will incorporate mature trees and new planting to provide more shelter, while importantly retaining the bamboo plantations that provided the birthing place for Arusha to deliver the zoo’s two brother lions, Kojo and Tau. The new territories have been designed with a focus on animal welfare by specialist zoo designer and architect, Jonathan McLoughlin, who has worked with West Midlands Safari Park, Chester Zoo, and Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Jonathan, director at zoo design consultancy Dearadh Zu, said: “Dearadh Zu are delighted to support the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm team in the development of the landscape proposals. The latest developments have been carefully designed to promote animal wellness by enabling the cats to explore their species-specific natural behaviours within the landscape, which promotes choice and the opportunity to interact with their surroundings.”
The news comes 15 years after the zoo came under fire following an undercover investigation which revealed a tiger had its head, paws and skin cut off, before being put in a freezer. The investigation by the Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) found evidence of what it said was a breach of animal disposal regulations following the death of tiger Tira from a cat virus called feline infectious peritonitis.
To support the fundraising campaign and help create a forever home for a rescued tiger, donations can be made via the charity’s Just Giving page. For the latest news and updates, and to find out more about Project Carnivora visit www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk or follow @noahsarkzoobristol on Instagram and TikTok and @Noahs_Ark_Zoo on X.