Isle of Wight Zoo

Phase II of the Tiger Sanctuary development:
Bandhavgarh National Park

Artist's impression of Phase II
Tiger Sanctuary Development

Our Aim

  • We are currently constructing a series of five large naturalistic enclosures to provide new homes for tigers already living here at the zoo.
  • The new enclosures will each be themed on different real world wild animal parks.
  • Phase I was based upon natural habitats in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Central India.
  • Phase II is based upon natural habitats in Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Central India.

Why?

  • We are committed to the continuing development of our enclosures to provide the highest possible quality of life to our animals.
  • We believe that the educational experience of our visitors can be enhanced by seeing animals in environments that replicate their natural habitat.
  • We aim to promote awareness of the threats that tigers and other endangered animals face in the wild and assist in the conservation of these species.
  • We hope that these new enclosures will encourage our visitors to take an active role in tiger conservation by donating money to Kanha National Park.
Detail of temple domes
Detail of ruined temple domes at Bandhavgarh National Park 		Detail of cliff face
Detail of cliff face caves carved from solid rock at Bandhavgarh National Park, this design will be replicated to provide viewing windows

The Design

  • This design has been based on natural and manmade landscapes at Bandhavgarh National Park, Central India.
  • Above the conference room there will be a replica of a ruined temple on a rocky outcrop.
  • The viewing windows of the tunnel will replicate ancient manmade caves.
  • The area surrounding the tunnel system and conference room will be landscaped and planted with vegetation to replicate the natural habitat of wild tigers.
  • The design will incorporate a flowing water system for the tigers to cool themselves and play in.
  • The new enclosure will be approximately five times the size of previous tiger enclosures.

The Plan

The Plan
  • An underground tunnel will extend from the Tiger Viewing Cave and will pass under the new enclosure leading towards the new conference room.
  • The tunnel will have four large windows to enable visitors to view the tigers from within their own territory.
  • The conference room will be equipped with kitchen, toilet and cloakroom facilities and will easily cater for over one hundred people.
  • The conference room will be used for public displays, presentations and events and will be available for private hire for business and personal functions.

Construction

  • The Tiger Sanctuary development aims to replicate real world wild animal parks.
  • This will happen in five stages:

1. Preparation:
Excavate foundations and prepare ground.

2. Framework:
Construct main buildings and tunnels.

3. Rock Work:
Replica rock work is added to the outside of the buildings.

4. Vegetation:
Naturalistic vegetation planted.

5. Fencing:
6.5m high fences will be erected.

Recycled Rocks

  • Naturalistic rock work is created from recycled materials and textured, coloured concrete.
  • Building rubble and other non-biodegradable material destined for landfill will be used to form the bulk of large rocks. This provides an alternative to landfill in conjunction with the Green Island Project.

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Isle of Wight Zoo