Heart of Africa
An exclusive final preview
Heart of Africa
An exclusive final preview
The countdown is on! In just a few weeks, we’ll open Heart of Africa - the most ambitious project in our nearly 100-year history. Prepare to wander the vast savannah, where an extraordinary mix of species, from the towering to the tiny, are settling into their incredible new home.
Heart of Africa isn’t just the largest development we’ve ever undertaken - it’s a living, breathing testament to our commitment to conservation. This new space will immerse you in the sights and sounds of East and Central Africa’s rich biodiversity, offering a deeper connection to the species we work tirelessly to protect. As valued members, you’ll be among the first to experience this groundbreaking journey, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the heart of something truly extraordinary.
Jamie Christon DL, CEO, Chester Zoo
Watch wild stories unfold
The ecosystems of East and Central Africa are home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, each species playing a unique role in this rich and complex landscape. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store as you step into Heart of Africa.
Meet the meerkats
Your journey begins with some familiar faces – the meerkats. Their new habitat gives them everything they need to forage, dig, and play. But it won’t just be them having all the fun. You can crawl through playful tunnels and peek into the habitat through viewing domes, bringing you nose-to-nose with these fascinating creatures.
If you fondly remember Mongoose Mania, you’ll love how these tunnels offer a fresh twist on a familiar favourite.
Fly through African wetlands
As you continue your journey, immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and captivating calls of Africa’s incredible birdlife. Step into the African Wetland Aviary and marvel at regal grey crowned cranes and greater flamingos. This new species to the zoo is the tallest and heaviest of the flamingo species. You'll notice they are a lighter pink colour than their Caribbean cousins found in our Latin American Aviary. Thoughtfully designed, Heart of Africa's flamingo habitat offers perfect vantage points during feeding times, and you might even spot new chicks when nesting season arrives.
The flamingo habitat offers perfect vantage points during feeding times.
The savannah experience
Step into the vast, open grasslands of the African savannah, now home to the largest animal habitat in Chester Zoo’s history. From the viewing platform, take in the sweeping sight of Grévy’s zebras, Northern giraffes, ostriches, and roan antelopes roaming together across this expansive landscape. Mixing such a diverse range of species in one shared space is a first for the zoo, reflecting the way these animals would coexist in the wild and offering a unique opportunity to observe how they interact and thrive together.
Now home to the largest animal habitat in Chester Zoo’s history.
Welcome to Pamoja Village
After exploring the wild savannah, take a break and recharge at Pamoja Village. Whether it’s a refreshing ice cream or a flavour-packed flatbread, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Kids can also unleash their energy in the all-new play area, while the whole family can join in activities inspired by the Maasai Olympics - a vibrant celebration of Maasai culture that also supports lion conservation. Test your skills in events like vertical jumping and Rungu throwing and discover how traditional bravery has transformed into modern conservation action.
Discover the Hidden Savannah
Next, venture into the Hidden Savannah - a micro-world bustling with life. Encounter swarms of locusts, dung beetles, and the elusive naked mole rats. Get up close with fascinating creatures like the red spitting cobra, the Ethiopian viper snake, and the critically endangered African pancake tortoise.
Climb into our Land Rover and find yourself face-to-face with a swarm of locusts (safely behind glass, of course). In the wild, these swarms can stretch for hundreds of square kilometres – a spectacle now brought up close for you to see.
Art & Soul
Before you leave, don’t miss the striking mural outside the Hidden Savannah. This stunning piece, which is being created by Ugandan artist Philip Katabulawo, celebrates the wildlife within and brings the spirit of Africa to life with vibrant colours and intricate details.
We'll save the big reveal of Philip's Heart of Africa mural for the grand opening, but check out this beautiful example of some of his previous work to give you an idea of what to expect.
Conservation and collaboration
Africa is one of six regions where we’re working to protect some of the planet’s most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems. Through partnerships with dedicated organisations we’re safeguarding habitats, combating poaching, and supporting sustainable livelihoods that uplift local communities.
In Heart of Africa, visitors will discover how all species play a vital role in maintaining fragile ecosystems and learn how the African grasslands function, and why they’re so vulnerable to shifting seasons and climate change. You’ll gain insight into the innovative ways we’re protecting species in countries like Uganda and Kenya, and explore how tourism impacts these environments. We hope that you’ll be empowered with practical steps to reduce your own climate impact and live more sustainably.
Our vision is simple but powerful: supporting a future where Africa’s wildlife and people thrive together.
FOOTPRINTS FOR THE FUTURE
Dedicate a giraffe hoof print and support our work to protect giraffe species from extinction.
Support our work through our Footprints for the Future with a beautifully crafted giraffe hoof print plaque. You or your loved one’s name will be engraved onto a beautifully designed wooden plaque which will be displayed in our new Heart of Africa giraffe house.
