Brief
The Big Cat Sanctuary required the design and construction of new enclosures to house five African lions rescued from Ukraine. The enclosures needed to provide a secure, enriched environment tailored to the lions’ physical and psychological needs, while meeting high standards of animal welfare and safety. The project also needed to be completed in time for a scheduled Open Day event attended by press and special guests.
Challenge
The project involved multiple challenges, including:
- Working within a live animal sanctuary environment with minimal disruption to existing operations and animal residents
- Designing features that met both practical and welfare requirements for large, high-energy animals
- Coordinating a wide scope of works within a tight timeframe to meet the Sanctuary’s public launch deadline
- Ensuring that both enclosure interiors and the surrounding landscape were functional, safe, and visually in keeping with the sanctuary’s natural aesthetic
Solution
Our team worked closely with The Big Cat Sanctuary to deliver a comprehensive package of works. This included:
- Site preparation: Groundworks, levelling, and turfing were carried out to prepare the site for enclosure construction.
- Enclosure works: We installed feeding poles, bark and woodchip zones, sandpits, and internal footpaths. Feeding platforms and anti-dig perimeter systems were constructed to enhance animal care and containment.
- Safety infrastructure: Stand-off fencing was installed to create secure boundaries and facilitate controlled viewing for visitors.
- Internal works: Support was also provided with fabrications inside the lion dens, including structural adjustments and specialist fittings.
- Landscaping and finishing: Decorative Scottish cobbles, wooden planters, and timber goalposts were added to enhance the aesthetics and support new signage. Soil and compost were laid to establish new planting zones across the wider site, contributing to biodiversity and visual appeal.
All works were completed ahead of the scheduled Open Day, allowing the new lion enclosures to be unveiled to the press and invited guests.
Outcome
The completed enclosures provide a safe, stimulating habitat for the five rescued lions and represent a key addition to The Big Cat Sanctuary’s facilities. The project supports the sanctuary’s mission to deliver high standards of animal care and conservation, contributing to the welfare of critically endangered species and their long-term protection.
