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Welsh Mountain Zoo

Designing a wildlife enclosure around viewpoints and visitors

Man standing at a wooden viewing shelter, looking out across rolling hills through a rectangular opening between timber posts.
Set within a sensitive coastal landscape, this project replaced the existing snow leopard enclosure as part of the wider Silk Road masterplan at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

The aim was to create a Himalayan-inspired habitat that improved animal welfare, while giving visitors clear views into the enclosure and out to the surrounding landscape.
Client
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Location
Colwyn Bay
Status
Complete
Scope
Snow leopard enclosure
themed visitor experience
Wooden shelter with a weathered shingle roof and railing, two silhouetted people visible inside against a blue seascape background

What mattered

The site was steep and exposed, with long-distance views across the valley. The enclosure needed to work with that topography while safely containing snow leopards – whose ability to leap huge distances influenced the design from the outset.

Planning risk was high. The scheme was initially refused due to its countryside location and proximity to listed gardens, before being overturned on appeal.

The experience also mattered. The enclosure needed to feel immersive, with raised viewpoints, controlled sightlines and minimal visible barriers. 

Wooden walkway leading to a covered lookout with a shingled roof overlooking a coastal town and sea, bare tree branches to left.
Wooden seaside viewing platform with a sloped roof and people walking along the boardwalk, wind turbines visible offshore.
Close-up of wooden beams and planks forming a roof support with visible grain, knots and metal brackets.
Sunlit wooden deck and vertical plank wall with strong diagonal shadows and a pale blue sky visible through a rectangular opening
Covered wooden viewing platform with pillars framing a rolling green valley and distant hills through wide open windows

Our approach

We developed a Himalayan temple-style concept, using raised viewing platforms and artificial rock to create a layered environment for both animals and visitors.

The sloping site was sectioned to manage the animals’ leaping distances, while keeping clear sightlines across the enclosure and towards the mountain backdrop.

Wooden viewing platform framing distant snow-capped hills and bare trees under a clear blue sky.

Delivered under a design and build contract, the structure changed from timber to steel during construction. We adapted the design as the build progressed, responding to site changes while maintaining the overall intent.

The outcome

The enclosure is now a focal point within the zoo, with visitors able to engage with the animals more closely. It works as part of the wider masterplan, sitting comfortably within the landscape and making the most of the site’s views and topography.

Wooden multi-level building with wide balcony and overhanging roof set against a clear sky and rolling hills background
Open wooden shelter with angled roof beams, vertical posts and display panels overlooking grassy hillside.
Snow leopard pacing in a grassy, rocky enclosure viewed through a wide wooden-framed viewing window with perimeter fencing