Wiltshire Council has greenlit a new enclosure to accommodate “dangerous animals” at Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. The secure habitat, approved in a recent planning application, is set to house African wild dogs, also referred to as painted dogs—an endangered species indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa.
Longleat expressed optimism that the addition would not only attract more visitors but also contribute to its ongoing animal conservation efforts.
The planning application highlights a downturn in investment at the Longleat estate over the past three years, attributed to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. This economic strain has impacted the park’s main clientele—families with young children—resulting in a decrease in park visitation.
The application emphasizes the importance of new attractions as a vital marketing tool to attract both new and returning visitors. Proposed works include the demolition of existing farm animal display structures and the establishment of a public viewing area, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The enclosure for the African wild dogs is slated to be situated near the park’s entrance, adjacent to the existing ‘African Village’ section, which showcases giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. To ensure safety, the enclosure will be surrounded by secure fencing measuring 8ft (2.5m) in height, topped with a 50cm angled section.