Welcome To Colwood Zoo!
This is a collaboration between two creators, modelled after a classic British zoo; one which opened in the late Georgian era, and which has had to change with the times, drawing particular inspiration from our experiences at London, Marwell, and Colchester Zoos (though there are some other influences at play too). We've been working on it since April 2020 and, while going has been a bit slow, we feel like there's now enough of the zoo finished to start showing it off! To begin at the beginning...
Arriving from Colwood Gardens underground station, you arrive at India Gate - Colwood's main entrance.
The India Gate was built in 1920, designed by British Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and resembles the gates of The Viceroy's House in Dehli, India, now the official Residence of the President of India, which Lutyens also designed. Until 2012, the India Gates were the main entrance to the zoo, but are now only rarely used since the construction of the Colwood Attenborough Building.
The gates are flanked by two kiosks, each topped by stone lions - know as "David and Goliath". Local Legend says the lions were in fact Colwood's original two lions, transferred to the zoo upon its opening from the Royal Menagerie in 1830. However, there is no historical record to suggest this is true.
Since the 2020 Covid pandemic, social distancing has been put in place at Colwood, so guest numbers are lower than normal. The situation has put a lot of strain on the zoo to stay open during the crisis, as like many UK zoos, Colwood did not benefit from any Government support. Since early 2020, the zoo has proudly displayed a banner in support of NHS workers fighting the pandemic.
The Attenborough building was opened in 2012 as a new modern entrance facility. It also features an extensive gift shop, new guest and staff facilities, as well as a new restaurant. The building was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling prize in 2013.
So welcome to Colwood, we hope you enjoy you visit today!
This is a collaboration between two creators, modelled after a classic British zoo; one which opened in the late Georgian era, and which has had to change with the times, drawing particular inspiration from our experiences at London, Marwell, and Colchester Zoos (though there are some other influences at play too). We've been working on it since April 2020 and, while going has been a bit slow, we feel like there's now enough of the zoo finished to start showing it off! To begin at the beginning...
Arriving from Colwood Gardens underground station, you arrive at India Gate - Colwood's main entrance.
The India Gate was built in 1920, designed by British Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and resembles the gates of The Viceroy's House in Dehli, India, now the official Residence of the President of India, which Lutyens also designed. Until 2012, the India Gates were the main entrance to the zoo, but are now only rarely used since the construction of the Colwood Attenborough Building.
The gates are flanked by two kiosks, each topped by stone lions - know as "David and Goliath". Local Legend says the lions were in fact Colwood's original two lions, transferred to the zoo upon its opening from the Royal Menagerie in 1830. However, there is no historical record to suggest this is true.
Since the 2020 Covid pandemic, social distancing has been put in place at Colwood, so guest numbers are lower than normal. The situation has put a lot of strain on the zoo to stay open during the crisis, as like many UK zoos, Colwood did not benefit from any Government support. Since early 2020, the zoo has proudly displayed a banner in support of NHS workers fighting the pandemic.
The Attenborough building was opened in 2012 as a new modern entrance facility. It also features an extensive gift shop, new guest and staff facilities, as well as a new restaurant. The building was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling prize in 2013.
So welcome to Colwood, we hope you enjoy you visit today!
