The sun is shining, the school holidays are drawing ever nearer and parents across Nottinghamshire are racking their brains for places to take the kids this summer.
Family favourite, Drayton Manor Park has come to the rescue with three new attractions at its theme park and 15-acre conservation zoo.
The Staffordshire-based attraction, which is home to over 500 animals from around the world, spent the winter months creating three new animal enclosures for its meerkats, Radiated tortoises and African birds.
Chris Mitchell, head of zoo operations at Drayton Manor Park, said: “Conservation is a huge part of our programme at Drayton Manor Park and we are thrilled with the three new habitats we have created which will enable us to help even more endangered species.
“We have gone to great efforts to ensure we replicate our animals’ native surroundings and are proud to support the Turtle Survival Alliance who work tirelessly to save Radiated tortoises and other species around the world."
Opening just in time for the peak season, the brand-new enclosure In the Reptile House, has created a home for the zoo’s five Radiated tortoises – a critically engaged species rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Madagascar.
Rocks and soil similar to those found in Southern Madagascar as well as native Malagasy plants combine to make the tortoises feel at home and there's state-of-the-art lighting and heating to replicate the tropical sun and ensure the reptile inhabitants remain healthy and active.
Adding to the line-up is a new and improved Meerkat Enclosure. Here, increased space has been filled with a deep sandy substrate and additional burrows to accommodate the meerkat’s digging behaviour. The lucky meerkats are also benefiting from a new large rock pile seating area and a basking lamp so they can sunbathe in luxury all year round.
Visitors now benefit from a colour-schemed exhibit, improved visibility of the animals with a larger glass window panel and an area where they can meet the meerkats and feed them their favourite treats - mealworms!
The final addition is an all-new African Aviary at the centre of the family attraction which will showcase brilliantly colourful birds and wildflowers from Southern and Eastern Africa. There's over thirty species of wild plants which, once matured, will give a stunning horticultural display throughout the growing season. Amongst the plants a small collection of African birds are settling in to their new home. The zoo plans to add to the bird collection over time so it will be a hive of activity enhanced by the sound of bird song.
Chris Mitchell, added: “We have paid careful attention to the needs of our animals, whilst ensuring we offer our guests the best visitor experience possible by creating better viewing and seating areas and opportunities to learn about the animals.
“We are committed to continually improving our guest zoo experience and hope to develop more exciting animal habitats in the future.”
