Zoo bosses are celebrating after achieving a 16th consecutive VisitEngland Accreditation Certificate.

The VAQAS – Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme – award is issued annually, alongside an accompanying report, following a secret visit by the tourism industry regulatory body last year. Zoo Director Derek Grove, said:

“The report provides an unbiased viewpoint of the visitor experience we provide on a daily basis here at DZG.

“The findings compliment our staff for their knowledge, efficiency and appearance, as well as highlighting the zoo’s colourful website, easy accessible carpark and entrance, well-maintained ground, Safari Shop and our varied daily talk and feed programme.”

The attraction has had a busy 12 months, celebrating their 80^th anniversary by continuing to invest in the 40-acre site, completing new animal exhibits which have included a new Yellow-breasted capuchin enclosure, farm barn and indoor facilities for the Carpathian lynx.

During 2018 they're enhancing more animal enclosures with a £405,000 redevelopment programme, which will include bringing in brand new species, but there’ll be a further £150,000 spent on improving visitor facilities too.