Bosses have got plenty planned to mark the occasion with a range of new exhibits and events throughout the next 12 months.

Earlier this week, the attraction revealed a number of redevelopment plans, including new aviaries for their collection of parrots, macaws and cockatoos; an extension for our critically endangered yellow breasted capuchins; a complete overhaul of our farmyard facilities and a huge extension for our snow leopards, totalling £295,000.

However today they have announced the centrepiece of the redevelopment; the re-opening of their iconic Tropical Bird House Tecton, which currently forms part of the lion paddock boundary, as an indoor exhibit for a variety of South American species, including large hairy armadillos, sloths and marmosets and tamarins. Zoo Director Derek Grove, said:

“What better in our 80^th year than bringing an original Tecton back into use. The grade II listed circular building, with its cantilevered balcony, has been out of action inside for over seven years, having last been used as a children’s discovery area and has been closed as a Tropical Bird House for over 30 years.

“It’s no longer practical to display tropical birds within this building so we’re really excited with these plans which will provide another all-weather animal exhibit and will see a range of new species to boost the ever growing collection at DZG.

“We had a super 2016 but 2017 is going to be fantastic and we hope you’ll join our celebrations!”

The development will cost £50,000 and is set to be unveiled on Saturday 6th May, the day the zoo opened to the public in 1937.