As 2017 draws to a close, zoo bosses are excited to reveal plans for the next 12 months, which include introducing brand new species to the collection and a summer beach for younger visitors.

Over the coming 12 months the Castle Hill attraction will spend £405,000 on animal projects across the 40-acre site, including new exhibits for Binturong, Prevost’s squirrel and naked mole rats, plus a further £150,000 on improving visitor facilities. Zoo Director Derek Grove, said:

“Throughout 2018 we’re continuing to carry out improvements to the zoo which will hugely benefit our animals and visitors and we’re looking forward to bringing in brand new and interesting species to DZG. 

"We’re confident they will be popular additions to our collection.”

The first stage of the work, expected to be completed for February half term is a £10,000 exhibit for naked mole rats in the chimpanzee indoor viewing area. A colony will arrive from Chester Zoo and will take up residence in the newly built burrow system, which will feature glass-fronted panels so visitors will get a clear view of the weird and wonderful critters.

The second phase of the farmyard revamp is set to complete in time for the Easter holidays, with a £30,000 refurbishment of the outdoor area including new animals and children’s play equipment. Staff are also hoping to unveil a £25,000 Binturong enclosure.

Work will then turn to the new Prevost’s squirrel exhibit. Two empty squirrel enclosures on the lower zoo site will be removed and replaced with one single large exhibit to house six males from Chester Zoo, at a cost of £25,000.

Staff will also be extending the camel paddock around the adventure playground, as well as improving the Brazilian tapir enclosure; updating theCastle Creature exhibit; completing work on the parrot aviaries and carrying out the winning £250,000 project from the zoo's 2017 visitor vote – which is looking highly likely to be the Sumatran tiger extension plans – although there’s still four days left to vote!