Banham Zoo unveils plan to focus more on native species
The zoo also plans to become more sustainable over the coming years
Norfolk's Banham Zoo has unveiled plans to host more native species and become more enviornmentally sustainable in the years to 2030.
The Zoological Society of East Anglia, which operates the attraction, has set out its plans for the coming years.
Proposals would see unused or underused areas of the 50 acre site rewilded to create homes for UK native wildlife, alongside some of the international species already on show at the zoo.
The zoo's owners are also calling on the government to establish a new agreement with the EU to make the transfer of animals to zoos on the continent earlier.
Last year only 211 animal transfers took place, compared to the usual 1,400 a year.
Zoo bosses say the ability to move animals between different zoos is essential to conservation efforts.
In addition to these plans, the zoo has also announced aims to provide indoor conservation education and skills hubs to make the zoo an all-year-round experience.
The owners are also exploring ways to introduce sustainable transport, including developing a zoo bus service, ensuring the site taps into existing cycle and walking routes, and installing EV charging bays.
Claudia Roberts, CEO of The Zoological Society of East Anglia, said: “As a charity, we have been through a difficult period with impacts from the pandemic and from the current cost of living and energy crisis, but we are excited to look forward to an exciting future.
“We are passionate about connecting communities to nature, but also preserving native and international species as well as improving biodiversity to play our part in protecting our planet.
"We hope that by developing Banham Zoo into a sustainable tourist attraction, we can encourage more people to get involved and to learn about how we can all protect our planet together.”
Jamie Christon, Chair of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, supported the plans saying: “ZSEA has put forward an exciting plan that will see visitors connecting with the native wetlands of East Anglia and the wilds of Scotland along with the Giraffes of the savannah and tigers of the forest.
"It is great to see Banham investing in biodiversity here in the UK along with their work across the world to conserve animals. This is a testament to the zoos’ commitment to saving species from extinction and connecting people with nature which is more important than ever."