Wildlife park expansion set to be unveiled

The first phase of a major expansion of an animal park in Kent is to be unveiled to the public.

Wingham Wildlife Park said that the completed refurbishment would almost double the size of its site near Canterbury.

New enclosures, which will be open to visitors from 11:00 BST on Wednesday, include those for tigers, Asiatic lions, squirrel monkeys and agoutis.

Tony Binskin, the park's managing director, said: "This project has been years in the making, and we're proud to unveil state-of-the-art homes for such iconic species."

Binskin added: "This marks the beginning of a significant new chapter for one of Kent's leading wildlife attractions."

The new animal habitats are designed to provide enhanced environments for the animals, while offering guests incredible new viewing opportunities, a spokesperson said.

"The carefully designed habitats that encourage natural behaviours while allowing guests to enjoy closer and more immersive views of some of the park's most iconic species."

In April, the attraction issued a public appeal to raise £50,000 to help pay for enrichment toys, a feeding rack, climbing apparatus and specialist equipment.

The site opened in 1986 as Wingham Bird Park.

It changed its name in 2008 and has grown to accommodate a large variety of animals including big cats, giraffes and primates.

The park has not yet disclosed when other areas of the expansion will be unveiled.

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