With the cutting of the Australian twine, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Chairman, Jim Brathwaite CBE, officially opened Marwell Zoological Park’s latest development, Encounter Village and the Australian Bush Walk, today (Friday 18th May).

The opening of the all new Encounter Village and Australian Bush Walk marks an important milestone for Marwell, as it takes its first step towards its vision of creating a Zoo that reflects the World’s natural resources.

Based on the principle of laying the Zoo out in a series of ‘biomes’ (areas of distinct and biological communities) this will allow it to group and present its animal collection in an enhanced way. Encounter Village and the Bush Walk are the setting for the Australasian biome - the first of several to be developed over the coming years.

The Zoo is continually assessing how it can provide visitors with interesting and educational animal experiences, whilst at the same time remaining true to its commitment of conservation of endangered species. As James Cretney, Marwell Zoological Park Chief Executive, explains: “The opening of the first biome sets in motion the Park’s long term strategic vision of providing an ideal learning environment for children and adults in a setting that is appropriate for the 21st Century. The Australasian biome allows visitors to learn about animals from this particular area of the World in a harmonious way, whilst the all new Encounter Village allows visitors to interact with Zoo keepers whilst keeping learning fun and interesting for all.”

Jim Brathwaite added: “I have visited the Zoo many times over the years and have great pleasure in being back again today to officially open Encounter Village. It is a great example of how the important education work that Marwell is involved in can be successfully achieved.”

The Bush Walk allows visitors to follow one of Australia’s most popular marsupials, the lovable Bennett’s wallaby, which are most likely to be found nibbling on grass and sunbathing behind eucalyptus trees. The Bush Walk leads into the first ever walk through aviary at the Park, containing Australia’s very own charismatic Kookaburra, as well as some Parma wallabies.

Encounter Village contains a variety of animals and experiences. From the walk through Golden Lion Tamarin experience to the Animal Barn containing a variety of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. With regular Zoo keeper talks, children will be able to ask questions and get closer than ever before to these fascinating creatures.

Marwell Zoological Park, which celebrates its 35th birthday on Tuesday 22 May, will open its second biome, the Indonesian biome later in the year.

Image of Jim Brathwaite and Golden Lion Tamarins kindly supplied by Paul Dawson-Plincke, Chairman of Marwell Photographic Group

See all our Latest News stories

Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest projects.