Plans have been approved for a new enclosure for ‘dangerous animals’ at Longleat safari park in Wiltshire, England.
Wiltshire Council approved the planning application last week, the BBC reports. The new secure habitat will house African wild dogs.
The African wild dogs will be located near the entrance to the park, next to an existing area that houses giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. It will be surrounded by secure fencing.
The wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. The largest populations remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa. African wild dogs are predators and can reach speeds of more than 44 mph.
According to the application, Longleat hopes the upcoming attraction would increase attendance and support the organisation’s conservation work.
The plans state that “new attractions provide an important marketing opportunity, driving both new and repeat visitors”.
The new habitat is planned in response to a decline in attendance and less investment during the past three years after the pandemic and amid the cost of living crisis.
New enclosure to drive attendance
Building works will include the demolition of existing farm animal display structures. Also, a new public viewing area will be constructed.
Longleat was the first safari park to open outside of Africa in 1966. The site is home to more than 120 species.
In more news from UK zoos, Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is to transfer a group of foul-mouthed parrots to a larger flock in a bid to stop them from swearing.
Images courtesy of Longleat
