West Midland Safari Park is set to start a major revamp, as the UK attraction has announced planning has been granted for the first phase of development.
Plans to upgrade the animal facilities and improve the guest experience have been approved by the Wyre Forest District Council.
Work will begin in October 2019, starting with new state-of-the-art housing and outdoor spaces for African elephants and cheetahs, as well as a new ungulate house and muck clamp.
New habitats for the elephants and cheetahs have been designed to be as close to their natural environment as possible.
New animal facilities planned for elephants, cheetahs
The cheetahs’ new habitat includes a large outdoor space with pools, high vantage points, enrichment feeders and natural shelters.
As for the elephants, their facilities include outdoor pools, mud wallows, dust baths, and feeding areas, as well as 24-hour roaming.
What’s more, West Midland Safari Park is adding overnight accommodation for guests. Integrated into the new exhibits will be eight luxury lodges.
Angela Potter, Head of Wildlife at West Midland Safari Park, said: “The Wildlife Team is delighted that planning has been granted for the new development for our much-loved animals.
Improving the guest experience with accommodation
“We have been working very closely with the Development Team to ensure that the new facilities provide stimulating and enriching environments for the animals, as well as an amazing immersive experience for our guests”
She added: “The new facilities for our African elephants have been designed to include outdoor pools, enrichment areas such as mud wallows, dust baths and multiple feeding areas, plus it gives them the opportunity for 24-hour roaming.
“The development means we will have the space to increase the numbers in our herd and will subsequently enable us to continue our important work within the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.”
West Midland Safari Park was bought by the Looping Group at the start of this year . The French operator has since abandoned plans by the previous owner for an indoor waterpark. The first phase of the new development is set to complete in summer 2020.
Images: West Midland Safari Park
