Big Changes For Animal Park

1 February 2011, 12:29 | Updated: 16 February 2011, 11:21

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park's started work on £1million project to get you closer to the wildlife.

The entire layout and infrastructure of the attraction is being changed, with the area dedicated to a safari-style experience increasing from the current 100 acres to 500 acres.

Ex army trucks, running on waste cooking oil from the park's catering outlets, will take visitors among herds of free roaming animals including giraffe, black rhino and wildebeest.

It follows the success of the park's African Experience which was originally launched in 2005. The Livingstone Lodge overnight safari stays on the African Experience were voted the Best Tourism Experience in the country last year in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.
 
While the safari area's being expanded, the section visitors can explore on foot is being reduced, and divided into four ‘zones’ where you can explore key exhibits and interactive educational displays.

Managing Director Mr Bob O’Connor said: "After extensive research into the Port Lympne experience we have taken the comments and suggestions of our public on board and have radically re-imagined the park. Previously visitors were struggling to see and do everything on offer at our vast attraction.

"The new format will not only overcome the problems of scale and topography but will allow visitors to embark on a unique adventure, getting up close to iconic wildlife while learning about the threats they face. We are hoping that this experience will put Port Lympne on the map as the must-see conservation attraction in the UK. Works are already underway but the Park will remain open for the duration."