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Hertfordshire zoo opens two UK-first designed new habitats!
In March 2023, the Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park announced the highly anticipated news that their new animal habitats Sun Bear Heights and Jaguar Jungle will be opening on the 1st of April 2023!
These builds had been delayed due to COVID-19 and Brexit, with a spokesperson for the zoo stating: ‘the public has been incredibly understanding of our delays and whilst these pushbacks were out of our control, we have embraced the additional time to create UK-first designed habitats.’ The grand opening of the habitats saw the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss cutting the ribbon alongside Sally Burton DL the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire as well as other members of the Hertfordshire community. Paradise Wildlife Park welcomed stars on the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs player Lucas Moura, Love Island star Marcel Somerville and The Pool Guy Miles Lafin, to celebrate the grand opening set to open to the public on the 1st of April.
The two new state-of-the-art habitats introduce Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) species of sun bears, binturongs and Asian small-clawed otters to the park in a mixed species habitat. They have also welcomed back their resident jaguars Kumal and Kedera who have been on holiday at their sister site The Big Cat Sanctuary since pre-covid works began on their habitat.
These habitats immerse visitors in the culture of the Pantanal of Brazil and the jungles of Southeast Asia, whilst teaching them about the need for conservation and protection of the species. All species will act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts and with hope, in the near future, they will become part of the international breeding programme set out to protect the genetics of the animals.
Coinciding with Paradise Wildlife Park’s 39th anniversary and their last year before rebranding to Hertfordshire Zoo on the 1st of April 2024, these habitats mark a momentous turning point in the zoo's history. Like many in the country, these builds have seen delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit and these particular habitats have been large builds for a small family-run zoo. Lynn Whitnall, CEO stated: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, members and visitors' for their patience and understanding during these project builds. The wait is officially over and we are very excited to introduce you all to new and returning species at the zoo.’
Paradise Wildlife Park will open the habitats to the general public on the 1st of April 2023, continuing to support the conservation and protection of wild species through their charity and raising awareness across the zoo.