Orang’s new enclosure is part of a programme of developments to mark 85th year

[DESPITE THE RESTRICTIONS caused by the COVID pandemic, Dudley Zoo and Castle is engaged on a continuing programme of development work – a fitting reflection of the zoo’s 85th anniversary this year.

The redevelopment work at the orangutan house is being accompanied by similar improvements to the giraffe paddock and tiger enclosure in an exciting 12-month plan as the zoo continues to invest in the 40-acre site and improve facilities for animals and visitors.

Following the completion of work on the outdoor orangutan enclosure, construction work is set to start on the giraffe house and paddock, where vacant land at the rear of the house will be transformed into a second paddock.

The two outdoor areas will be linked by the current house, which will be repurposed to allow the giraffes full access to the space, with a new visitor walkway and viewing area created alongside the outside of the building, which it is hoped will be ready in the coming months.

Attention will then turn to the tiger enclosure, which will see the outdoor paddock extended to include a new pool and stream, as well as an additional climbing frame and platforms. A new indoor tiger house will also be constructed to include visitor viewing and offshow dens.

There are also plans to create a new picnic area with a view into the off-show Big Ben Cavern and in April the zoo secured a share of a £150,000 grant awarded to Dudley Council to enable it to build a Changing Places adult complex care facility on site. q