Ever improving

A zoo collection should be ever improving and over the last few months, Dudley Zoo and Castle has been busy renovating a number of animal enclosures.

A new-look red panda exhibit was completed in time for the arrival of male red panda, Carko, who arrived at DZC from Sweden as part of a European Endangered Species breeding Programme (EEP) to join the attraction’s resident female, Ember.

And the new red panda pair have already made themselves at home in the fabulous exhibit, which has been transformed by the zoo’s in-house Development Team.

New additions include a large, wooden climbing frame and nesting boxes; an indoor on-show house, as well as installing new fencing, signage and glass windows around a redeveloped public viewing area.

Plus, the exhibit is sporting lots of freshly planted bamboo, some of which was donated via the zoo’s visitor appeal for the rooted plant earlier this year.

The parma wallaby enclosure has also recently seen an overhaul, with the old metal fence line removed and replaced with a large glass viewing area and wooden panelling.

The build also included a new energy-efficient indoor den and enclosed hardstand to allow the wallabies outdoor access during warmer nights. Plus, a heated shelter at the front also now allows visitors to see the wallabies up close.