Although their summer season has just ended, all eyes at Manor House Wildlife Park are already focused on next year, with a major expansion planned for the St. Florence tourist attraction.
Work has already started to double the size of the wildlife park to enable it to house a whole new range of bigger mammals.
Taking in 20 acres of land, the scheme will see the creation of large new paddock areas which will be home to several species of larger African mammals, including Damaras (a type of zebra).
The redevelopment will also see the creation of monkey islands, ponded areas and viewing build-outs.
The brainchild of owner Mr. Clive Williams, the new developments will give the animals greater freedom of movement, while also allowing the public a better view of the exotic species.
Also being removed are many of the wildlife park's fences, with the animal paddocks being separated from the viewing public by a series of 10-foot deep dry moats.
"Most zoos are moving away from caged animals, creating larger enclosures, and our plans are designed to create as close to a natural environment as you can get," explained Mr. Williams.
"For example, we've got one paddock which is around 12 acres in size, and we're hoping to introduce a variety of African species into it.
"The removal of the fences, and the new network of pathways will give visitors an unobstructed view across the paddocks and in most cases animals will be on the same eye level."
Work will continue throughout the winter, with the park re-opening at Easter next year.