DUDLEY Zoo has a busy half term ahead which will see a brand new species added to the collection and the unveiling of a new £50,000 big cat enclosure.

Not only will visitors get to see snow leopards, Taiga and Margaash, enjoying their newly extended enclosure - which has doubled their outdoor space - but they will also be meet the zoo's first naked mole rats.

Curator Richard Brown, said: “We’re very excited to bring in a breeding group of naked mole rats, which is the first part of our 2018 revamp programme to complete and we’re looking forward to unveiling it on Saturday.

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"They’re weird and wonderful creatures and are quite a niche species as there are only five other zoos in the UK who hold them but we’re confident they will prove to be a popular addition with visitors because they are so interesting.

“We’re also thrilled to have the snow leopard enclosure ready for half term. Our cats have spent the last few days exploring every nook and cranny of the new extension which has been funded with the help of our generous supporters through fundraisers over the last two years.”

The zoo will also be continuing its National Nest Box Week celebrations, which run until February 21.

Bird lovers will be encouraged to add nest boxes into their garden for the breeding bird population and staff will be hosting bird feeder craft sessions, where children can find out about the importance of feeding small native birds throughout the winter.

Richard added: “We hope visitors will join us during the school holiday, when they can learn more and get closer to some of the rarest animals in the world as well as hearing about our important conservation work with exotic and native species.

“And with our free return offer running until the end of the month, all full-paying visitors get a free return ticket to come back and see the other new additions we’ve got planned, which is valid until July 31.”