The Grapevine Autumn 2019 Grapevine Oct-Nov 2019 v2 | Page 47

Excitement at West Midland Safari Park as Planning is Granted… W est Midland Safari Park is pleased to announce that planning has been granted for the first phase of development at the popular visitor attraction. Since the Looping Group’s requisi- tion of the Park in December 2018, the in-house Development Team has been working on a long-term investment strategy, which focusses on upgrading the animal facilities, as well as improving the overall guest experience. Now that plans have been approved by the Wyre Forest District Council, work will commence in October 2019, starting with brand- new, state-of-the-art housing and outdoor spaces for the Park’s African elephants and cheetahs, as well as a new ungulate house and muck clamp. Head of Wildlife, Angela Potter, said, “The Wildlife Team is delighted that planning has been granted for the new development The Grapevine for our much-loved animals. We have been working very closely with the Development Team to ensure that the new facilities provide stimulating and enriching environments for the animals, as well as an amazing immersive experience for our guests. luxury lodges, introducing the opportunity for guests to stay overnight, giving them an up-close and personal wildlife experience like no other. “The new facilities for our African elephants have been designed to include outdoor pools, enrich- ment areas such as mud wallows, dust baths and multiple feeding areas, plus it gives them the opportunity for 24-hour roaming. The development means we will have the space to increase the numbers in our herd and will subsequently enable us to continue our important work within the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.” Further information about West Midland Safari Park is available from the Park’s website www.wmsp. co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/West MidSafari. The first phase of the new develop- ment has ambitions for completion in the summer of 2020. Similarly to the elephants, the cheetahs’ new habitat has been designed to be as close to their natural environment as possible and includes a large outdoor space, with pools, high vantage points, enrichment feeders and natural shelters. In addition to the new animal facilities, integrated into the new exhibits will be eight exclusive, 47