A computer-generated image of how the ‘Sumatra Rainforest’ exhibit will look on completion.

Plans to build a £70 million National Wildlife Conservation Park in Bristol have been announced by Bristol Zoo Gardens.

The Park, which is scheduled to open in 2012, will comprise 55 hectares and will be a conservation-led animal visitor attraction.

It is planned for the Park to be developed in phases; the initial exhibits will open in 2012; however, addditional exhibits will be completed over a period of 15 to 20 years.

The Park will offer a personal experience for visitors with ranger stations at every exhibit and rangers on hand to answer questions and act as personal tour guides.

Examples of the exhibits opening in 2012 include a ‘Sumatra Rainforest’ exhibit featuring gibbons and a transparent tunnel to get up close to Sumatran tigers, and a ‘British Ancient Woodland’ exhibit where you can learn more about some of Britain’s former wildlife including brown bears, lynx and wolves.

Exhibits that will be added at a later date include a ‘Tanzania Savannah’, which will be home to giraffe, rhino, zebra and cheetah. Also forming part of the Tanzania Savannah experience will be an off-road tour where you can find out more about the conservation efforts of Tarangire National Park in Northern Tanzania.

For further information telephone 0117 974 7399