COLCHESTER Zoo has announced areas of the park will be closed as vital improvements are undertaken.

The attraction’s hippos will be getting a new pad after works which commenced in 2019, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will resume.

It will see improvements made to their outdoor area, including a revamped pool facility. As a result, the outdoor walkway will remain closed to visitors.

The hyenas will be temporarily off show over the coming weeks as the viewing area is going to be the target of a revamp.

The aged wooden frames are being upgraded to glass panel windows, which the zoo says will provide a better view of the mischievous animals, especially for younger children.

The zoo also announced its old horse stable is going to be converted into an “exciting, interactive space” for children to learn all about guinea pigs.

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As a result, it warned there may be some disruption to this area while the development work – which is due to be ready for the Easter holidays – takes place.

Furthermore, the Playa Patagonia toilet block – next to the sea lions – and the Kalahari Theatre toilets – next to the Jungle Tumble play area – were closed as of yesterday while service upgrades are undertaken.

And the discovery centre has moved, with the bug handling and interactive zone now moving from near Iguana Forest to Elephant Kingdom.

It comes as work begins to transform the former discovery centre space into two classrooms for the zoo’s education team to provide an improved area to conduct its school sessions.

A zoo spokesperson said: “Unlike a leopard, we are making some changes to spots around the park.

“In preparation ahead of the Easter break, we have decided to carry out some much-needed maintenance work to some areas of the zoo.

“This may include temporarily closing areas of the park and moving some of our animals to their off-show homes whilst we carry out these vital improvements.

“As always, please keep an eye on our social media channels for the latest news and updates as we are constantly looking to where we can improve our facilities around the zoo.”