Visitors are invited to experience the wonderful animals at the newly renamed Hanwell Zoo this spring.

Previously called Brent Lodge Animal Centre, the zoo will continue to play an important role in both conservation and the local community.

Hanwell Zoo, often known as ‘the Bunny Park’, is located in Brent River Park where local people have enjoyed the animal centre for more than 40 years. The change of name has is to better reflect its array of wildlife, which stands at an impressive 42 species and there are even more new additions planned for later in the year.

Visitors can see a huge range of different creatures, from familiar favourites like meerkats and lemurs, to brilliant new additions including unmistakable capybaras, beautiful Javan peafowl and flamingos.

They join dozens of other species including red-crowned cranes, tropical frogs, pygmy goats, kune kune pigs and the zoo’s resident porcupine. Tamarin monkeys, frilled-neck lizards and alpacas are also due to arrive in the near future.

The zoo’s butterfly and reptile house has been renovated as part of the improvements, with visitors able to walk amongst free-flying butterflies. A brand new playground featuring a sandpit and slide is also set to open within the zoo area in the coming weeks. This is in addition to the existing Brent Lodge Park playground.

There will be a small charge to visit Hanwell Zoo. A day entry is priced at £2.50 for adults and £1 for children over three. A year-long season ticket costs £15 for adults, £10 for senior citizens, people registered as disabled and children over three.

Visitors can also enjoy beautiful parkland surrounding the zoo, including an arboretum, maze and renovated café in the surrounding park, which will remain free to visit.

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for environment, transport and leisure said: “I’m delighted to see the new Hanwell Zoo opening its doors to visitors this spring. It’s a much loved facility and a real gem to have in the heart of our borough.

“The arrival of meerkats, lemurs and now flamingos and alpacas, alongside the renovated butterfly and reptile house mean this is a fabulous destination for all to enjoy”.

Local youngsters Hannah Duffy, Luke Duffy, Isobel Burke, and Henry Burke help Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Mayor of Ealing Councillor Dr. Patricia Walker, and Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council officially open Hanwell Zoo.