Park to rehome animals due to zoo rule changes

A visitor attraction is closing its animal park due to what it says are the "overwhelming" requirements of new zoo standards.

Roarr! Dinosaur Park in Lenwade, near Norwich, said its Secret Animal Garden was showing its age and would need major work to meet new legislation which comes into force next year.

About 100 animals, including small invertebrates, guinea pigs and goats, will be found homes elsewhere once the area closes at the end of February.

"The increasingly stringent requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act, which, while we fully support, makes the administration complex and time consuming," said director Adam Goymour.

"It's not our most popular area or activity, and we feel it's the right time to close this chapter because it's something that requires significant investment."

The animal enclosures were situated at the "bottom" of the park, which also features a trail of life-size dinosaur models, play areas, rides and a theatre.

Last year, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs said zoos and aquariums would face a two-year timeline to adapt to the changes, which include requiring larger habitats, improved conservation standards and safety measures.

"The future requirements just seem overwhelming for what we have," Goymour told BBC Radio Norfolk's Kayleigh Poacher.

"We have, over recent years, reduced the amount of our exotic stock... we have guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, snakes, pigs, invertebrates, and the giant tortoise."

"Unlike zoos, the animals are not the main purpose for their visit, so that's what really concluded the decision."

Goymour said its animal team had received many messages of support and would be offered work elsewhere in the business, where possible.

"Well-known collections" had also been in contact with a view to taking on animals, all of which would be rehomed by the end of April.

"Our focus remains on ensuring their welfare at every stage and supporting a stress-free relocation throughout the process," a statement from Roarr! said.

There were no immediate plans for repurposing the Victorian walled garden where the animal attraction was based, Goymour added.

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