Banham Zoo hits back over petition questioning expansion plan

Bosses have hit back at claims that Banham Zoo will “be no more” under new plans to redesign the attraction.

Banham Zoological Gardens has begun a consultation on a new vision for the zoo, which bosses say will help it to secure a resilient and sustainable future.

The concept, developed alongside trustees and staff, is to incorporate new and immersive landscapes in a bid to create a truly exceptional visitor experience, say bosses.

Part of the plans include rewilding and reinventing unused or underutilised spaces at the 50-acre site to create new environments for UK native species, as well as international animal conservation and breeding programmes.

However, a petition – called ‘Save Banham Zoo’ – has been launched in response to the plan, raising fears that the south Norfolk attraction will lose its appeal if the changes are implemented and could even disappear.

Launched by Martin Wiseman on www.change.org, the petition reads: “If the zoo’s current animal-disliking CEO gets her way, by 2030, Banham will be no more, having been replaced by just nine themed gardens.

“So if you want to keep Banham Zoo with its 55 years of history and its tigers, leopards and giraffes, sign our petition today.”

The petition, launched last month, has so far garnered more than 250 signatures.

In response, Gerard Smith, chairman of trustees at the Zoological Society of East Anglia, which runs the site, said: “The board of trustees, CEO and all colleagues at Banham Zoo have always worked towards saving our wonderful zoo during an extremely difficult financial period over the past few years.

“These very early concepts of our vision will help us to continue to do just that and maintain both our international and native species breeding programmes.

“There are no plans to lose our current international zoo offering, only to expand the current site, to include native species conservation.

“It is more important than ever to protect our environment in response to the climate and biodiversity crisis impacting our planet.

“Our vision is about continuing with our international breeding programmes, while building on successful recent work with native species across the British Isles.

“This will be achieved in currently unused spaces within the zoo, which will only enhance our current offering and ability to deliver vital conservation projects both overseas and on our doorstep.

“We have invited Mr Wiseman, who has established the petition, to come and meet trustees to tour the site, answer any questions he may have, and reassure him and other members of this group around any concerns.

“Public stakeholder consultation will officially begin in May, at which point a more detailed map will be shared, which may also help alleviate any further concerns.”

In addition to maximising the outdoor spaces, bosses plan to provide indoor conservation education and skills hubs, which will make the attraction an all-year-round experience.

Mr Smith said the charity was working with the National Lottery Fund, future levelling up funds and other funding organisations to complete its goal.