Bristol Zoo creates new exhibit

Bristol Zoo has a brand new attraction – a water play area, tropical bird house and a parrot feeding area.

Explorers' Creek will be officially opened to the public on Monday.

The first part of Explorers' Creek is 'Splash!' – a water-play area with streams, dams and the chance for children to have a paddle, whatever the weather.

A long, winding stream of water runs throughout the new play area and youngsters can dam and change the flow of the stream, splash about or play in the beached dinghy.

Next, visitors can follow in the footsteps of jungle explorers through the 'Forest of Birds', walking among exotic plants and free-flying birds from Asia, Africa and South America, including bleeding heart doves and Victoria crowned pigeons.

They will also have the chance to hand-feed nectar to a flock of around 30 rainbow lorikeets in the free-flight aviary at the 'Feed the Lorikeets' exhibit.

Director of Bristol Zoo Gardens, Dr Jo Gipps, said: "Explorers' Creek aims to take visitors on a journey of exploration around the three areas. The exhibit is great for all ages as toddlers and young children will love Splash, and older children and adults will be amazed at the opportunity to get up close to tropical birds and beautiful lorikeets."

For more information about Bristol Zoo Gardens, visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk or phone 0117 974 7300.