With the promise of new attractions and animals from every corner of the globe, it is certainly an exciting time for Hanwell Zoo.

The weather is getting warm and the days finally beginning to feel like spring, so why not enjoy an unbeatable day out right here in the borough?

It is now more than a year since Brent Lodge was renamed Hanwell Zoo to reflect its array of animals and significance to the local community. Spring and summer promises to be just as action-packed, as centre manager Jim Gregory explained: “We’ve had so many exciting things happening to the zoo, from the renovation of some of the best loved features, to the opening of our new playground last summer.

‘The stars are the animals’

“Of course the stars are the animals and we’ve been delighted to welcome lots of new species to the zoo over in this time, including capybaras, cranes, alpacas and flamingos. Our tamarin monkeys are another fairly new arrival and are a particularly charismatic addition for us.

“They join dozens of other species including old favourites like the lemurs and meerkats, as well many more – including tropical frogs, pygmy goats, kune kune pigs and the zoo’s resident porcupines.”

But there is plenty more in the pipeline for visitors to look forward to over the coming months, added Jim: “We will have an aquarium from June which I’m sure will prove very popular with visitors. I’m also pleased to say that we will be welcoming back our tortoises to the zoo this summer after a long absence. I am sure they will prove another popular addition the animals here.”

Entrance fees into the zoo starts at just £2.50 for adults and £1 for children over three years old, with children under three years old admitted for free.

There are also annual season tickets and membership packages available at great prices – with your entrance money essential in funding the running costs of the zoo into the future.

You can find out more on the zoo’s Facebook page.