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You beauty - Australian bush walk is a hit at Marwell Zoo

Over six thousand people visited Marwell Zoological Park today (Friday 6 April), with many gaining close encounters with some of the world's most bizarre animals in the park's new Australian Bush Walk and Encounter Village.

Visitors flocked to the new experiences as soon as the park opened to see just which weird and wonderful creatures from Down Under they would meet. They were not disappointed: within minutes of entering the Bush Walk wallabies were happily hopping around the visitors, whilst the kookaburras, (Oz's version of our very own kingfisher) were in fine voice greeting visitors with a loud laughing sound before taking to the air to show off their striking plumage.

Visitors were then left amazed after meeting the Golden Lion Tamarins in their brand new walk through enclosure. Obviously delighted with their new surroundings, these cheeky little monkeys from South America were soon mixing with the crowds and taking every chance to jump between visitors - causing great delight to children and adults alike.

Visitors then discovered just how brave they really are. Coming face to face with some of the world's scariest creatures was too much for some, stating hunger they quickly escaped to the safety of 'Bush Tucker Bites' the Villages new food pit stop, whilst others bravely went inside to meet some of the Animal Barns unusual occupants.

David Schofield, the Animal Barn Head Keeper was in fine form, astonishing visitors with some of the world's most interesting reptiles:

"The Animal Barn is a great place to show visitors some of the more unusual animals that live on our planet. Here visitors can meet some fascinating animals such as the Boa Constrictor and see them up close and personal."

Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. For further information, including admission prices visit: www.marwell.org.uk or call 01962 777407.

Australian Bush walk - Bush Walk experience at Marwell Zoological Park

For more press information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Media Relations Officer on 01962 777947 or email helenj@marwell.org.uk

High resolution images of Encounter Village, Australian Bush Walk and all the animals relocating to this area of the Park are available.

Two Wallaby species will live in the Australian Bush Walk. These are the Parma Wallaby (once believed to be extinct in the wild) and Bennett's Wallaby.

Marwell Zoological Park is owned and operated by Marwell Preservation Trust: a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. Registered Charity Number 275433

The Park was founded in 1972 by John Knowles, a conservationist who recognised the need to save animals from extinction. Marwell Conservation seeks to address causes of extinction and manages vulnerable populations of threatened species to ensure their survival. This is achieved through a range of species and habitat conservation programmes locally to Marwell's base in southern England and internationally, with a particular focus in Africa.

Marwell is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.

Marwell Zoological Park, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH. Website: www.marwell.org.uk