Dudley Zoo chiefs' delight as 310,000 visit in year

Staff are celebrating after the final figures for 2016 were counted up and also revealed that 21,373 people stopped by the site in December alone.

Before Christmas the zoo revealed it would pass the 300,000 mark for the first time in 30 years but the numbers kept on growing until reaching a total of 310,672. This represents an 11 per cent increase on last year's figure.

The attraction also broke records for its Winter Wonderland grotto, which ran in the 11th century Dudley Castle between December 1 and 24.

During the month 15,206 visitors popped in to see Santa – an increase of 2,615 on the previous year.

Zoo director Derek Grove, said: "We've worked hard to enhance the experience for visitors by introducing new species and opening innovative all-weather exhibits to allow them to get closer to the animals and we're thrilled so many people decided to have a great day out at Dudley Zoo throughout 2016."

Visitors to the site were able to see some changes including new additions such as rainbow lorikeets and a giant anteater, as well as 20 flamingos, a female snow leopard and five wild dogs.

The zoo has recently announced plans for redevelopment projects totalling £345,000 across the 40-acre site in 2017. This includes the re-opening of the former Tropical Bird House as a South American indoor exhibit for the attraction's 80th anniversary in May.

One of the other schemes planned for next year, costing £100,000, is work to increase the size of the snow leopard enclosure, which is due to be completed by the summer.

There also plans to improve facilities for younger visitors by extending the farmyard which is popular with children and their families.

The three existing small aviaries, which date back to the 1980s, will also be replaced.