What a difference a year makes: WILD Zoological Park's makeover

But one year on, the land has been revamped and is now home to a thriving zoo which has attracted thousands of visitors.

And there is a bright future ahead for WILD Zoological Park in Bobbington, with bosses saying they still have further plans to expand.

The zoo is the brainchild of Zac Hollinshead, who grew up on a farm outside Wolverhampton.

Zoo director Zac graduated from a degree course in zoology at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University in 2013 and opened WILD last August.

He has spoken of his pride at the zoo's success – but promised more is to come.

In a statement, Zac said: "A year ago I opened my dream to the public, my own zoo.

"[On] our one-year anniversary I'm happy to say we are going so strong and still expanding.

"We often operate at capacity, we have incredible public feedback and we've provided homes for a lot of animals that have either been rescued from appalling conditions or form part of vitally important endangered species conservation programmes.

"I'm so proud of it and all the work and design, effort and love that has gone into it. I'm proud of my team and everybody who has made WILD a reality and great success.

"I was told time and time again I'd never do it. 'You can't do this, you can't do that, you'll never make it, that won't work, get a proper job, get back to reality'.

"If you've got a dream then don't sit around, go for it...

"I was bullied severely through my school life, sometimes physically, for multiple reasons and those that know me can probably guess.

"You don't let people like that change who you are or what you do. People are jealous and they will try and tear you down.

"That's what makes it all the more satisfying when you prove them wrong and let your work and the person you become as an adult speak for itself.

"When we first took over the site from the previous occupiers it was clear there was a lot of work to be done.

"But now it's a place I'm proud to call home.

"I'm surrounded by amazing people and amazing animals and I can't thank you all enough for being a part of it, whether you're a volunteer, a member of my staff or even coming to support us as a visitor.

"You're all amazing and I can't wait to reveal our new 2018 plans."