Jimmy Doherty, opens new Wilds of Asia extension at Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo was excited to have farmer turned TV personality Jimmy Doherty, at the zoo on Friday 15th April to open the impressive new Wilds of Asia extension.

Jimmy got up close with the residents of the new exhibit by helping to provide bamboo treats for the red pandas and fruit to the rhinoceros hornbills. He said ‘I've been to many zoos and wildlife parks all over the world and Colchester really is up there with the best of them. It's something we should be proud of and it needs everyone's support.'

The Wilds of Asia extension is home to the zoo's red pandas, pileated gibbons and rhinoceros hornbills and it gives visitors a great opportunity to see the animals close up. The extension cost £275,000 to develop and has been creatively designed to mimic the natural habitats of Asia. Mr Tropeano said ‘We will never stop redeveloping to improve things for the animals and the visitors who come to see them. What we've created is new, naturalistic and large enclosures for animals from that particular part of the world'

Jimmy studied zoology at university and worked at the Natural History Museum before starring in the successful BBC television series Jimmy's Farm. He has always had a passion for nature and was pleased to open the spacious new enclosures. Colchester Zoo already works closely with Jimmy on his breeding programme for Essex pigs.