10th anniversary marked with opening of meerkat enclosure

The popular attraction recently acquired a Zoo Licence and planning permission to expand the business.

This means the site is able to keep more exotic animals alongside the usual range of goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, donkeys, alpacas and birds.

The garden and animal park is celebrating its 10th anniversary and to mark the milestone the Mayor of Filey, Councillor Sue Bosomworth, was invited to officially open the new enclosure.

Filey Bird Garden has added other animals to its collection ahead of the peak season.

The new attractions include chipmunks, rheas and dwarf zebu.

The owners are also planning to bring in new exhibits as they build on the success over the last 10 years.

A spokesman said: “As well as a good variety of animals and birds we also have beautiful gardens, wildlife/educational areas, a play park and a sensory garden.

“We have made improvements every year and gained various awards, including being finalists in the White Rose Awards and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past four years.

“Our plans include a number of new enclosures and an extension to the car park, which we expect to be ready for the start of the 2018 season.

“Having a zoo with meerkats in Filey seems to have generated quite a buzz on social media, and we are looking forward to this season and more exciting developments.”