Marwell Zoo in Winchester is about to spend £2.8m on a new enclosure to show off its most iconic animals.

The zoo is set to undertake its biggest revamp to date, sweeping away its outdated buildings to make room for a new enclosure to house rhinos, antelopes and zebras.

The new display - which will be five times the size of the current exhibit and is scheduled to open next summer - will feature raised boardwalks and viewing platforms with audio and visual displays for guests. There will also be a muddy wallowing hole, recreating water sources found on the African plains.

“Displaying large grazing animals is a particular challenge because they are often seen at distance in their large open paddocks,” said chief executive James Cretney.

“However, this development and the interpretation are designed with these constraints in mind and provide more opportunities for the guests to become immersed in the animals’ environment.”