Sun Bear Heights to open at Paradise Wildlife Park on April 1

Two highly anticipated animal habitats are set to open at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park.

The new Sun Bear Heights habitat at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park will open to the public on April 1, 2023. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

The state-of-the-art Sun Bear Heights project and Jaguar Jungle will be opening to the public at the White Stubbs Lane site on April 1, 2023.

Coinciding with Paradise Wildlife Park’s 39th anniversary and their last year prior to rebranding as Hertfordshire Zoo in April 2024, these habitats mark a momentous turning point in the zoo's history.

Cam Whitnall from Paradise Wildlife Park said: "Our sun bears Kyra and Indera are going to be arriving in the next few weeks and we are super excited.

"It's gonna be incredible!

"They are the world's smallest bear species and Kyra and Indera are gonna love this space."

Sun bears can be seen at Sun Bear Heights at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park from April 1. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

Tyler Whitnall, Cam's brother and One Zoo Three co-star, added: "Our team have been working extremely hard to make sure that the bear homes, their indoor houses here are going to be as cosy and comfortable as possible.

"They even have been installing some nice high platforms for them to go and explore their new habitat."

Sun Bear Heights at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

Sun Bear Heights will also be home to a pair of binturongs and a pair of Asian small clawed otters.

These new builds, like many in the country, have seen delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Brexit.

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Jaguar couple Kumal and Kedera (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

A spokesperson for the zoo said: "We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our supporters, members and visitors' patience and understanding during these project builds.

"The wait is officially over and we are very excited to introduce you all to new and returning species to the zoo."

Sun Bear Heights enclosure at Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

Paradise Wildlife Park keepers have stated that these will be UK-first habitats, with Sun Bear Heights being a mix of new species for the park of sun bears, binturongs and Asian short-clawed otters.

"It's been nearly three years in the making," said Cam.

"But it's definitely going to be worth the wait and we can't wait to open this amazing habitat." 

Jaguar Kedera can be seen at Jaguar Jungle at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

Jaguar Jungle, meanwhile, will allow visitors to view the incredible species not only lounging near a waterfall but also in the treetops.

Since these builds began, Paradise Wildlife Park’s resident jaguars - couple Kumal and Kedera - have been on holiday at their sister site, The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent. 

Jaguar Jungle at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

The spokesperson for the Herts zoo added: "Whilst we are very excited to introduce new species to the park, we are always equally excited to welcome back Kumal and Kedera.

"We know the public love them just as much as we do and we cannot wait to show everyone their new home."

So get ready to be immersed in the cultural and natural environments of south-east Asia and the Pantanal of South America as the county of Hertfordshire welcomes some new zoo residents.

Keep an eye out for exciting updates on the zoo's socials and website www.pwpark.com as sun bears and jaguars arrive on April 1.

Jaguar Jungle at Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

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