The newly named Hanwell Zoo officially re-opened its doors last month (March 30) and has made several changes.
After the announcement of an entry fee being introduced and several renovation plans mentioned, west London residents have voiced their opinion on the changes.
Ealing residents in particular commented on the introduction of charges and asked several questions on the new announcements.
getwestlondon have collated your questions to bring you all you need to know about the attraction.
How much is the entry fee?
A day entry is priced at £2.50 for adults and £1 for children over three.
Children under three are able to visit free-of-charge.
A year-long season ticket costs £15 for adults, £10 for senior citizens, people registered as disabled and children over three.
Season tickets allow people unlimited entry for the whole year.
Why was it introduced?
We put the question to Ealing council as to why the fee was bought in.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for environment, transport and leisure said: “I know that local people recognise that the introduction of a small entry fee to the new, improved Hanwell Zoo represents phenomenal value for money.
"There’s now even more for families to enjoy and learn about, and it means the zoo is going to continue to be a family favourite for generations to come.
"Annual memberships are available for regular visitors to enjoy everything the zoo has to offer all year round and the zoo has been bustling with visitors since it opened last Saturday."
What other funding has the zoo received?
A capital grant was awarded to the zoo in 2016 to improve facilities and a statement from Hanwell Zoo said this will be used to improve facilities such as toilets, a new visitor's centre and renovations to other parts of the zoo such as the butterfly house.
Why has the name been changed?
Known to many locals as the Bunny Park, Ealing Council said the the site has been renamed to better reflect its array of wildlife, which stands at 42 species.
What are the opening times?
The zoo is now open 10am to 6pm for people to visit.
What kind of animals can you see?
Visitors can see a huge range of different creatures, from familiar favourites like meerkats and lemurs, to brilliant new additions including unmistakable capybaras, beautiful Javan peafowl and flamingos.
They join dozens of other species including red-crowned cranes, tropical frogs, pygmy goats, kune kune pigs and the zoo’s resident porcupine.
The zoo’s butterfly and reptile house has been renovated as part of the improvements, with visitors able to walk amongst free-flying butterflies.
What can the family see and do at the zoo?
As well as the animals, visitors can also enjoy beautiful parkland surrounding the zoo, including an arboretum, maze and renovated café in the surrounding park, which will remain free to visit.
What's in the pipeline for Hanwell zoo?
Tamarin monkeys, frilled-neck lizards and alpacas are due to arrive in the near future.
A brand new playground featuring a sandpit and slide is also set to open within the zoo area in the coming weeks.
Visitors can also expect a new entrance and gift shop which has been developed, along with new bathroom facilities, a website upgrade and more interactive learning opportunities.
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