CRICKET St Thomas Wildlife Park is set to lose major animal attractions in a move its owners say will mean job losses are inevitable.

Warner Leisure Hotels, which owns the park, has announced its closure on Wednesday, September 30, to carry out refurbishment work on the 45- acre grounds.

Before it re-opens in spring next year, the larger animals are to be rehomed to suitable locations and landscaping work carried out to transform the parkland into gardens.

A spokesman said: “We’ve been looking at the wildlife park for some time because visitor numbers have been going down for a long time.

“We had to look at what would be best for the park, and after consulting with BIAZA – the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums – and Chris Webster, who used to work at Longleat Safari Park, we decided the larger animals would have to go.

“It’s inevitable, unfortunately, that if you’re moving some of the animals some roles may no longer exist for staff, and we’re in consultation about that now.”

Warner Leisure says that the changes will be positive for the area, creating a new garden attraction for visitors.

“The landscape will be transformed into beautiful and impressive gardens, including garden ‘rooms’ designed by award-winning gardeners,” said a spokesman.

“Desolate-looking enclosures will come alive again.

“It really is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the work we’re doing will enhance that.”

Although larger animals, including camels and leopards, will be leaving, smaller creatures, such as meerkats and lemurs, will remain.

Founded in 1967 by the Taylor family, the wildlife park boasted more than 100 different species in its heyday.

It lost several large creatures, including elephants, when it was operated as ‘Blobbyland’ in the mid-90s, before being taken over as a hotel by Warner Leisure in 1999.

What do you think of the decision? Have YOUR say! Just fill in the comment form below or click here to join our interactive forums