Martin Wiseman launches Save Banham Zoo petition in protest

Martin Wiseman, of Pulham Market, near Diss, has launched an initiative called “Save Banham Zoo” over fears that the south Norfolk attraction will lose much of its appeal if the changes are implemented. 

Under the 10-year plans by the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity which operates Banham Zoo, will create a new centrepiece showcasing wildlife from the UK.

Banham Zoological Gardens - Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Mr Wiseman has launched a petition via Change.org which has received 171 signatures so far. 

The pensioner, who also runs the Facebook group Banham Zoo Photos, claims the zoo will be “no more” if the vision goes ahead. 

In a letter to this paper, he said: “I feel strongly the public are being seriously duped here. 

“It's the lack of any honesty in admitting [anything] that really angers me as quite clearly Banham Zoo’s management is not being very honest with the public here. 

“If they want to build a new Eden Project in the East of England they should firstly be honest and admit it to the public, but they should build it somewhere else and not destroy our lovely zoo.”

The Change.org petition launched by Martin Wiseman - Picture: Change.org (Image: Change.org)

The trustees of ZSEA have invited Mr Wiseman to meet with them for a tour of the site to answer any questions and alleviate concerns. 

Gerard Smith, trustee chair, said: “Our vision is about continuing with our international breeding programmes, while building on successful recent work with native species across the British Isles.  

"This will be achieved in currently unused spaces within the zoo which will only enhance our current offering and ability to deliver vital conservation projects both overseas and on our doorstep.” 

A public stakeholder consultation will begin in May, at which point a detailed map will be shared.

One of ZSEA's vision concepts - Picture: Tate and Co Architects (Image: Tate and Co Architects)