Banham Zoo has unveiled plans for a new education centre with the launch of its biggest ever fundraising campaign, after a challenging few years for the attraction.

The facility will feature science labs, classrooms, and interactive learning spaces, providing students and visitors with a unique and engaging hands-on experience at the zoo.

It is part of a new fundraising drive by the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity which runs Banham Zoo and Africa Alive.

The Together for Wildlife campaign aims to raise half a million pounds for the centre and to support the charity’s ongoing education and conservation work.

It comes after a turbulent period for the zoos, which has seen the charity make redundancies to offset its rising costs, with its former CEO quitting last year.

The Together for Wildlife campaign is the charity's biggest fundraiser to date The Together for Wildlife campaign is the charity's biggest fundraiser to date (Image: Matt Keal Photography) Ian Bartlett, CEO of ZSEA, said: “This campaign will help us in our mission to ensure the environment and wildlife around us is enjoyed, respected and protected.

“Our new education facility will be the centrepiece of our fast-growing education programme, as we prepare the next generation of conservationists and guardians of the planet.

"The campaign will also enable us to continue and expand the vital conservation work that we do.

"Finally, individuals and businesses can boost their own sustainability ambitions and play a big part in their local communities by getting actively involved."

Ian Bartlett, chief executive of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity which runs Banham Zoo and Africa AliveIan Bartlett, chief executive of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), the charity which runs Banham Zoo and Africa Alive (Image: Adam Barker) The charity has worked with around 7,500 pupils from 200 schools, colleges and universities at Banham Zoo alone so far this year.

“The pandemic and rising costs have had a significant impact on zoos across the country and while we continue to operate, we need to make sure that our future, and the future of our animals, remain secure," Mr Bartlett said.

"We are unveiling a new 'Zooprint for the Future' strategy, with conservation and education at its heart, and with the support of our members and sponsors we believe we can make a real difference.

"I hope that we can call upon your support”.

The campaign will also see ZSEA launch a new Corporate Partnership Programme aimed at national and local businesses committed to, and with a vested interest in, sustainable development and driving positive environmental action.