Britain’s Queen Elizabeth opened a new enclosure at London Zoo yesterday (17.03.16).
The 89-year-old royal was joined by her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh at the unveiling of the Land of the Lions enclosure, a brand new home for their four species of Asiatic lions.
Of the new enclosure, a post on the zoo’s official website reads: “ZSL London Zoo’s newest and most breath-taking exhibit transports visitors from the heart of London to India’s vibrant Sasan Gir, where they can get closer than ever before to mighty Asiatic lions.
“Three walkways cover the 2,500sqm exhibit with thrilling, immersive Indian-themed areas to explore – including a train station, crumbling temple clearing, high street and guard hut.
“For the first time, big cat lovers can embark on an interactive Indian adventure as they help ZSL’s forest rangers deal with a ‘lion-emergency’ in the Gir Forest, and lend a hand to the veterinary team who come to the rescue.”
The Queen unveiled a plaque during the event yesterday and toured the site ahead of its public opening later this month.
She was also presented with a memento from a previous visit to the zoo, where she opened the New Lion Terraces 40 years ago.