Following another highly successful season in 2007, Longleat has announced a series of exciting new features and attractions for visitors in 2008.

The Amur tigers’ woodland home in the Safari Park is being transformed with the addition of a new outdoor pool complete with its own waterfall along with a series of other environmental enrichments aimed at providing them with a naturally stimulating habitat.

Intrepid younger visitors will be able to test their climbing skills on the new Spider’s Web outdoor area in the Adventure Castle. Featuring a giant spider’s web set between two 11 tonne climbing stones, this new attraction will certainly challenge the younger visitor with its combination of different climbing routes!

The three-year restoration and maintenance project on the Longleat Hedge Maze is complete following the construction of the last of six new wooden bridges in the 2.72km maze. Built using Douglas Fir from the Longleat Estate, the bridges join the spectacular 25-tonne, 10m high tower which was incorporated into the maze design earlier in the project.

The Postman Pat Exhibition will be closed for the start of the season as a new exhibition is planned for early summer 2008. … and more!

Longleat has just launched a groundbreaking new website in time for the 2008 season complete with its own online television series, Junior Rangers, hosted by children.

The website will also feature ‘behind the scenes’ video podcasts and short creature feature video clips which will be released regularly throughout the 2008 season where keepers will provide expert commentary on specific animals.

Other new features include in-car activities to do en route to Longleat, online and offline games, Longleat themed recipes and all sorts of art and make ‘n’ do projects for younger visitors.

“Our aim is for the website to become a ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone interested in Longleat,” explained Marketing Manager Jo Sparrow.

“You will be able to watch the latest video podcasts, check out the latest news, buy tickets, enter competitions, play games, subscribe to our e-newsletter and get advice on how to make the most of your visit.

“The video podcasts have proved to be particularly popular with our visitors over the last year. We came second only to CBeebies on the Kids and Family podcast section on iTunes in 2007 and we’re aiming to really build on that success in 2008,” she added.

To view the new website please visit www.longleat.co.uk

Longleat will be welcoming back some familiar faces in the shape of TV presenters Kate Humble and Ben Fogle during the 2008 season as the pair return to film series nine of the hugely popular BBC documentary programme Animal Park.

Keep up-to-date with the television listings for BBC Animal Park by visiting the Longleat website… click here for further details

In line with the launch of the new website, Longleat has just released the first ‘Creature Feature’ video podcast.

Get to meet Big Cat keepers Bob Trollope and Brian Kent as they introduce us to the four new lion cubs who were born back in August 2007.  Go behind the scenes as they receive their injections and then sit back and enjoy as they play in some autumn sunshine.

Click here to view the first ‘Creature Features’ podcast.

An abandoned pet rat, which was dumped in a box at Longleat, is set to become an unlikely star at the award-winning Wiltshire attraction.

The rat, which has been nicknamed Jules after the member of staff who found her, was very thin, covered in sores and appeared close to death when she was discovered near to a tollgate on Lord Bath’s estate.

Keepers at Longleat’s Pets Corner adopted her and have gradually nursed her back to health and, much to their surprise and delight, she has proved to be a real star performer. In fact, she is so good, that she is now set to join the cast of their popular Meet the Creatures’ talks which take place daily in Pets Corner throughout the visitor season.

Darren Beasley, Head of Pets Corner said: “It’s little short of miraculous to see how Jules has recovered. She’s one of the tamest, cleverest and most good-natured rats we’ve ever had here and will be a real addition to our collection.

“It just goes to show how even the most mistreated animals can recover given the opportunity – it’s just a shame that someone had let her get into such a state.

“The dumping of pets is totally unacceptable and we would urge anyone thinking of taking on a pet of any shape or size to think extremely carefully about what they are doing before they take one on.

“Animals are a lifelong commitment and if anyone is unsure whether they are able to provide a safe and loving home then they shouldn’t get one,” he added.

For Jules the difference from her old life could hardly be more pronounced. Keepers have created a luxurious new home for her complete with central heating, spacious accommodation, a garden area, toys and climbing frame.

She also has the company of other rats and will have the opportunity to meet visitors under the expert supervision of one of her keepers once the park opens this weekend.

“I suppose it really is the classic rags to riches story but we think Jules has earned it and we hope that she’ll be able to make the most of her new life,” added Darren.

For further information on opening times and prices please visit www.longleat.co.uk