West Midland Safari Park has opened a new African themed Village as part of their £1m investment in new attractions that are being launched during 2011.

The new walk-through exhibit is located in an area beside a natural lake that formed part of 'Spring Grove' in grounds landscaped by Capability Brown dating back to the 1800's.

This African inspired interactive Village comes complete with eight rendered and thatched village 'huts', that incorporate animal housing, a gift shop and an example of an African home that allows visitors to peek behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of what life could be like in an African Village. The 'home' comes complete with outside living area and its own vegetable plot.

There are plenty of friendly animal encounters that include the opportunity to feed some of the free range Somali Sheep, Pygmy Goats and Cameroon Sheep. Whilst the Village Keeper carries out a variety of themed talks to accompany timed animal feeding demonstrations and introduce other small animals such as the Giant African land snail or Pygmy Hedgehog.

Bob Lawrence, Director of Wildlife, said, "When you enter the African Village you feel the true spirit of Africa. The animals that now live in that area are indigenous to Africa and Madagascar. Whilst the African theming is exceptional the area is equally well equipped and comes complete with thermostatically controlled animal heating, an audio display and fibre optic broadband - therefore it's probably one of the most high tech African Villages in the world"!

West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is open daily, including Bank Holidays, up to Friday 4th November 2011.

"The African Village" is included as part of the standard admission charge of £13.99 for adults, £11.99 for children. A family saver ticket costs £46.76, which admits two adults and two children and offers a 10% saving on standard admission prices. Admission prices also include a free return ticket. Amusement rides are charged extra in all cases.