THE face of Marwell Zoo is set to change for ever.

The park is investing some £450,000 on the first phase of a major makeover. It will include the arrival of new species.

Phase one includes an overhaul of the "Encounter Village", where visitors get close to some of the animals.

Sheep, goats and guinea pigs have dominated this section of the park in the past, but they are now likely to receive some more exotic neighbours.

An animal encounter barn is to be built where visitors can handle selected reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

They can also expect better views of exotic birds, such as the kookaburra, thanks to a walk-through aviary. A similar enclosure is planned for golden lion tamarins, an endangered type of monkey, which are already at the park. A third walk-through exhibit is also planned, featuring wallabies as part of the new Australasian Biome, which is also taking shape at the zoo.

The park intends to reorganise its site into several "biomes", each concentrating on a geographical area and its animals.

The Australasian Biome is due to open at Easter, with other zones set to follow including tundra.

The animals in these new areas will be drawn from the zoo's current population, along with some new arrivals, possibly including emus. Plans also exist for an exhibition on black rats. Built to resemble a ship, it will explain how the rodents carried disease and devastation across the planet.

The zoo has also applied for planning permission to build new enclosures for squirrels, gibbons, tree shrews and otters.

Other proposals include a children's playground with a food outlet nearby, along with an Indonesian-style longhouse.

The launch of the major makeover coincides with the 35th anniversary of the zoo, which opened in 1972.

Chief executive James Cretney said: "We are committed to education and conservation of endangered species, whilst at the same time playing an important role within the Hampshire economy.

"The introduction of the Australasian biome and redevelopment of Encounter Village is an important step in helping us to deliver a great day out for all the family."