A HAMPSHIRE zoo has unveiled its collection of 81 new animals – all made from Lego bricks.

The Great Brick Safari is an interactive experience at Marwell Zoo, with sculptures of 27 different species on show to the public.

Ranging from a 1.5 tonne elephant to a Bengal tiger, Marwell is the first zoo in the UK to host the collection.

The experience opened to the public yesterday and will run until October 1.

Sean Mannie, director of guest services at the zoo said: “We are so excited to be hosting this amazing event at Marwell. The Lego brick trail is an interactive and engaging way of highlighting some of our really important species, as well as welcoming some wonderful new animals!

“To be the first UK zoo to host an interactive Lego experience is a real thrill. It’s so iconic and continues to appeal to both adults and children and we are delighted to have the sculptures complementing the hundreds of animals that live in our park.”

Lego building company Bright Bricks used more than two million bricks to make the sculptures which also include an ostrich, pair of warthogs and animatronic meerkats.

The trail is staggered around the zoo with the 27 attractions going past the new celebrated arrival of the critically endangered African wild ass. Visitors can also try their hand at making their own creations.