WORK has begun on a six-month project to create a little slice of the Himalayas at one of Hampshire's top tourist attractions.

Marwell Zoological Park near Winchester is building the mountain enclosure as a new home for their family of snow leopards, Kiril, Yasmin and baby Binu.

However the lucky leopards will not be alone as they will have to share their new habitat with the zoo's red panda population who will be living in a giant oak tree inside the enclosure.

As well as trees, the leopards' new home will also feature a waterfall and stream, rocky outcrops and shrubland, while visitors will be treated to much better viewing facilities.

The £500,000 development is due to open in the middle of next year and is being built by Southampton-based company TAB Projects, who also built the new Marwell Conservation Education Centre in 1999.

The zoo has also launched a £75,000 appeal to help with the cost of the build, with the remaining sum due to be met by the Marwell Preservation Trust and the Marwell Zoological Trust.

A spokesman for the park said they were delighted with the response from visitors to their appeal so far.

Anyone wishing to add their support to the project should contact Marwell during normal office hours on 01962 777900.