Pets' Corner in Jesmond Dene will close on weekdays for a 10-week renovation starting 12 October, with animals moved to temporary enclosures.
Refurbishment details announced
The volunteer-run animal attraction, which has been open since the 1960s, will only open on weekends during the work. All animals, from small rabbits to tall alpacas, will be safely relocated to temporary enclosures while the renovation takes place.
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “Following the successful works already carried out to build a new natural habitat and pond for the ducks, significant changes are being made to the former duck pond area which will see the old concrete enclosure demolished”.
New habitats and species planned
The enclosure will be “repurposed to create another type of natural habitat for an exciting new species which we are planning to bring to Pets Corner early next year.”
Alongside this work, new spaces and homes are being created for the rabbits and guinea pigs to improve their habitats and welfare. Visitors will get a much improved experience with more visual fencing panels and the removal of high mesh fencing to open up the new space, with new enclosures including permanent indoor space so animals can be seen all year round.
Visitors still welcome
People will still be able to visit Pets' Corner while the work takes place. In the online post announcing the renovation, Newcastle City Council said “The work is just the latest in a series of exciting improvements to Pets' Corner, with even more new arrivals and visitor experiences coming soon.”
Earlier this year, Pets' Corner welcomed a trio of alpacas named Gallinious, Vernon and Firkin. Pets' Corner has free entry, with a suggested donation of £2.
