Chester Zoo opens huge new exhibit for 57 species

The Heart of Africa zone is home to 57 species including giraffe, zebra and warthogs

A 22.5 acre (nine hectare) savannah, designed to replicate the grasslands of Africa, is to open at Chester Zoo.

One of the UK's biggest habitats to be created, the Heart of Africa zone is home to 57 species including giraffe, zebra, antelope and ostrich.

Critically endangered vultures, a colony of naked mole rats, Africa's largest frog and 15,000 locusts will also call it home when it opens on Saturday.

Zoologists say it will stand as a "vibrant symbol" of the zoo's commitment to conservation.

There are more than 30 species of bird including flocks of flamingos

Spanning more than 17 football pitches, it has been designed to recreate a variety of grassland habitats found across central Africa.

The area, which is expected to create 30 new jobs, is also home to a host of other mammal species including meerkats, African wild dogs, aardvarks, Eastern black rhino, yellow mongoose, rock hyrax and dik-dik.

There are more than 30 species of bird within several new habitats, including a flock of 107 greater flamingos, three species of critically endangered vulture - white-headed vultures, African white-backed vultures, and hooded vultures - and lovebirds.

Spanning more than 17 football pitches, it has been designed to recreate a variety of grassland habitats

Jamie Christon, the zoo's chief executive officer, said: "Introducing such a diverse range of species into one shared habitat is a first for us.

"We want visitors to feel fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the African savannah."

"To bring this vision to life, our expert teams have planted over 6,000 trees, shrubs, and grasses, while also welcoming many species to the zoo for the first time."

The new area at the zoo opens on Saturday