With spring babies galore, brand new walk through experiences and a great new Encounter Village - Marwell Zoo is the place to be this Easter.

Marwell's mums are being kept busy. Born on February 22 and March 8, two baby boy giraffes are already towering 6ft high, and being cared for by Biffa - birth mum to the youngest calf. On other end of the scale and measuring just a few centimetres are a couple of adorable baby meercats, which have been spotted sunning themselves in the open air after having spent the last three weeks underground.

It's not just about babies though as - in time for Easter weekend - the park will open its redeveloped Encounter Village with a whole new Australian twist.

Come face-to-face with some of the weird and wonderful animals from this island in the amazing walk through' Bush Walk. Step (or hop!) in the footsteps of one of Australasia's most popular mammals - the lovable wallaby.

With Aussie' plants and eucalyptus trees simulating the Australian OutBack, the Bush Walk provides an excellent setting from which to watch these inquisitive animals.

The OutBack experience continues with a fantastic walk through aviary containing one of Australia's most beautiful birds - the kookaburra. Meet the Golden Lion Tamarins - Brazil's beautiful monkeys with their fabulous golden fur and long silky manes, Encounter Village also houses some of the more unusual cold blooded animals in the Village's new Animal Barn.

Designed with children in mind, the Animal Barn provides an excellent setting to learn about the park's reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

If all this works up an appetite try Bush Tucker Bites, a new food outlet next to Encounter Village.

There is also a fantastic new playground to keep children occupied while parents relax.

FACTFILE For price information and opening times call 01962 777407.