CHESTER Zoo is planning a series of open meetings to hear the public’s views on ambitious plans to transform the popular tourist attractions.

Earlier this year, the zoo announced a £225m long-term project that will see it become the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe.

Given the working title Natural Vision, the scheme includes an Eden Project-style dome in the first phase of the development.

It will be the only domed eco-system in the UK, called Heart of Africa, and will be an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of Gorillas, a large troop of Chimpanzees, Okapi (rare giraffe-like creatures), and a wide variety of tropical birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes and invertebrates, moving freely among lush vegetation.

Simon Mann, Chester Zoo development director, said: “Natural Vision is the largest development project ever to be undertaken by Chester Zoo, and will ultimately provide an unrivalled visitor experience and make a major contribution to conservation and sustainability.

“We want to work as a part of the wider community and so we would like to share our exciting plans with the people of Chester, Cheshire and beyond and hear their views.

“These forums are an opportunity for us to explain the project in more detail and to unveil some new imagery. We will be sending out newsletters to people in our immediate area and beyond, to update them on our activities and invite them to join in our consultation exercise.”