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The Fenn Bell Inn in Hoo to get even bigger

By: Nicola Jordan njordan@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 08 July 2019

Exciting expansion plans have been unveiled for a town's first zoo including more animal enclosures and keeper accommodation.

The five-acre site at The Fenn Bell Inn on the Hoo Peninsula is set to be home for more endangered species if planning permission is given the go-ahead.

Andy Cowell and his wife Kerry took over the pub on the Ratcliffe Highway in 2014 and have gradually built up the menagerie in the grounds.

Lemurs in their enclosure at the Fenn Bell Inn

Medway Council granted them a zoo licence in 2017.

The application includes an overflow car park for the increasingly popular visitor attraction, improved access to the main site and demolition of existing unused buildings.

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The couple started off with pigs, racoons, dogs, parrots, owls and lemurs and they are now looking at providing a home for squirrels and Scottish wildcats.

Andy hopes the expansion will allow for visits from schools which will encourage children to learn more about our native British species.

The new Lemurs enclosure. Picture: Chris Davey

He also plans to work with other zoos and enter his animals into breeding programmes.

His fascination with animals was triggered when he a saw an advert to rehome two kunekune pigs.

He fell in love with Ginger and Spice, but admitted he felt a little anxious about what he was going to tell his wife about the two new members of his family.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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