MARWELL Zoo is unveiling its multi-million-pound state-of-the-art Tropical House – and it’s the first in the UK to be powered by waste.

The zoo’s new immersive and sustainable centre opens to the public for the first time on Monday.

Spanning two levels, guests can experience face-to-face encounters with a diversity of wildlife and exotic plants in a tropical climate, while learning about the flow of energy through life.

Its lush canopy, cascading waterfall and bustling forest floor are home to a charismatic sloth, mouse deer, pygmy marmosets, tortoises and free-flying birds. There is also a 70,000-litre aquarium with 2,500 fish, a crocodile monitor lizard and leaf-cutter ants.

Supported by a £1.5m Local Growth Fund investment by Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, the exhibit is part of a 10-year, £17m investment plan to create improved habitats for animals, more immersive experiences for guests and to help the zoo achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2020.

James Cretney, zoo chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to open this groundbreaking new exhibit which marks a very proud and important moment in our history.

“The unique combination of visitor experience and innovative green-technology creates a compelling story, throwing a spotlight on promoting alternative, renewable forms of energy.

“We hope guests, both young and old, can learn more, and feel inspired to join us in doing their bit to make a difference too.”

The zoo plans to use tonnes of animal waste – dung, soiled bedding and leftover hay – for renewable energy.

The project uses a woodchip boiler that will be supplemented by a specialist boiler capable of burning straw-based animal manure later this year, to provide heating for buildings across the zoo.