Among the new features are a tiered and turfed "amphitheatre" and new water features in the much-loved free flight aviary.

The new amphitheatre will be used as a place for families and school groups to gather when they enter the park and eventually it is hoped it will be the stage for educational talks on the animals in the zoo.

Council's manager of parks and strategic operations Henry Pavitt said work on the area is progressing nicely.

"All the walls have been put in and we're hopefully looking to get that all turfed up and ready for the public for when we hopefully open up in the next few weeks," Mr Pavitt said.

The landscaping of the free flight aviary has also undergone significant changes, with multiple ponds being installed alongside new paths and gardens.

Mr Pavitt says the zoo would be looking at getting more native birds"for the space over the next few weeks, as they await information on the lockdown which will decide when the park can open up again.

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He said he was excited to show off the changes to the public and to see families roaming around the enclosures once again.

"Last year's lockdown saw a lot of development and changes at the zoo and the feedback was very positive," Mr Pavitt said.

"We're hoping it will be received the same for these new sections when we can and so open up to the public."

The park manager said a "small positive" of the lockdown was being able to conduct the works without having to worry about visitors to the zoo.

Upgrades to nearly each enclosure have also been put in place over the past 12 months, with works being paid for through the zoo's existing maintenance budget.

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