A new pump room and filtration system designed to enhance an existing sea lion habitat are part of a £1m (US$1.22m, €1.1m) upgrade programme announced by Blair Drummond Safari Park, in Stirling, Scotland.

The family-owned park has invested more than £7m (US$8.54m, €7.73m) over the last ten years to ensure it meets the standards laid down by BIAZA and EAZA ‒ the British and Irish, and European zoo and aquarium associations.

The sea lion enclosure is one of the most popular attractions at Blair Drummond. In recent years, it has added a drive-through macaque exhibit, Pets Farm walk-through area, new elephant house, antelope housing, and the installation of biomass heating for its large mammal houses.

Blair Drummond supports conservation programmes such as the European Endangered Species breeding programme and provides learning experiences for visitors on areas such as animal care and the environment.

Park manager Gary Gilmour commented: "This work has been in the pipeline for three years and is part of an ongoing schedule of improvement plans taken in consultation with staff and animal health specialists.

"Our love of animals is what drives our day-to-day activities, so this is exciting news for our keepers, the wider Blair Drummond team and the 400,000 visitors who flock to Blair Drummond each year."