Maximum Fun Holdings (MFH), the group which operates Crealy Great Adventure Park in Devon, has been successful in its application to the local authority for a Zoo Licence.

Devon County Council's decision to grant the licence will allow MFH to add exotic animals to the existing visitor offer at the attraction near Exeter. A breeding pair of meerkats have become the first animals to go on show at Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park, with marmoset monkeys due to arrive at the park in due course.

MFH managing director Rod Pearson said: "To receive our licence we have had to meet stringent criteria and ensure we have the resources to meet conservation standards at the zoo, as well as suitable habitat and the means to protect and care for the animals." Meanwhile, MFH has also confirmed that it has submitted plans for a 138-plot caravan and camping site that is to be built adjacent to its Devon theme park.

Pearson added: "This is a [project] which has gained local support due to a further enhancement of Devon's tourism facilities." MFH also operates the Crealy Great Adventure Park in Cornwall.