Marwell Zoo is set to celebrate Love Your Zoo Week with a host of activities.

The event, which is part of a nationwide initiative led by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), will run from May 24 to June 1.

The week aims to highlight the important work zoos do, from saving endangered species to educating future conservationists.

At Marwell, there will be an Explorer Passport Trail, where young adventurers can collect animal rubbings from around the park.

Crafts, trails, and keeper talks mark family-friendly zoo festivitiesCrafts, trails, and keeper talks mark family-friendly zoo festivities (Image: Marwell Wildlife) There will also be meet-the-expert sessions, where visitors can learn from the zoo's expert keepers about the animals and the zoo's conservation efforts.

Daily craft sessions will run from 11am to 4pm, where visitors can create a Love Your Zoo badge.

The zoo's newest arrivals, Pasha the Amur tiger and Zaya the snow leopard, will also be part of the week's activities.

There will be face painting in the Giraffe House throughout the week, allowing children to transform into their favourite animals.

Meet-the-expert talks offer rare insights into Marwell’s residentsMeet-the-expert talks offer rare insights into Marwell’s residents (Image: Marwell Wildlife) Visitors are encouraged to share their photos on social media, tagging Marwell Zoo.

A Wildlife Art Exhibition, hosted by Marwell International Wildlife Art Society, will be held in Marwell Hall from May 23 to May 26.

The exhibition will feature more than 250 pieces of artwork from over 70 artists, all celebrating the animal kingdom.

Visitors can also browse the Art Market for pieces to take home and participate in children's craft activities.

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Nicky Cole, senior events manager at Marwell Zoo, said: "Love Your Zoo Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase all the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes to protect animals and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

"We’ve planned a week packed with activities, creativity and adventure, and there is something for everyone to enjoy."

The zoo's new café, The Keeper’s Kitchen, will be serving locally sourced food, and there will be the option to upgrade to afternoon tea in Marwell Hall from May 28 to June 1.

Visitors are encouraged to download the free Marwell Zoo app for maps, animal feed times, and the latest news during their visit.