NOAH’S Ark Zoo Farm has become one of only four zoos in the UK to receive a prestigious green tourism award.

After four years of hard work, the Wraxall attraction has succeeded in gaining a gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

The zoo has been a member of the GTBS since 2009, when it was awarded a silver after its first assessment, and has since invested heavily in renewable energy and waste management systems to make its operations more sustainable.

The most recent grading at the end of 2013 took into account the new developments, particularly the 20-acre Elephant Eden facility which is run by solar power, biomass heating and recycled water.

GTBS assessors were impressed by the financial investment in green projects and also the zoo farm’s work to raise awareness of green issues with visitors.

Owner Anthony Bush said: “As a team we’ve been working hard to develop Noah’s Ark in an environmentally and socially sustainable way, considering local wildlife and the communities in our area.”