Pembrokeshire’s Folly Farm has been named the 10th best zoo in the world in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2017.

The attraction was one of only two zoos in the UK to be included in the list, with Chester Zoo taking third place.

The awards are voted for by millions of reviews and opinions from travellers on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period. An algorithm is used to measure the highest rated attractions based on quality and quantity of traveller reviews and opinions on the travel website.

Opening to the public in 1988 with milking and petting attractions, Folly Farm is now home to more than 750 animals, including giraffes, Humboldt penguins, monkeys, rhinos, and a pride of six African lions.

The park was also awarded with a Green Key accreditation earlier this summer in recognition of its commitment to being environmentally responsible, having invested £600,000 in a new biomass system and £250,000 in solar panels to generate electricity for the fairground.

The family business is Wales’ biggest independent visitor attraction, and is committed to helping safeguard the future of endangered and protected species all over the world. Folly Farm is also actively involved in supporting a series of global conservation projects and has recently welcomed a third critically endangered black rhino to its existing herd, as well as a rare Eastern bongo.

Managing director at Folly Farm, Chris Ebsworth, said: “We’re very grateful to have been named the 10th best zoo in the world in this year’s TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, especially as the winners are based on feedback from the reviewers themselves.

“The news was the cherry on top of an amazing August bank holiday weekend for us, as we saw a 12 per cent increase on last year’s bank holiday, which was a great end to a very busy summer. We always welcome customer feedback and act on it wherever possible, and we’re pleased that this commitment has been recognised.

“Our main goal is to provide the best possible experience for our guests, and over the last few years we have spent around £2million per year on infrastructure, maintenance and developments, including the recent investment in our new gift shop and entrance. We will work to continue this progress over the coming years to uphold the zoo’s reputation as one of the best in the world.”

Several new enclosures have also opened over the last four years, including Penguin Coast, Flamingo Lagoon, Pride of Pembrokeshire, Kifaru Rhino Reserve, the sloth and fruit bat enclosure, the bongo and camel house, the African Aviary, and the Jungle Journey development which is home to squirrel monkeys, tamarins and douroucouli monkeys.

For further information please visit www.folly-farm.co.uk