Banham Zoo's Penguin Cove has been recognised at a national awards ceremony.
The enclosure, which was revamped and opened in May last year, won in the Exhibit Design category at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums Awards.
The enclosure was designed by the zoo's CEO Martin Goymour and construction manager Charles Snowling.
It more than doubled the amount of space for the African black-footed penguins to enjoy and a new visitor boardwalk was added with the intention to create a more intimate and inspiring view for visitors.
The association was also celebrating its 50th anniversary at the event held at Marwell Wildlife in Hampshire earlier this month.
Gary Batters, the Zoological Society of East Anglia's director of conservation and education, said: 'We are naturally delighted that the excellent design, construction and conservation messaging of Penguin Cove has been recognised by our peers, but most importantly we have also improved the welfare of our birds and our guests experience when they visit.'
The penguins themselves gave the enclosure a huge vote of approval. The first chicks hatched less than three months after moving in.
The enclosure cost about £80,000 and was funded totally through donations and fundraising activities held by the zoo, such as a charity ball and fun run.
The zoo currently cares for 21 African penguins. They are classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as an endangered species. The zoo has distributed penguins to several other zoos in the UK and Europe.
For more information about the zoo visit http://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/
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