An animal-loving millionaire is needed to buy Gatwick Zoo because the owners are selling-up after 27 years.

It has grown during that time from modest beginnings into a garden zoo where most of the animals are not cooped up in cages but have room to roam around.

The new owner will not only have to find the purchase price of £550,000 but another £200,000 needed for improvements, keeping it up to modern standards.

The British love of animals should ensure a willing taker for an attraction which brings in 70,000 visitors a year.

If not, a few notices plastered around the arrivals hall at nearby Gatwick Airport might attract a wealthy American prepared to take on a fresh challenge.