RESIDENTS got their first look inside the borough’s newest habitat as the Living Planet Centre opened the doors to its WWF Experience to the public for the first time.

The WWF Experience is an interactive exhibition that brings to life the secrets of the natural world, and the threats it faces.

Support Care Team staff, including Grace O’Donnell and Stuart Woods, were on hand to tell people more about the headquarters.

Black and white paint was well stocked and with good reason – many guests jumping at the chance to be transformed into the charity’s famous panda logo.

WWF-UK Chief Executive David Nussbaum was also in attendance as excited visitors ran the rule over the four pods stationed in the building’s reception area.

At the heart of the WWF Experience are the collection of interactive zones, each focusing on one key theme: forests, rivers, oceans and wildlife. Each zone allows guests to experience first-hand the sights, sounds and sometimes even the smells of their diverse natural environments.

Taking her seven-year-old son Michael along on the day was Ruth Jones, who admits to being taken aback by the impact of the eco-friendly building.

She said: “It is unlike anything we have visited as a family before and it is great to know they have put an emphasis on education and interaction with the next generation. Our effects on the planet are going to affect them more than it will us, so the fact the Living Planet Centre are taking steps to address pressing environmental issues is positive.”

Polly the Panda, the centre’s mascot, kept kids entertained and made sure to pose for pictures and hand out all important bear hugs.

Video recordings, including footage of Sir David Attenborough as he delivered his opening ceremony speech at the centre back in November, ran throughout the day.