Drusillas Zoo Animals Receive Small-Screen Stardom In New Season Of ITV’s Grace

Local crime thriller fans may have spotted some familiar ‘faces’ when tuning in to the latest series of ITV’s Grace, which aired yesterday (Sunday) – the animals at Drusillas Zoo Park.

Viewers will have to wait until the fourth episode airs on September 22 to find out the plot, but Drusillas can reveal that their meerkats, monkeys, and two of the Zoo’s snakes – Maize and Ravana – all got their moment in the spotlight and may be visible briefly on screen.

Sharp-eyed viewers might also spy Drusillas zookeeper, Claudia Farley, who secured an appearance as an extra in the thrilling crime series, based on novels penned by Sussex author Peter James.

Drusillas also shares a few behind the scenes snaps of the production in action.

When Drusillas was approached last year by the production team for the hit series, who were on the hunt for a ‘wildlife park’ location, they jumped at the chance to be involved.

Traditionally, the series features famous and loved local attractions and landmarks in Brighton and the surrounding areas, and they were keen for Drusillas to be the backdrop for this story.

 In September 2023, hundreds of crew members arrived in lorries through the night to set up a ‘base camp’ for the two-day shoot.

Set build included a total rebrand of Drusillas, with the art department creating new signage for animal habitats, and the wardrobe team rustling up new uniforms.

Every tiny detail was meticulously considered to create that TV magic, ensuring everything was ready for the actors to arrive on set to sprinkle some stardust throughout the zoo as they filmed spine-tingling scenes for the crime drama.

Drusillas Managing Director, Cassie Poland, commented:

“It was incredibly exciting to be involved in filming, and we were honoured to be asked. Many of our team are fans of Grace and there was a real buzz at the Park when they were here with everyone trying to sneak a peek at what was happening.

 “The operation was the biggest we’ve ever had here so it took lots of planning and organisation.

"Our animal team were heavily involved in the months leading up to the shoot, to advise during pre-production on what was possible with the animals involved, and present during the shoot to oversee and supervise – and even star in some of the scenes!

"Although hundreds of crew members, huge lorries, and endless equipment arrived and sets were built in several areas, the crew were so seamless, they left within a couple of hours of wrapping without a trace, it was like they were never there!”

If you want to know ‘whodunnit’ at Drusillas, tune into ITV on September 22.

Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am.

For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk