An animal lover who kept reptiles in his bedroom when he was growing up has finally fulfilled his childhood dream of opening his very own zoo.

Adam Hemsley, 22, from Culverstone, has launched the Hemsley Conservation Centre in Fairseat after his licence was approved by council bosses.

The former Gravesend Grammar School pupil applied to become a zookeeper on New Year’s Day after growing frustrated at the lack of opportunities open at other zoos.

Adam admitted the prospect always appeared to be a fantasy even as enclosures were built and animals, including a crocodile, were brought in from around the country.

He said: “It’s been a whirlwind.

“There are still a few niggly bits left to do but the big stuff is done and I’m pretty excited.

“I never believed this would happen, even when we were putting the buildings up or the animals started arriving.

“Words cannot describe how I’m feeling.”

Animals at the centre include the crocodile, lemurs and the UK’s only Brazilian porcupines. It is hoped that the zoo will expand once it has become established.

Having always had an interest in animals, Adam began volunteering at tourist attractions such as London Zoo and Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire after he left school.

He graduated from Hadlow College last year with a degree in animal management.

In February, KentOnline reported how his licence bid was under consideration, which led to a stream of support from friends, relatives and strangers although he revealed the council did receive one worried phone call.

Adam added: “I think the council had one call asking if lions and tigers would be running about but I personally haven’t received a negative comment.”

The opening on Saturday shows just how far Adam has come since he kept reptiles in his bedroom as a teenager, which eventually led to his parents building an extension to house the creatures.

The zoo will open every day from 10am to 5pm but close an hour earlier on Sunday.