Paul O'Grady's funeral is set to take place at Port Lympne Safari Park, https://dogcaretip101.blogspot.com/ where he was a regular visitor.
The Mail on Sunday can reveal plans are under way to mark his life at the reserve, owned by conservationist Damian Aspinall, as those close to him believe he would have wanted the animals he adored to 'be around'.
O'Grady lived in the Kent village of Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne.
His ties to the reserve were so close that he even judged competitions for them.
It is thought there will be a service at a nearby church before a celebration of the drag queen-turned-broadcaster is held at the venue.
One source said: 'Paul loved Port Lympne.
He got to know some of its residents very well and it was thought by his nearest and dearest that it would be a beautiful idea to hold his funeral there so they are in attendance, too. Staff hope they can do him proud.'
O'Grady lived in the Kent village of Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne
Paul O'Grady's funeral is set to take place at Port Lympne Safari Park in Hythe, Kent