DZG is delighted at the decision by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to place the site's 12 iconic Tectons on an international list of buildings in need of protection. Fellow sites to share the status include Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal and the Cathedral of St James in Jerusalem.

Constructed by renowned Russian-born architect, Berthold Lubetkin, DZG holds the world's largest collection of Tectons. The organic concrete structures were designed primarily to house animals and the site was described as the 'most modern zoo in Europe . . . a zoo without bars' when it opened to the public in 1937.

CEO Peter Suddock said: "We have been working closely with the 20th Century Society and English Heritage for almost two years and this is the culmination of those efforts - to ensure a global focus on the world's largest collection of Tecton buildings.

This announcement puts us on the world map and will help us get funds for the restoration of these important buildings.

They have long been recognised as architecturally important structures and our much acclaimed launch of Lion Ridge has proved they can be adapted and used for their original purposes; as enclosures and housing for some of the world's rarest animals."

Lion Ridge, a £500,000 wraparound enclosure and paddocks for highly endangered Asian lions, incorporates the site's iconic Tecton Birdhouse in its innovative design and opened to the public Easter 2009.

Mr Suddock added: "The decision was made in New York and several high profile bodies, including the 20th Century Society, have been wholly supportive and highly complimentary."

The UK 2010 World Monuments Watch announcement was made by WMF Britain at a reception at Bedford Square, London, attended by Mr Suddock.

He added: "Our aim now is for the Tectons to become internationally recognised which will help us to secure funding, which was the whole purpose of the World Monuments Fund exercise.

Coupled with a Scheduled Monument, the 11th century Dudley Castle, and a 20-acre zoo set on an historic wooded hillside of geological importance with limestone caverns, the Tectons make DZG a unique attraction and truly deserving of world status."

Jon Wright of the 20th Century (C20) Society, said: "C20 is extremely pleased that Dudley Zoo is on the Watchlist for 2010 - the only C20 site to make it.

"Undervalued nationally this unique, experimental development by a world class practice truly deserves the wider recognition and fame that the Watchlist will inevitably give it."

The 12 Tectons include: Queen Mary Restaurant, Elephant House, Kiosks 1 and 2; Sealion Pool, Bear Ravine, Safari Cafe, Reptiliary, Birdhouse, Moat Cafe, Zoo Entrance and Polar Bear Triple Complex.

The announcement coincides with the launch of a book, Towers and Tectons; A View from the Hill, written by DZG historian, Jill Hitchman. Copies, priced at £15 are available from DZG's Safari Shop, online or by calling 01384 215 313.

More information is available on the BBC website - click here to visit their Black Country page.