Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxhall, Bristol, has come under fire from a number of animal welfare charities over its plans to create one of the UK's largest elephant enclosures.

The attraction has revealed plans to create an enclosure covering an area of up to 12 acres (4.9 hectares) in size, which will accommodate up to 10 elephants. Work is expected to get underway in 2012-13.

However, the scheme has been met with concern by the RSPCA, the Born Free Foundation (BFF) and Animal Defenders International, as well as the Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS).

RSPCA senior scientist Dr Ros Clubb said: "It is clear elephants do not fare well in zoos and we believe it would be highly irresponsible to introduce yet more of the animals to such a damaging environment.

"We remain to be convinced that any European zoo could provide a suitable environment for these and other behavioural needs and have urged Anthony Bush, the director of Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, not to proceed with his proposals."

In response to the criticism, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm revealed that it had already consulted with the BFF and RSPCA over the plans, which the attraction said had both made "encouraging comments".

A spokesperson for the zoo said: "We are disappointed that both the RSPCA and Born Free appear to be distancing themselves from the encouraging comments made when they visited and spoke face-to-face with [zoo] staff. We have never intended to misrepresent either charity by claiming they support elephants in captivity, because this is against their widely known stance.

"However, we want to draw the public's attention to the extra effort we are making and which has been recognised, to ensure any elephants homed at Noah's Ark will be given the best of care and will benefit from a very large, modern, well-equipped enclosure where daily enrichment and expert care is the main focus."