Plans to introduce a petting zoo to keep customers calm at Heathrow's beleaguered T5 have been criticised by environmental campaigners.

The decision to introduce the zoo comes after a series of flight cancellations and problems with the terminal's high-tech baggage handling system since it opened to passengers last Thursday.

Airport officials hope the zoo's introduction - which will cost around £500,000 a year - will help calm stressed passengers and entertain children.

Animals expected to be introduced into the zoo are squirrel monkeys, three donkeys, a family of dwarf rabbits, a ring-tailed coati, a swarm of rats and a group of ferrets.

Activists, who are already at the site protesting against Heathrow's expansion, attacked the plan saying it was tantamount to animal abuse.

Protestor and ferret lover George Fesnyng said: "It's disgusting. I think dumping these poor beasts into the terminal surrounded by all these stressed passengers will probably cause these poor animals to panic - it could even cause a stampede."

He added: "I think it's very dangerous to have ferrets around all that machinery. Although they generally make great pets they are known for their love of chewing."

But the airport defended the plan saying the benefits to passengers outweighed the activists' fears.

A spokesman said: "Patient comfort and safety at Heathrow is our top priority. We think this petting zoo will be a welcome addition to the airport's entertainment facilities which already include a number of restaurants and shops.

"Concerns that the animals could escape and damage delicate equipment are without foundation."