Zoo News
Find out about all the things that have been happening at the Welsh Mountain Zoo:
February 2012
Love was is in the Air
Love was in the air at the Zoo during the February half term and to celebrate a week of Valentines themed activities were held from Monday 13th Febraury to Sunday 19th February.
There were lots of lovely leisures for visitors to participate in; including a love birds hunt, love your bugs sessions, make your own love bug crafts and make your own love heart treats for the Macaws and Amazon Parrots.
Love Birds Hunt Trail Competition Results
Congratulations to Poppy Hookings aged 9. Poppy successfully followed the clues around the Zoo to find the love birds and the missing letters which formed the name of a species of animal at the Zoo. She has won a hamper of ‘love’ly goodies.
For the answers to the Love Birds Hunt Trail please click here
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would also like to express their thanks to all other entrants that participated in the competition.
December 2011
3rd Rhos on Sea Scouts Donate Handmade Bird Boxes
The wild bird population residing in woodland areas at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – the National Zoo of Wales received an early Christmas present of nesting boxes courtesy of a generous donation from the 3rd Rhos on Sea Scouts group.
In order to secure their environment and partnership badges 19 scouts, all aged between 10 and 14 years old, worked hard for over 3 weeks to build and assemble a total of 15 bird nest boxes.
Members of the wild bird population, including blue tits, great tits and nuthatches, will especially welcome the addition of these boxes in the coming spring as a place to start a family.
On Tuesday 20th December members of the Rhos on Sea Scouts Group, presented the donated bird boxes to the Zoo.
Welsh Mountain Zoo Senior Keeper, Simon Killick said,
“We are really grateful for such a kind donation. At nesting times during the spring it is really important for the birds to have a place where they feel safe and secure. The Zoo grounds are home to a number of native British species and we are continuously looking for ways to maintain Biodiversity. ”
August 2011
First North Wales Walk Through Lemur Enclosure
Work on an exciting new project has now begun at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales. A walk through Lemur enclosure – which will be the first of its kind in North Wales, will provide visitors with the opportunity to get within metres of the inquisitive Lemurs.
The enclosure will be 900 square metres in size and will comprise of a raised walkway running through to a central viewing platform. There will also be a designated area of the enclosure partitioned off specifically for an endangered species of Lemur in order to implement and encourage a conservation breeding programme.
It will be home to a group of two species of Lemurs – as of yet the exact species remain undecided. There are believed to be as many as 100 species and subspecies of Lemurs in the wild and at present keepers at the Zoo are consulting with other UK Zoos in order to determine which species will be most suitable.
The development has been made possible thanks to a generous donation of funds by Mr John Blewett – a life member of the Zoological Society of Wales Association.
It is anticipated that work on the enclosure will be completed by late September.
Zoological Director Nick Jackson said, “We are really excited as we await the arrival of lemurs at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in the autumn of 2011. This will be the first time that these wonderful primates from Madagascar have been seen here. It is particularly pleasing that a generous financial donation from our friend and supporter Mr John Blewett has made this development possible and enabled us to combine a walk-through lemur encounter for the public with a conservation breeding unit.”
Lemurs are a particular group of primates found in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. There are at least 8 species of Lemur on the critically endangered list and 18 species on the endangered species list. Lemurs are primative primates, or prosimians. They are very social animals with long arms and legs, flexible toes and fingers, and long noses. The main threat to lemurs today is habitat loss, as continuously people are clearing their native forests for use as farm land.
June 2011
Welsh Mountain Zoo Wildlife Art Competiton
Here are some of the entries for this years Wildlife Art competition which were on display in the Zoo’s Safari Restaurant. The prize giving evening took place on 30th June 2011 in which a number of schools and groups were awarded for their efforts.
For the full list of Schools & Groups that participated in the Wildlife Art Competition please click here
For the Wildlife Art Competition Results and the list of winners please click here
Love Your Zoo Week
Snow Leopards strutted their stuff, Flamingoes fanned their feathers and Californian Sea Lions flaunted their flippers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo during Love Your Zoo week.
The campaign ran from Monday, May 30 to Sunday, June 5 and was launched this year by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Its aim was to encourage people to visit their local BIAZA zoos and aquariums and to not only have a great day out, but also learn just how much they do for conservation, education and research.
More than 70 zoos, aquariums and wildlife centres across the UK participated and there was an array of fun filled activities on offer for visitors here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo.
Throughout the week there were opportunities for visitors to hear some interesting facts and learn more about the animals we have at the Zoo, during a variety of ‘meet the Keeper’ talks. As well as this, there was a Poster Presentation showing how the Zoo has developed over the years into the National Zoo of Wales as it is today. Visitors also joined in the fun by making their own ‘Love your Zoo’ badges and nail art and also participated in a Treasure Trail.
Love Your Zoo Nail Art & Badge MakingLove Your Zoo Bearded Dragon Meet the Keeper SessionLove Your Zoo Hermann’s Tortoise Meet the Keeper SessionLove Your Zoo Meerkat Meet the Keeper SessionLove Your Zoo Poster Presentation DisplayLove Your Zoo Nail ArtLove Your Zoo Badge
Love Your Zoo Treasure Trail
Congratulations to Erin Hornsby aged 7. Erin successfully followed the clues around the Zoo to find the all the correct answers to the Treasure Trail. Erin has now won a hamper of Welsh Mountain Zoo Goodies.
For the answers to the Treasure Trail please click here
Volunteers Week
Volunteers’ Week was held from 1st June 2010 – 7th June 2011.
Volunteers’ week was set in place to acknowledge outstanding volunteers in the county of Conwy and to give them the recognition they deserve.
Here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo we congratulated and paid particular thanks to Angela Stevenson, Leanne Caffery and Gillian Green.
Angela, Leanne and Gillian have been volunteers in the Animal Department here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo for over two years. As a result of this, their hard work was acknowledged in the form of a certificate from Conwy Volunteer Centre on behalf of the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).
Angela Stevenson and Leanne Caffery being presented with their awards by Sue Coleman – Education Officer Gillian Green with her Volunteers Award
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would like to pay thanks to all our Volunteers’ for not only donating their time, but for also helping us to meet and fulfill our objectives.
April 2011
Prince & Princess Make a Splash at Welsh Mountain Zoo
A pair of Humboldt Penguin chicks arrived at Colwyn Bay’s Welsh Mountain Zoo just in time for the Royal Wedding.
The youngsters will soon be set to emerge from their burrows to captivate and thrill Zoo visitors as they explore their enclosure of which they will share with a total of 16 other Humboldt Penguins.
Keepers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – the National Zoo of Wales are delighted with their current progress and in honour of the recent royal wedding and fellow North Wales residents, have decided to name the chicks William and Kate.
Both weighing a whopping 800 grams (28 ounces) and measuring 20 centimetres (8 inches) the chicks are already growing at a rapid pace. They will reach around 4700 grams (166 ounces) and 65-70 centimetres (25-28 inches) when fully grown.
Both sets of parents were born at the Zoo. First time Mum and Dad to William – Fluffy and Shell – aged 5 and 7 years – have settled into their role well and are enjoying the challenges parenthood brings. For female Humboldt Yoshi and male Humboldt Pudding, raising a new born chick is almost second nature as the experienced parents have now successfully raised 3 young.
Penguin Keeper Zoe Sweetman said, “I am delighted with the progress of the chicks. It is always satisfying to see chicks being raised by their parents especially when the adults have not done it before in the case of Fluffy and Shell. Given the excitement surrounding the hatching of our Penguins and the Royal Wedding we thought it was only fitting to name them after William and Kate.”
The Humboldt Penguin is a South American Penguin, breeding in coastal Peru and Chile. The Humboldt Penguin nests on islands and rocky coasts, burrowing holes in guano. The current status of this Penguin is vulnerable due to over-fishing and the current population is estimated to be between 3,300 and 12,000.
EAZA Ape Campaign – Guess the Weight of the Gorilla Competition
Congratulations to Jac Williams aged 6 from Abergele. Jac successfully guessed the Gorilla’s closet weight and has now won his very own Ape fluffy toy.
Easter Egg Hunt Trail
Congratulations to Ellie Dickenson aged 8. Ellie successfully followed the clues around the Zoo to find the Eggs and the missing letters which formed the name of a species of animal at the Zoo. Ellie has now won a hamper of Welsh Mountain Zoo Goodies.
For the answers to the Easter Hunt please click here
February 2011
February Fun Day Competition Results
Congratulations to Holly Hughes aged 11. Holly successfully followed the clues around the Zoo to find the balloons and the missing letters which formed the name of a species of animal at the Zoo. Holly has won two tickets to the opening night of “Footloose”, courtesy of the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.
For the answers to the Balloon Hunt please click here
Congratulations to Corey James Wynne aged 5. Corey successfully guessed the correct amount of balloons in the jar and has won 25 free swimming sessions, courtesy of the Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre.
For the answer to the amount of balloons in the jar please click here
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would also like to express their thanks to all other entrants that participated in both competitions.
January 2011
Real Radio Wales Presenters – Jagger and Woody Visited the Zoo on their World Tour of North Wales
On Wednesday 5th January, breakfast show presenters Jagger and Woody stopped off for a visit to the Zoo during their world tour of North Wales. Whilst at the Zoo, both Jagger and Woody took part in a Meerkat encounter and got to see a unique Sea Lion show.
See more of what they got up to on the Real Radio Wales website.
December 2010
Willow Works Wonders for Animals
Animals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo received an early Christmas present of Willow cuttings courtesy of a generous donation from Conwy County Borough Council.
Many animals at the Zoo, including the Bactrian Camels, Przewalski Wild Horses and the Fallow Deer, welcomed the addition of Willow leaves, barks and shoots to their diet.
The cuttings are also being used as an enrichment tool, providing a more natural way for the animals to source their food and additionally aiding mental and physical stimulation.
On Saturday 11th December members of Conwy CBC, along with the Old Colwyn Scouts and Beavers Group, presented the donated willow cuttings to the Zoo. The Scouts and Beavers also got to sample first hand one way in which the willow is put to good use when they fed shoots and bark to the Camels.
Mike Priestley, Conwy County Councillor and Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment, said,
“We were very happy to help and support the Welsh Mountain Zoo with their endeavours to enhance the enrichment of their animals. It is also important to stress the benefits and gains that can come from recycling the tree cuttings we make.”
Welsh Mountain Zoo Collection Manager, Peter Litherland added, “We are really thankful for such a kind donation. The willow cuttings will not only be used to stimulate a number of our animals, but they will also benefit their diets significantly. I’m sure our Camels in particular will really enjoy getting their teeth into these tasty treats. ”
November 2010
International Red Panda Day
The Welsh Mountain Zoo took part in International Red Panda day on Saturday 13th November this year. The fine weather meant that there were a good number of visitors in the Zoo. Red Panda colouring sheets were available for children throughout the day and there was a talk at the Red Panda enclosure in the afternoon. Keeper Tom Lawrence took some bamboo into the enclosure and introduced our two Red Pandas Ming Ming and Bron. Education Officer Sue Coleman provided more information on the threats facing Red Pandas in the wild and there was an opportunity to do a quiz. The winner of the quiz was Rowena Davies from Old Colwyn who has won a Red Panda adoption for one year.
Launch of Meic at the Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Assembly Government launched an advice and advocacy helpline for children aged 7 years and under at the Education Centre in the Zoo on Monday 8th November. The service was launched with the help of BBC Newsreader Sian Lloyd, characters from the TV Show Hana’s Helpline and the Zoo’s Education Officer Sue Coleman.
As part of the launch at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, pupils from Ysgol Bodafon school in Llandudno watched and discussed a short film made in conjunction with TV company Calon about the problems which are worrying the animals in the TV programme ‘Hana’s Helpline. Hana is a duck who helps the other animals with their problems and during the visit the Education Officer introduced to some of the animals which feature in the programme. The children then also had the opportunity to meet some of the other animals in the zoo including the Pygmy Goats on the Childrens Farm.
Children under the age of seven as well as young people under 25 can get in touch with Meic by free phone (080880 23456), free text (84001) or instant message seven days a week.
October 2010
Halloween Spooktacular Results
Congratulations to Angel Briscoe, aged 3. Angel successfully won first prize in the Pumpkin Carving competition for her attempt to make her Pumpkin look like a witch. Jennifer Dick, aged 6, took second place with her Pumpkin that looked like a Cheshire Cat and Faith Parry, aged 4, won third prize with her Pumpkin handbag.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would like to express their sincere thanks to all entrants in the Pumpkin Carving Competition as the donated pumpkins also aided in the enrichment and the diet of the Chimpanzees and the European Brown Bears during afternoon feeding times on Sunday 31st October.
Congratulations to Elena Barham, aged 7. Elena managed to identify which category each of the 12 animals on the Spooky Halloween Trail fell into and was chosen as the winner on the 1st November. She is now the proud owner of her very own fluffy Spider soft toy.
For the answers to the Spooky Halloween Trail please click here
Congratulations to Jack and Charlie McKinney, aged 5 and 3. Jack and Charlie successfully followed the clues around the Zoo to find the eyeballs and the missing letters which formed the name of a species of animal at the Zoo. Charlie and Jack are now also very proud owners of their very own fluffy Spider Soft toy.
For the answers to the Halloween Eyeball Hunt please click here
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would also like to express their thanks to all other entrants that participated in both competitions.
September 2010
Fundraiser – a Great Success!
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would like to express our sincere thanks to Thomas Wright.
At the end of September, Thomas organised and held a music night at the Offa’s Tavern,’ in Prestatyn in order to raise funds for the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s Tropical House Appeal. The acts involved on the night included ‘The Gecko Blasters,’ ‘Deaf Sheriff,’ ‘The Hormones,’ and ‘Laura Lyn Ogden’. The headlining act was ‘Ugly Harmonies,’ for whom Thomas is a guitarist along with Mikey Pennington, Rob Goodier, Sean Finnigan and Richard Williams.
The night proved to be a tremendous success and saw over 110 people attending. Thanks to the great efforts of everyone involved, a grand total of £222.56 was made on the night.
Thomas said,
“It was a fantastic evening and I felt it was important to try and help the Zoo as much as possible in whatever small way I could.”
To find out more about Ugly Harmonies visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Ugly-Harmonies/137602792937948
Animals at Welsh Mountain Zoo go wild for Waitrose food
Thanks to a kind donation animals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo will soon be tucking into fruit and veg that’s past its best from Waitrose in Menai Bridge.
The Zoo will collect waste produce from its local Waitrose store twice a week, and will be feeding a range of exotic animals such as Chimpanzees, Lar Gibbons ,Spider Monkeys, European Brown Bears and Camels to Macaws, Rabbits, Porcupines and Ostriches.
The animal fare is set to include fruits such as grapes, figs, papaya and kiwi.
Waitrose Menai Bridge Manager, Gareth Hind, comments,
“It’s the first initiative of its kind at Waitrose, and one that we are delighted to support. The Welsh Mountain Zoo has a fantastic education and conservation programme to help visitors understand the importance of the wonderful animals that they look after, and hopefully this support will mean that they will be able to extend their work.
“The lion’s share of Waitrose food waste goes to anaerobic digestion plants where its converted into reusable energy. However, this local initiative is a great way to complement our programme of reducing food waste whilst helping our local zoo.”
Chris Jackson, Welsh Mountain Zoo Administrative Director, says,
“The food produce donated by Waitrose will make a significant contribution to the upkeep of the wonderful animals in our care, many of which are part of co-ordinated conservation breeding programmes. We are very grateful to Waitrose for this practical support for our charitable objectives.”
A Chimpanzee tucking into the first of the kind donations. Photograph by Keith Meatheringham – Picture © Dobson Agency.co.uk Welsh Mountain Zoo Head Keeper – Michelle Pywell & Waitrose Store Manager – Gareth Hind with the Meerkats. Photograph by Keith Meatheringham – Picture © Dobson Agency.co.uk
August 2010
P-P-P-Penguin P-P-P-Proposal
On Tuesday 24th August at 2:00pm, Ben Smith overcame his nerves to propose to his girlfriend Sarah Evans during a Penguin Encounter here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales.
Ben, 24 and Sarah, 26, met by chance whilst travelling around Australia nearly 4 years ago. On October 11th 2006, a surprise Birthday party was thrown for Ben by his brother and two other travelling companions in Brisbane. Sarah, staying in the same accommodation, was invited to the party and it was love at first sight. The pair then continued to travel around Australia together.
On arrival back into the UK they were inseparable, so, Nursery Nurse, Sarah left her home in Romford and moved to Bournemouth to be with carpenter Ben.
During the Encounter Ben and Sarah got to both meet and feed the Humboldt Penguins. A concealed bucket was then passed to Sarah containing a heart shaped box, specially made by Ben, to encase the ring.
Sarah said of the surprise proposal,
“After feeding some of the Penguins Ben handed me another bucket which I presumed would contain more fish. But when I opened the lid I saw the heart shaped box and noticed that Ben had bent down on one knee. Then he read a poem to me and I was so shocked I immediately started crying.
It was completely out of the blue. I really love Penguins anyway so I was really pleased when Ben told me we were going to meet and feed them. But then when he proposed that was really something else!”
Ben added,
“I knew Sarah would enjoy the whole experience and I had a good idea of how I wanted it to go in my head. I’m just so happy and thankful all went to plan. ”
Rooney Predicted Premier
Six year old Rooney, the youngest Sea Lion in the group of Californian Sea Lions at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay has developed a real rapport with Zoo visitors, regularly throwing them a frisbee and other toys. Wondering whether Rooney had more to say – and inspired by Germany’s Paul the Octopus’s World Cup heroics – keeper Vicki Venton developed a prediction game using coloured balls and starting with the local weather forecast.
With an 80% success rate Zoo managers decided to set the precocious Sea Lion a real challenge – predicting the winners (or draws) of the first weekend’s fixtures in the Premier League – ten matches in total.
On Thursday 12th August Vicki and Rooney’s keepers completed the prediction process throwing named balls – beginning with Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City – into the Sea Lion pool in threes.
Indecisive on some but quick on other, Rooney ensured the predictions were deliberated accurately. The psychic Sea Lions predictions were:
- Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur Win
- Aston Villa v West Ham United Draw
- Blackburn Rovers v Everton Everton Win
- Bolton Wanderers v Fulham Fulham Win
- Sunderland v Birmingham City Birmingham City Win
- Wigan Athletic v Blackpool Wigan Athletic Win
- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City Draw
- Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion Draw
- Liverpool v Arsenal Draw
- Manchester United v Newcastle United Draw
Unfortunately Rooney only managed to predict one outcome correct, that of Sunday’s game between Liverpool and Arsenal being a draw.
Welsh Mountain Zoo Administrative Director Chris Jackson said,
“He is clearly out of form and it doesn’t appear that Football is his strong point after all. It may be because all the Football Clubs are in England. For now he can stick to weather forecasting but we will put his skills to the test again when Wales are playing International Rugby.”
July 2010
Pygmy Goats are Named
After receiving numerous entries, names for the Pygmy Goat Siblings have now been found!
Congratulations to Jac and Wil Scott, aged 7 and 6, from Wrexham. The boys successfully entered the names of “Sooty and Sweep,” and will now get the opportunity to both meet and bottle feed the goats at the Children’s Farm.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would also like to express their thanks to all other entrants that participated in the competition.
Pygmy Goat Siblings Arrive at the Zoo
A pair of playful Pygmy Goats are the latest arrivals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales.
Born on 21st February 2010, the youngsters arrived from a collection at the Tropical Butterfly House in Sheffield and have quickly settled into their enclosure on the Children’s Farm.
Now at just over 4 months old, the brother and sister weigh 10kg approximately and measure 54cm in height. They are both expected to reach 41-58cm in height when fully grown and will weigh around 23kg.
Children’s Farm Keeper, Denice Garnett said of the young siblings,
“They have both adapted really well into their new enclosure at the Zoo and are already making their presence known amongst the other residents on the Children’s Farm. They are extremely playful and friendly and I can see them being a big hit with the children this summer.”
Pygmy Goats originate in the Cameroon Valley of West Africa. Known as ‘kids’ – young Pygmy Goats have been domesticated as pets for a number of years. They have a life span of 8-10 years and live in large ‘herds’ in the Wild.
June 2010
EAZA European Carnivore Campaign
After two years the Carnivore Campaign has now closed. Thanks to all who supported this great cause at the Welsh Mountain Zoo. For more details please see: www.carnivorecampaign.eu
The Zoo has also signed up to support and particpate in the next EAZA Campaign which will be for Great Ape Conservation and more details will be posted in due course.
Welsh Mountain Zoo Wildlife Art Competiton
Here are some of the entries for this years Wildlife Art competition which were on display in the Zoo’s Safari Restaurant. The prize giving evening took place on 22nd June 2010 in which a number of schools and groups were awarded for their efforts.
National Insect Week
National Insect Week took place during 21st June 2010 – 27th June 2010.
Primrose Hill School in Salford took part in a bug hunt here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo during National Insect Week.
The event was organised by Phd Student Cathleen Thomas and the Zoo in order to encourage both adults and children to learn more about the diversity of insects we have on this planet.
(Cathleen can be seen examining one of the bugs found – below)
Tiger Competition Winner is Announced
Congratulations to Emily Crabbe, aged 4, from Preston. Emily’s bright and colourful Tiger Mask was chosen as the winner of the Tiger Mask Competition and will now be on display in the Zoo’s Media Centre.
Biodiversity Week
Biodiversity Week took place over 5th June 2010 – 13th June 2010, with events taking place all over Conwy.
Here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, the teenagers of the Junior Board section of the Zoo Club undertook a bee survey in and around the grounds of the Zoo. Along with this, they went on to successfully make a Bumblebee home from a variety of materials including plants pots, straw, chicken wire and hose pipe. The group also planted some wildflower seeds to provide pollen and nectar for the bees.
Volunteers’ Week
Volunteers’ Week was held from 1st June 2010 – 7th June 2010.
Volunteers’ week was set in place to acknowledge outstanding volunteers in the county of Conwy and to give them the recognition they deserve.
Here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo we congratulated and paid particular thanks to Susan Elwell and Becky Dasan.
Susan has been a volunteer in the Animal Department here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo for over a year. As a result of this, Susan’s hard work was acknowledged in the form of a certificate presented by Conwy Volunteer Centre on behalf of the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).
Becky was also awarded with her 50 hour certificate on the Millennium Volunteer Scheme. The Millennium Volunteer Scheme is a national initiative offering young people opportunities to help themselves and their communities.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo would like to pay thanks to all our Volunteers’ for not only donating their time, but for also helping us to meet and fulfill our objectives.
May 2010
BBC DAILY POLITICS SHOW
In the run up to the Election, some of our Keepers here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo took part in a live interview on the BBC Daily Politics Show. Watch them expressing their views ……..
ITV WALES TONIGHT
To watch our Meerkat family on the ITV Wales Tonight programme click here
FIRST NORTH WALES MEERKAT PUPS ARE NAMED
Just five months after arriving at the Welsh Mountain Zoo Meerkats Morgan and Megan responded to seaside life by producing triplets.
Now at 3 months old the youngsters weigh 300 grams and measure 17 centimetres and will reach around 25 centimetres (10 inches) when fully grown.
Referred to as pups, the playful youngsters emerged over the Easter Period to delight Zoo visitors as they explored their new purpose built enclosure and met the neighbours – South African Porcupines with whom they share their home.
Keepers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – the National Zoo of Wales invited suggestions for names for the three pups – with the proposer of the chosen names being able to “adopt” the three babies for the first year of their life.
The successful entry came from Year 3 and 4 Class of Ysgol Bod Alaw, Colwyn Bay (Teacher – Mrs. Ann Davies). Mrs. Davies said,
“The whole class, aged between 7 and 9, were thrilled to hear the news that they are now proud Zoo parents to Mini, Mymryn and Mwy.”
Mr. Llion Williams, acting Head Teacher, said of the success,
“It was absolutely fabulous for the whole school to hear that we had won.”
Assistant Head Keeper, Michelle Pywell said of the names,
“We are delighted with them, and it’s so lovely for them all as a family to have Welsh Names.”
Meerkats, which seem to be Britain’s favourite creatures, are members of the Mongoose family, originating in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and South Africa. They have a life-span of around 12-15 years and live in ‘gangs’, ‘clans’ or ‘mobs’ of about 20 although families can reach around 50 members.
January 2010
WMZ supports International Year of Biodiversity
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a member of the IYB-UK partnership and is supporting the International Year of Biodiversity 2010.
BIODIVERSITY – simply means the cariety of life. We are all an integral part of nature and rely on this diversity of life to provide us with food, fuel, medicine and well being. The rich diversity of life on earth is being lost at a greatly accelerated rate due to human activities. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and people all over the world are working to safeguard this irreplaceable natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss.
For more information go to www.iyb-uk.net
Annual Animal Count
Easter 2009
Unique Raven Clutch
Scouts Raise Funds for Tropical House
Welsh Mountain Zoo Becomes the National Zoo of Wales
