Banham Zoo has announced the arrival of six new animals as it continues its conservation efforts.
The visitor attraction teased the new additions on its Facebook page at the start of this month.
A trio of pied tamarins – a small monkey found in the tropical forests of Brazil – have joined a red panda, a snow leopard, an Asian small-clawed otter, a black and white ruffed lemur and a margay – a wild cat renowned for its climbing skills – in being gradually introduced to the zoo.
“After extensive planning, we are thrilled to be able to announce our new arrivals, which will support the European breeding programme,” said Graeme Williamson, head of living collections at the Zoological Society of East Anglia, which runs Banham and its sister site, Africa Alive, in Suffolk.
“Banham Zoo and Africa Alive are proud to be part of this programme, with a rich history of sending endangered species across Europe for conservation purposes.”
The red panda, margay, snow leopard and Asian short-clawed otter – the world’s smallest otter species, which is under threat due to deforestation and habitat loss – all come with breeding recommendations.
These are the result of collaborative efforts between accredited zoos and conservation organisations dedicated to safeguarding endangered wildlife populations.
Mr Williamson added: “We are looking forward to introducing visitors to our new animal additions and sharing in the excitement they bring.
“Stay tuned for updates on additional arrivals scheduled for later this year.”
To help it care for the new additions, as well as its existing stock of animals, the Kenninghall Road zoo is currently looking for more volunteers.
Applicants will need to help with a range of tasks, including animal food preparation and manning walk-through enclosures.
The site is hosting a volunteer open morning, for over 18s who are able to offer regular hours, on Tuesday at 10.30am.
For more information on the event, or to book a place, email volunteer@zsea.org.
