Skelmersdale women turn zoo keepers at Dudley Zoological Gardens

Jan 7 2013

Morgan and Kelly

ANIMAL crazy, Lancashire women, Morgan Wellings & Kelly Jones turned keepers for the day when they joined staff at Dudley Zoological Gardens (DZG).

Morgan, 14 and Kelly, 41, of Skelmersdale, were treated to the experience, as a joint birthday present, where they worked with Lemurs and other animals at the award-winning West Midlands tourist attraction as part of the 40-acre site's "Keeper for a Day" experience.

Morgan said: "it was the best thing I have ever done, I would love to do it all again. Thank you to all the staff at Dudley Zoo for making us welcome.”

Kelly added: “if you are interested in animals and spending quality time with your son or daughter, the zoo keeper for the day experience is perfect”.

DZG Chief Executive, Peter Suddock, said: “Morgan and Kelly had a brilliant time.  We introduced Keeper for a Day as an experience a few years ago and it has proved so successful that staff are kept busy with requests from all over the country".

Keepers for a Day discover what goes on behind the scenes at DZG, one of the country's top zoos.  Throughout the session they help staff with their daily duties including feeding, cleaning and caring for the collection, many of which are endangered species.

Later, there's a chance to catch up with action in Lemur Wood before finding out more about DZG's larger animals, Rothschild giraffes, Humboldt's penguins, plus reptiles too.  Little Zoo Keepers (aged 8 to 13) spend time at the site's farm before meeting tapirs and penguins.

Mr Suddock added: "It's a unique opportunity for people to get close to some of the rarest animals in the world and work alongside our keepers with a wide range of exotic and endangered species most folk see only on TV screens.

"They help feed and care for them, and to get to know what it's really like being a zoo keeper.

"The experience also offers a brilliant photo opportunity for the family album and makes a great gift for all occasions!"

All funds raised through the scheme support exciting conservation and animal projects at DZG.  For full details visit www.dudleyzoo.org.uk or contact 01384 215313.