LOCAL MP Ian Liddell-Grainger met some of the fascinating wildlife at Tropiquaria to help celebrate of Love Your Zoo week, including Millie the Meerkat.

Tropiquaria, as a member of BIAZA (The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria) was one of forty-seven zoos across the UK to celebrate Love Your Zoo Week this week.

Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Mr Liddell-Grainger popped in to see how they were doing and director Chris Moiser took the opportunity to introduce him to Millie the Meerkat and show him the new meerkat enclosure.

Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser said: “We are using the Love Your Zoo week this year to tell the public about some of our rescued and re-homed animals who are some of the major characters that we have here.

"It is lovely to have the support of our MP who clearly has his favourite animals, and who is also a strong supporter of tourism in the area.

"This visit was a bonus because we were able to show him our new meerkat enclosure which was literally only completed a few days before.”

Mr Moiser said the enclosure was actually produced on a very small budget as local businesses got involved to help out.

"I have to thank the generosity of Watchet Glass who allowed us to recycle some windows that had been removed, and CRS supplied the timber at a low cost, as well as Exmoor Handyman Simon Brown who worked with one of our volunteers for long hours in order to minimise the disturbance to the meerkats.

"Ian was very impressed with the way that the locals had come together both to help with the establishment of this new cage.”

Tropiquaria is currently open daily from 10.30am until 5.00pm and can be contacted on 01984 640688

Notes for Editors:

Picture: Ian Liddell Grainger MP with Millie and senior keeper Sam Pollard.

Picture by Chris Moiser, for further details call Chris on 07751 363198