Sun draws crowds at Staffordshire lambing event

Excited children and adults were able to get up close and feed newly born lambs in the first of two open days at the Rodbaston campus.

Visitor centre supervisor Julie Burdett said she was delighted to see so many people turn out for the day to help bottle-feed the new arrivals.

She said: "It is an event we put on every year and it is always very successful with lots of people coming along and joining in the fun.

"Some of the students volunteered to help ensure the days run smoothly which goes to show how dedicated they are.

"It's not every day that you can get close to such beautiful animals so a lot of parents bring their children so they have that opportunity.

"It is really magical to see the children's faces light up and we are looking forward to doing it all again next weekend."

The Animal Zone will hold another lambing event this coming weekend.

Visitors will also be able to meet a herd of pedigree Hereford suckler cows who have begun calving alongside the 650 other resident animals throughout the two days.

Miss Burdett added: "We have a huge variety of animals including meerkats, iguanas, snakes and wallabies in the zoo which is only open to the public at weekends and during school holidays.

"There is always lots to do and see here and it's a great day out because visitors can stay as long as they want.

"I just hope we have the sunshine on our side again next weekend."