Mild winter brings baby boom to safari park

The mild winter has led to a baby boom at a Scottish safari park, with five new animals on display this year.

Angus the rhino, Marvin the meerkat, Dylan the donkey, Levi the joey and Oscar the marmoset were all born at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling, during its winter closure.

The park reopens tomorrow and the young animals will go on public display for the first time.

Park manager Gary Gilmour said: “I’ve never known there to be so many baby animals born while we were closed.

“I think it’s to do with the mild winter, the animals were more lively this year and there will be a few more babies born in the next few weeks.”

The pleasant weather has not only confused the animals – Mr Gilmour said people have been queuing outside the centre for the last couple of weeks expecting the park to be open.

Five young animals could be a handful for the park’s staff, but the manager said they are more than cared for by their parents.

Mr Gilmour said: “Their mummies look after them all so well so they’re no trouble for us.

“A couple of the babies were born in November and are used to their surroundings but Dylan was born only three weeks ago, but the mums are all so fantastic and look after them well.

“Levi is also a bit special and is our first new year baby born on 1 January.”