Blue Peter’s Liz Barker helps new tropical house set sail

Presenter cuts ribbon at ceremony

FORMER Blue Peter presenter Liz Barker opened Shepreth wildlife park’s refurbished tropical house.

Liz, who now lives in the village with her family, cut the ribbon at a ceremony last Saturday.

Rebecca Willers, Shepreth’s animal manager, said: “The Tropical House, which first opened it’s doors in 1989, has had a complete makeover, with new exhibits such as the yellow-footed tortoise and new homes for the resident green iguana, Argentinian black and white tegu, snake-neck turtle and common marmosets.

“The house is also adorned with magnificent species photographs taken in the Atlantic Rainforest by animal keeper - Chris Knowles, who spent a month at the REGUA reserve, which the wildlife park donated �6,000 towards its protection through the World Land Trust last year.”

Keepers at Shepreth are also busy preparing for their annual tiger day, which this year takes place on Wednesday August 4, with all proceeds going to tiger charity 21st Century Tiger. For more details visit www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk.