Walton Zoo welcomes cuddly new residents

WARRINGTON’S Walton Gardens children’s zoo has welcomed three new, cuddly residents.
Three male Andean alpacas have moved in – all one-year-olds purchased from an alpaca farm in Cumbria.
The new animals were bought by the Friends of Walton Estate who raised funds through their animal adoption scheme.
The alpacas, one black and the others beige, are all from the same herd.
They are Huayaca alpacas and have soft, fluffy coats.
Traditionally, alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes in southern Peru, northern Bolivia, Ecuador, and northern Chile, at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
Walton’s alpacas are now sharing an enclosure with the goats. A special shelter has been built for them with help from zoo volunteers and offenders from Thorn Cross Prison.
Cllr Kate Hannon, the borough council’s lead  member for leisure, community and culture, said: “The children’s zoo is a fantastic asset to Walton Hall and Gardens and I’m thrilled to welcome three new additions to the much loved attraction.
“Alpacas were chosen for their gentle nature and are small enough to be safe, even around small children.
“This is the very first time we have had alpacas at the zoo so be sure to head down and say hello!”
Once the alpacas have settled in, Walton Hall will be organising a competition for visitors to name them.
Pictured are zoo rangers Liz Rowlands, Peter Cookson-Dean and Ricky Tickner with the new additions – and the alpacs settling in.