Zoo Keepers at the Palms Tropical Oasis could hardly contain their excitement when the first pregnancy of their new madagascan tenrecs was confirmed. The four tenrecs, which are found naturally only in Madagascar, arrived at the Palms from a breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo.
Triplets soon arrived, proving a huge strain on Mum and one tiny infant seemed to be struggling to get enough milk, so Senior Keeper Mark Titterton and his wife Karen set about hand rearing the spiky little bundle! Feeding him every 2 hours (night and day) proved pretty exhausting. After being examined by the Zoo Vet “Tiny Clanger” (so appropriately named after Oliver Postgate’s 60’s cult TV Family) is set to rejoin his relatively giant brothers and sisters. Since Tiny Clanger has ended up so used to being handled, he may even make an occasional appearance as the star of the ever popular Saturday afternoon 'Meet The Keeper 'sessions!
The Palms Tropical Oasis at Stapeley Water Gardens in
Nantwich is working with 300 other European Zoos to raise awareness of the plight of Endangered Species and their habitats on the magical island of Madagascar.
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For more information, email news@stapeleywg.com or call 01270 623868.
Last Updated: August 28, 2007
