Stranded 44ft sperm whale dies after being washed up on Cleveland beach

Tragic: British Divers Marine Life Rescue volunteers try to save a 44ft Sperm whale, which has now died after it was washed up on Redcar beach in Cleveland


Marooned in the middle of a British beach this beautiful creature could not be saved despite the crowds of people who tried to help him stay alive.

The 44ft sperm whale became beached because it got lost, a marine expert involved in the rescue bid said today.

The 20-tonne adult male was stranded on Redcar beach in Cleveland and reported to police at 6.10am, sparking a major operation to save it.


The giant mammal could not be rescued and dragged back into the sea


But Richard Ilderton, of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who was called to the scene, said the North Sea was the wrong environment for such a large creature, and any attempt to refloat it - even if it was possible - would have been cruel.

The partially-submerged whale was pronounced dead shortly after 9am, despite firefighters keeping it wet with a jet.


Crowds gather around the 44ft sperm whale, which could not be saved


Mr Ilderton said: 'While we have whales in the North Sea, it is not a suitable environment for a sperm whale because the food supply is not there.

'It doesn't eat, it becomes malnourished, it becomes dehydrated because whales do not drink - they get their liquid from their food.


Lost: Experts believe the sperm whale became beached after getting lost in the North Sea


'It can cause all sorts of health problems and ultimately results in something like this happening.'

He said rescuers can refloat whales of up to five tonnes, but this specimen was four times heavier.

'If we were able to put the animal back out to sea, all we would be doing is putting it back out to starve, which is massively cruel and against what we want to do.

'Although it has died, this has been the better option.'

Hundreds of people came down to the beach to take in the spectacle.


Martin Unne, 58, from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, was among the many enjoying the half-term sunshine who came to see the whale after hearing about its plight on the radio.

'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' he said.
'It would be more interesting if it were still alive, so it is sad it is not.

'Nature is amazing.'

Steve Goldswain, responsible on Redcar and Cleveland Council for community protection, said cordons were put up as it could be a health hazard.

The whale will remain on the beach overnight, watched by security guards, before a post-mortem examination is carried out by zoologists tomorrow.

As well as the police, council, firefighters and rescue divers, the RSPCA and Coastguard were involved.

Mr Goldswain said: 'From an environmental perspective, we need to keep the beaches clear.

'Obviously a dead animal poses some health risks to the community and we need to minimise that risk.'

source: dailymail

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Swanning around in the road: Feathered family stop the traffic after taking a rest on the Tarmac

Swanning along: This family of swans crossed the B4148 in the Erdington area of Birmingham when they decided to move from a nature reserve to the public park


Busy city dual carriageway brought to a standstill

Birds eventually lifted out of the traffic as drivers get angry


How does the swan cross the dual carriageway? Answer: very, very carefully and very, very slowly.

This family of swans brought traffic to a standstill when they decided to take a short cut across a main city centre road.

And despite wellwishers trying to lure mum, dad and their five cygnets across the busy road to safety they steadfastly refused to budge halfway into their crossing, sparking traffic mayhem.


Move along please: Well wishers try to move the birds along as cars snarl up on the daul carriageway at Erdington in Birmingham


The fluffy family made their way across the busy B4148 after they decided to relocate from Plantsbrook Nature Reserve to Pype Hayes Park.

But instead of making a beeline for their new home they stopped on the tarmac several times before moving on to the central reservation at Eachelhurst Road.

It was only after they had kept the traffic waiting for them to waddle on that passers-by were forced to take matters into their own hands.


Right wait here, I'll be back: The family stop mid crossing slap by the white lines in the middle of the road on the B4148 in Birmingham


Sandra Lee, 63, and her husband Michael, 71, of Erdington, Birmingham, tried to lure the birds across the road with bread and said drivers became frustrated and annoyed by the mounting delay.

Traffic was at a standstill on both lanes for more than ten minutes while the birds were encouraged to move.

Sandra said: 'We discovered the swans on the edge of the pavement. At first it looked like just the two of them but when the mother moved slightly, the babies came out from under her feathers.


Need a hand? The birds are moved by well wishers after they stop traffic as they tried to cross the busy dual carriageway in Erdington, Birmingham


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A bird in the hand: Photographer gets close-up as tame robin feeds from his fingers

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Coming in to land: The robin approaches


Photographer Mike Walker feeds a tame robin with one hand - while taking these amazing close-up pictures with his other hand.

The bird flew into his garden in Portchester, Hampshire and gradually became tame enough to accept food, and would even sit on the 64-year-old's grandchildren's hands.

The photographer said: 'The thing with robins, I was told, is to get mealworms - and he just went mad for them.


Nearly there: The robin is just inches away from Mike's hand


Made it: The bird rests on one hand, while Mike takes photos with the other


'I think he was feeding youngsters at the time, that was half of it. He would fly away and then he was back ever two minutes.

'He took no notice of the noise of the camera, he was just absolutely oblivious. He is just so tame, the grandkids have had him on their hands.

'He is a fantastic bird, you could get him to do virtually anything.'



Resting robin: The bird appears oblivious to the camera Detailed: The extraordinary close-up shows the bird just as it is about to land

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Mystery of 16 poisoned dogs: Pets die in agony minutes after walking in field

By CHRIS BROOKE

No go area: The 30-yard-long footpath in Cross Hills, North Yorkshire, connects a road to a field for dog walkers. It has been cordoned off until experts can work out why so many dogs have died in such a short space of time after walking there


Three dogs remain in 'grave' condition

Footpath now cordoned off

'We also cannot rule out the possibility that this is being done deliberately' say RSPCA

A popular dog walking spot has been closed after 16 pets mysteriously died or became ill.

Officials suspect the animals may have been poisoned, but no one knows if they were deliberately targeted or died by accident.

In almost all instances, the dogs collapsed and died in agony within minutes of returning from a walk along a tree-lined footpath which leads down to fields by a lake


Lucky escape: Louise Horsfall is pictured with her 14-month-old Spaniel cross, Lola, who was thought to be slightly poisoned


The death toll has reached 13 within one week and three others are seriously ill. Vets are carrying out post-mortem examinations to try to pinpoint the exact cause of death.

Slug or snail pellets, anti-freeze and toxic mushrooms are among possible causes. A pool of water nearby was initially thought to contain toxins but the experts said that had been ruled out.

Families in the village of Cross Hills, North Yorkshire, have been stunned by the loss of their pets.


Victim: Jack Russell Diesel, shown here with his owner Ken Johnson, died soon after returning from a walk along the path


Mother of two Mrs Horsforth, 46, said: ‘She started fitting after her walk on Sunday evening. At first the vet thought it was epilepsy but they took it really seriously.

‘It’s so strange that so many dogs have died, I am so lucky Lola survived. My kids would have been devastated.’

She said there was a delay in picking up the scale of the problem because half the dogs went to one local veterinary practice and the other half were taken to the other.


Warning: Police have put up notices in the area to tell dog owners of what has taken place


Now word is spreading among dog owners in the community with warnings being put out via Facebook and Twitter.

‘Dog walkers are really sociable so it is really sad to see how devastated some people are after their pets have died,’ she said.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Sally Ramsden said: ‘We are extremely concerned about this situation.

'People are taking their dogs out along this footpath and within 20 minutes the dogs are suffering convulsions and dying. We don’t know what could be causing this but we strongly suspect that the dogs may have been poisoned.


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'I've killed my dog, ha ha': Sadistic teenager hangs pet... and posts pictures on Facebook

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

Sadistic: Teenager Kamil Hric from Slovakia uploaded this picture of him hanging his pet dog on Facebook


A sick 17-year-old boy filmed himself hanging his pet pooch and posted photos of it on Facebook saying, 'I’ve killed my dog - ha, ha.'

The picture shows the helpless dog - still apparently struggling - swinging from a clothesline while Kamil Hric looks on laughing.

Hric, from Poprad, Slovakia - who was arrested after other horrified Facebook users alerted police - told prosecutors: 'So what? It's only a dog. I did it for fun.'

A police spokesman said: 'We don’t know what made him do this but we will be carrying out psychiatric reports.'


Appalling cruelty: This is how star the crossbreed dog was discovered; buried alive, with all her legs tied together and with 40 gun pellets in her skull


In another shocking display of animal cruelty, a dog was buried alive in Malta last week.

The cross-breed mongrel was found by chance near the city of Birzebbuga by animal welfare officers investigating an unrelated case.

The dog, who was later named Star by her rescuers, was found buried in the dirt after officers heard whimpering from beneath a wooden board.

A tree stump had been placed on top of it to weigh it down. Star was buried alive up to her nose and had been shot in the head 40 times.

Her four legs had been tied together and she had been shot repeatedly with a pellet gun.

Star miraculously survived an operation to remove the 40 pellets from her head at Ta' Qali hospital, in Central Malta.


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The real watchdog: Border terrier is the king of bling with a ROLEX collar

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

King of bling: Smike received the 'watchdog' collar for his seventh birthday


Border terrier Smike really is the king of bling with his Rolex dog collar - and with his new gear he has earned the nickname 'watchdog'.

Smike's owner, Karen Denney from the village of Crawford near St Helens, specially commissioned the collar, as she wanted the ultimate canine accessory.

The leather collar has a designer watch built-in and dog-lover Mrs Denney decided to splash out for her pet's seventh birthday.


Watch this: The collar includes a £200 replica Rolex watch


And now the 30-year-old and Smike are celebrities when she takes him for his daily stroll on Merseyside.

Mrs Denney loves showing-off her 'watchdog', equipped with his collar which includes a £200 replica Rolex.

The shop assistant said: 'Over the years I've seen a lot of accessories for cats and dogs but I wanted something a bit different.

'I wouldn't usually go for something this flashy but when I saw this design I just had to have one.


Commission: The specialist collar was made my pet jewellers in St Helens, Mersyside


'Smike gets lots of attention when I take him out for a walk he's so full of fun.
'He's the talk of the village at the moment.

'Everyone keeps asking me where they can get a "Dog's Rolex" for their dog.'

The top-of-the-range collar was the work of Alison Jones, who owns Prince and Princess Petwear in St Helens, which specialises in luxury items for pets.

The 27-year-old said: 'We have a huge range of designer collars but this one tops the lot.

'It is the ultimate accessory for any watchdog!
'We can make them in any size, shape and colour.'

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Spineless and unloved: Abandoned hedgehog will never find mate because she has no bristles

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Having a ball: Betty the hedgehog, who was abandoned by her family because she does not have any spikes


A rescued baby hedgehog will never be able to attract a mate because of a mystery skin condition which has left her completely bald and without spines.

Betty was abandoned by her family before she was found by a member of the public and handed in to staff at an animal rescue centre.

Animal experts are baffled by her mystery skin condition, which has caused the lonely hedgehog's skin to become dry and left her without any spines.


Unlucky in love: Betty is being snubbed by the male hedgehogs because of her skin condition


Six-week-old Betty is now so scared of other hedgehogs that staff at the animal sanctuary believe she will never find a mate.

However, she cannot be returned to the wild because her lack of spines means she would be unable to defend herself against predators such as badgers and foxes.

Tonia and John Garner, 47 and 52, who run Foxy Lodge rescue centre, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, revealed Betty will endure a lonely life unless her spines return.

Mum-of-one Tonia said: 'She's healthy and everything is absolutely fine apart from she doesn't have any spines.


Helping hands: Betty is being cared for by Toni Garner at her rescue centre near Great Yarmouth


'It's very sad because she cannot protect herself. She rolls up in a little ball but because she doesn't have the spines she is easy meat for any predator.

'We won't let Betty be with alone with the males. She is very frightened of being near other hedgehogs and any offspring could have the same genetic condition.

'We keep her alone in an enclosure indoors and I mix almond oil and tea tree oil to put on her back sometimes because her skin can get very dry.

'We have to keep her out of the sun because she can burn up as her skin is very sensitive. We just hope the spines will return so she can have a normal life.'


source: dailymail

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You flirty rat! New York fashionistas splurge on designer outfits ... for their pet rodents

Runway: Perriwinkle wows the NYC Fancy Rat Convention in Manhattan with her emerald green tutu


First there was doggy dresses, and coats for mini pigs, now trendy pet owners are ordering designer clothing for their rats.

Pet fashionista Ada Nieves is selling rat tuxedos, wedding dresses and bridesmaids gowns among other exclusive designs.

Ada, from New York, said: 'The rats look very cute and seem to like wearing them. Rats are very popular these days and the owners love to dress them up.'

Rat fans gathered in New York yesterday for a rodent fashion show featuring Ada's outifts, which come complete with crystals, feathers and frilly tutus, and sell for around £50 each.


Traditional: Rat Lily showcases designer Ada Nieve's wedding couture dress


Rat owner Kelly Antonova, 27, said: 'Rats have amazing personalities. They are like a dog, cat and ferret all rolled into one. But each also has its own individual character.

'I've had rats who swim in a little bath, or sleep on the bed. You can train them on a little lease and they will learn how to dance, and how to fetch things like a dog.

Rats are very sociable and give you a lot of love. They are very intelligent and share similar characteristics to humans.'


Model behaviour: Sugar and Spice storms the catwalk in this matching jacket and lead ensemble


The latest breeds sell for around £70 but owners are also spending a fortune on rat furniture for their cages, toys, hammocks, clothing and harnesses.

Kelly, from Long Island, who runs a pet supply business, Kelly Critter Creations, added: 'Friends of owners usually end up falling in love with rats and getting their own.'It became more fashionable once people realised celebrities were keeping rats.

The message is finally getting out that rats make great pets.'

The fashion show, held as part of the New York City Fancy Rat Convention, was organised by the Big Apple Rattery, which provided all the rat models.


Dressed to impress: Blue the rat takes part in the fashion show in this teal dress


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Britain's most extravagant dog owner spends £800 on bespoke tiaras for her posh pooch

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Louise Harris and her pet dog Lola pose for a photograph wearing their matching tiaras.


SHE has always treated her dogs like royalty, and now pet-mad Louise Harris has had two £400 tiaras custom-made so her Yorkie Lola can look just like Kate Middleton on her wedding day.

Miss Harris, 32, spent £20,000 on a dog wedding for Lola earlier this year, where the pooch married a Chinese crested called Mugly.


Pampered Pooch: Louise Harris and Lola wearing their posh headpieces designed to be replicas of the one Kate Middleton wore when she wed Prince William.


But while that bash was lavish, Louise, from Chelmsford, Essex, got even more ambitious after watching the Royal wedding last month.

Now Louise - who has spent more than £100,000 on goodies for Lola and her other two Yorkshire Terriers Lulu, four, and Larry, two - has had a pair of posh headpieces constructed so Lola can look like a dog version of the Royal bride.


Louise Harris, left carrying Lola and Bev Nicholson, holding Mugly during the UK's most expensive dog wedding in Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex


Both are meant to be mini replicas of the tiara Kate now the Duchess Of Cambridge wore when she wed Prince William on April 29.

While Kate's version was a priceless Cartier halo tiara loaned to her by the Queen, Lola's were pieced together by bespoke jewellers Latimer Couture using Swarovski crystal and genuine silver.

Wearing her own £500 bespoke tiara and matching necklace, Louise said: 'I've always seen Lola as my little princess, so it was only fitting she had a tiara just like Kate's.

'Now I can call her the Duchess of Yorkshire Terrier. Lola had a few less expensive tiaras before, but seeing Kate's tiara during the Royal wedding inspired us to have a special one made.

'In the end I got two done, because I couldn't decide which looked better. When I see Lola wearing them I think she looks gorgeous. She looks like the puppy version of the Royal bride.

'I only wish she'd had the tiara made in time for her own wedding.'


Bev Nicholson, left and Louise Harris on their dogs' £20,000 lavish wedding day



Lousie Harris and Lola wearing their matching tiaras, while inset, Lola perches on a throne


Louise has spent more than £100,000 on her three dogs over the last six years, including £26,000 on clothes, collars and harnesses and £16,000 on a nanny when she is at work.

She said: "Some people may think I'm crazy, but I don't care. I treat them like my children.

'Lola looks amazing and she's brought so much joy to my life. They all do. They deserve to have every luxury.'


source: dailymail

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Mega moggies: Two stone cats bred from African wildcats taking over living rooms across Britain

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Sahara to sofa: Servals are a species of African wildcat being crossed with the domestic moggy to create sought-after Savannah cats


Hundreds of British cat lovers are no longer satisfied stroking the traditional moggy atop their lap.

A growing trend is emerging for 'mega moggies' bred by crossing a domestic feline with a species of African wildcat to create Savannah cats.

Only owners with deep pockets and space can provide homes for the felines which cost up to £10,000 and can grow to three times the size of the traditional household puss.

The wildcats - called Servals - hail from sub-Saharan African and share common traits with the cheetah - including its ability to run.

They can leap up to three metres in the air to catch birds and insects and feast on hares and mole rats.

However, the RSPCA says the new super-cats, which can weigh up to two stone, are dangerous and are calling for the government to stop people keeping them without a licence.

Breeders insist the cats are harmless. Carl Ainscoe is one of about 300 people in Britain who keeps the cats and sells his kittens for up to £4,500.

He told the Sunday Times: 'It's a load of rubbish that they are dangerous. They get on beautifully with children.


Unusual cross: A Bengal cat, pictured, is a hybrid with the Asian leopard cat and is a nationally recognised breed


The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said it has no plans to alter the list of dangerous wild animals listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.

The RSPCA said hybrids are likely to display characteristics from both domestic and wildcat species and even new characteristics which might be dangerous.

They are also concerned they could impact on wildlife predation.

By law anyone who owns a wild animal breed or a first generation descendant from it must have a licence.

Bengal cats are already officially recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, the cat equivalent of the Kennel Club.

They are bred by crossing a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat.


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Happy and safe, the Border Collie stabbed 13 times and left to bleed to death in the gutter

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Safe and well: Five-year-old Border Collie Bonnie plays with RSPCA worker Tracey Hutchins in Leicester after making a recovery from the attack


A Border Collie was back to her playful self today after recovering from a sickening attack in which she was stabbed 13 times and left for dead in the gutter.

Cute five-year-old Bonnie was left looking like a 'patchwork quilt' after the savage attack which has been described as the 'worst case of animal cruelty' seen by the animal care centre that took her in.

Bonnie was found in a street drenched in blood following the heartless stabbing in Daventry, Northamptonshire, last week.


Painful: Bonnie was stabbed 13 times and left to die in the street last week before a passer-by called the RSPCA who were able to perform surgery


After a member of the public alerted the RSPCA to the badly injured dog, she is now recovering in Leicester following emergency surgery.

Lisa Smith, manager of the charity's Woodside Animal Care Centre, said it was the worst case of cruelty she has seen in the 11 years she has worked there.

'Bonnie had knife wounds ranging from half a centimetre to three centimetres all over her body,' said Ms Smith.

'She was in an awful mess and is hugely lucky to be alive.

'She's still a bit traumatised and she's not been eating properly, but it's not surprising as she's been through such an ordeal,' she added.

Ms Smith said that if it hadn't been for the person who phoned the RSPCA she would have died.

'She's going to need to go to someone who can help with her rehabilitation and who can help her regain her trust in people.

'She is nervous but once you get her out of the kennel she likes to cuddle and wants to get close. She's a lovely dog.'

RSPCA inspector Sue Haywood said: 'We're still investigating who caused these injuries. No-one has been charged.

'We didn't think she was going to make it but luckily she pulled through.

'It's so shocking that someone could do such a thing.' Anyone with information about what happened to Bonnie can contact the RSPCA.


source: dailymail

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What have you got to hide January? Ms Jones attempts to conceal her baby bump with her pet dog

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Something to hide? January Jones went on a hike around Lake Hollywood in Los Angeles with her adorable black dog, at times hiding her baby bump with the pup


As the media storm continues with speculation on who the father of her unborn child is, January Jones found some solace in her loyal companion, today.

The 33-year-old actress spent some time with her adorable black dog as they went for a hike around Lake Hollywood in Los Angeles.

And at first it seemed that the shy X Men star was trying to use the shaggy-haired pooch to conceal her growing baby bump.


Comfort: The actress later revealed her burgeoning belly in a nude long-sleeve top and a pair of loose fitting pants


Clutching onto her four-legged friend, she rested the pet on across her stomach as they made their way down the mountain.

But later, the actress revealed her burgeoning belly, clearly visible in a nude long-sleeve top and a loose-fitting pair of pants.

January also tried to disguise herself by tucking her blonde hair under her favourite page-boy hat and large sunglasses.

Earlier in the day, the actress showed that she was clearly eating for two, by stocking up on groceries at a local Albertsons supermarket


Loyal friend: Jones found some solace in her loyal companion, as the media storm continues with speculation on who the father of her unborn child is


Eating for two: Earlier in the day, January showed that she was clearly eating for two, by stocking up on cereal at a local Albertsons supermarket


And it appears that she is perhaps craving cereal, purchasing at least two boxes of the breakfast snack.

This week speculation somewhat hit fever pitch over who the father of January's child is.

Yesterday, the Hollywood star was faced with a media storm as she arrived back in LA from a promotional trip in New York.

The sighting came as Matthew Vaughn, the producer of her new movie X Men: First Class, categorically denied that he is was the father of her baby.


Covered up: Most of the day she disguised herself by tucking her blonde hair under her favourite page-boy hat and large sunglasses



Media storm: Yesterday, the actress was greeted by a media storm as she arrived back in LA from a promotional trip in New York

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Otter-ly adorable! Boy racing sea otter at San Diego Zoo is an internet sensation

By JENNIFER MADISON

New pals: A toddler has become an instant internet sensation after a video of the boy racing a sea otter went viral


You could say they got on swimmingly.

A toddler has become an instant internet sensation after a video of the boy racing a sea otter went viral.

The video of the boy playing chase with a sea otter at the San Diego Zoo has scored over 1million hits in less than one week's time.

The video - the only uploaded by YouTube user mmoyerssd1 - was posted last Sunday and quickly caught the attention of animal fans around the world.

It shows a blond little boy running back and forth alongside the California zoo's sea otter tank, side-by-side with his new pal.



Somersaults in the sun: The otter, feeling quite social, playfully follows his every move even as the boy tries to trick his new mate


The otter, feeling quite social, playfully follows his every move even as the boy tries to trick his new mate.

The marine mammal is seen doing an underwater somersault in a bid to catch up and give chase in the opposite direction.

The boy giggles in response, running back and forth as passers-by laugh in delight.


San Diego Zoo: One of the largest in the world with with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species, it is known for its many friendly characters


The zoo - one of the largest in the world with with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species - has become widely-known for its many friendly characters.

In March, a playful young panda bear named Su Lin grabbed headlines after cameras caught her having a roll in the snow and sticking her tongue out at spectators.

And last year Otis the hippo became a sensation after beaming a smile for visitors' photos as they posed next to his tank.


Playing with an Otter-1


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Safari park visitors warned to beware... after meerkats develop a fetish for human feet

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Foot fetish: A little Meerkat at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire jumps up onto one woman's ankle in an effort to grab her foot


Warning signs have been put up at a new attraction where meerkats mingle with visitors after the quirky creatures developed a fetish for human feet.

The small mammals have taken a liking to painted toenails and colourful sandals and jump all over them given the chance.

The bizarre foot fascination extends to the meerkats sniffing women's feet and one has even taken a little nibble at one visitor.


Curious meerkat: The small mammals have taken a liking to painted toenails and colourful sandals


Staff at the new Jungle Kingdom enclosure at Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire, have had to put up signs to warn female guests about the odd fetish.

The new enclosure is the first place in Britain where people can interact with the cute critters.

Among the more inquisitive meerkats are the six new arrivals which have been venturing into the walk-through enclosure for the first time.

Keeper Catriona Carr said: ‘The babies seem to be settling really well into their new environment and are certainly not lacking in confidence.


Warning sign: Staff have had to put up signs to warn female guests about the odd fetish


‘We've had to keep an eye on anybody wearing sandals or flip-flops, especially if they have painted toenails.

‘They seem to be more attracted to reds and blues for some reason.

‘We're not entirely sure what it is about the feet. It might be the bright colours of the footwear and toenails, the movement of the toes or even the smell.

‘As keepers it certainly keeps us on our toes to make sure the cheeky critters don't nibble any visitor feet!’



Waiting for visitors: Baby Meerkats on the lookout for the first painted toenails of the day


The new path through the enclosure in Jungle Kingdom enables people to interact with the animals, which are among the favourites at the park.

The six baby meerkats are now part of a group of 19 living in Jungle Kingdom at Longleat, with the majority all successful births from previous years.

Groups of meerkats are known as mob and originate from parts of Southern Africa, Namibia and the Kalahari.

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