HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE FOR EXPECTANT ZOO KEEPER
- Expectant Zoo Keeper Dad gets hands-on experience hand-rearing a baby Capybara after it goes missing presumed dead for 36 hours
03 October 2011, Folly Farm, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire: Folly Farm's Zoo Manager, Tim Morphew, has spent the week running up to taking paternity leave hand-rearing a baby Capybara born, along with its five siblings, in front of delighted keepers and visitors at the popular attraction near Tenby. Capybara babies are up and active immediately much like their much smaller relative, the Guinea Pig, and a member of the public spotted that one of the babies had fallen into the pond on which the Capybara live. Capybara can swim from birth but they are not very strong swimmers initially. A search of the pond threw no light as to the whereabouts of the baby and it was missing presumed dead. The following afternoon zoo keepers heard a small cry and there in a small hollow of the bank behind a rock was the missing baby which had survived by itself for 36 hours. Capybara's are extremely territorial so due to the length of time the baby was separated from her mother it was unlikely she would have recognised him and would probably have attacked her. This combined with the baby's weakened state meant hand rearing was the only option available and who better to take charge on the through the night feeds than an expectant zoo keeper.
Tim Morphew, enthused; "I've hand-reared quite a few animals during my zoo keeping career but it was lovely to take on Pedra, as we've named her, so close to the arrival of my own child. It was a timely reminder of the nightly feeds and a welcome distraction for my wife as her due date approached.
"Fortunately we have just introduced a Goat Milking activity in the Jolly Barn where visitors can hand milk a goat and this provides us with a brilliant substitution for fresh milk to feed her with."
Pedra means "rock" in Portuguese and the baby was so named because she was found sheltering behind a rock.
Tim's own new addition has since made an appearance. William Joseph Morphew was born weighing 9lb 14oz and staff at Folly Farm wish Tim and his wife Sara-Jane huge congratulations at this exciting time.
-Ends-
For press enquiries please contact;
Zoe Wright
PR and Marketing Manager
Tel: 01834 815032
Email: zoe@folly-farm.co.uk
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