Relaxed lemur monkeys

People don't seem to like the term 'zoo' much anymore, so the former Blackbrook Zoological Park, near Leek, has recently thoughtfully re-invented itself as the Peak Wildlife Park ... but basically it's a small zoo.

The interesting thing about it is that one can go into quite a few f the enclosures, and be quite close to the animals.  I wasn't sure how I felt about this, but the animals (like the lemur family in the photo) seemed relatively at ease with human presence.
If you don't mind zoos, in fact it's a good way for a family to pass a few hours.

Pelicans in the snow

You don’t often see pelicans in snow. Their natural habitat is warmer regions than our own. You can’t help feeling they are a bit bewildered by the white-stuff.

However, they are a great attraction (especially at feeding time) at Blackbrook Zoo, which is in the wilder parts of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Sadly, the zoo, which specialises in exotic birds, has had lots of problems with the recent freezing temperatures, so it is temporarily closed. Should be back open in the next few days, I hope.

Generally, the snow is slowly receding from the ground now.

LINK: Blackbrook Zoo

Sheep cope with snow

Well, the snow came again as expected, though, here in Staffordshire, it didn't so much fall with a fury as a sort of lulling, soothing motion. Over time, it came to a slow halt, leaving a layer six inches deep in exposed areas.

There were the usual hysterics from the press, but - in general - most people (and sheep) that I came across handled it all with aplomb.
The warnings were made well in advance - and I suppose that helps.

A wallaby in Leek

Wallabies are of course Australian citizens...normally... yet this one was definitely north Staffordshire born and bred.
Its body was found in the 1990s on the wild moors north of Leek, being then stuffed, and then mounted here in the Nicholson Institute, the museum of Leek.

The reason he was there was on the moors was, as you'd expect, that his forebears had escaped in the 1930s from a private zoo on the nearby Swythamley estate, and had formed a small wild colony - from which he is presumably descended.
It does seem amazing that these wallabies should have survived the harsh winters up there though.

Sadly, no other wallaby has been spotted for a while now, so (even though they can be notoriously shy) it has to be assumed the colony has died out.

Donkeys show affection

This affectionate pair are kept as pets I would guess. I came across them on a walk.

Now I think about it: why would one keep donkeys? These two are clearly not working animals. I shall ask around.

Leek's timorous lion

This lion, which stands guard outside Moorlands House (the home of the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in Leek), is probably the most unfrightening lion in history. His gormless and slightly timorous look undermines any attempt by him to be king of the jungle.
It really doesn't matter which angle you look at him from, he always looks rather unhappily startled.

It would be fun to know something more of his history.

Rat immortalised

Modern art doesn't often depict rats, but this fine metal sculpture in Cheadle is a tribute to an underrated local resident living here in the Cecilly Brook.

Of course, it's really a water rat (aka a vole), so not a rat in the true sense. Still, it's close.

Sheep sleep in heat

It was hot today (well, hot for England!) - 28 degrees here in mid-Staffordshire.
What strangely unpredictable weather we have nowadays; I was lighting fires just to keep warm last week.

But the heat is welcome. No wonder these sheep sought shade.

Cow sleeping like a bird

This cow, sleeping with its head tucked into its shoulder, seems to be attracting curious stares from its two neighbours. I can see why. I don’t think I’ve seen a cow sleeping in this position before. It's curled itself into itself like a bird would, almost.

Cat on wall

Cats are not mentioned in the Bible (so I read). Apparently this caused some Christian thinkers to conclude that they must be associated with evil (and, so, witches of course).

I could almost believe it, after getting a long baleful stare from the cat on this wall.

Pets... in Heaven

Your pet can have a full funeral in Staffordshire – with chapel of rest, casket, and garden of remembrance. Well, why not?  There’s a lot worse ways to spend money (though I do have some personal reservations).
Holmes In Heaven, which opened its centre in Sugnall last year, will provide it all.

I like how a dog-collar has been substituted for a halo on the sign; it gives the light touch.

(If you are wondering why the ‘holmes’ spelling, it’s because the owner’s name is Matthew Holmes. It gets a little complex if you think about it too hard though.).

Link: Holmes In Heaven  

Less battery, more hen

Is it these chickens’ best-ever year? This year is the first year in which old-style battery-hen farms have been outlawed (in the EU at least) – and it really was about time.
My one visit to a battery-hen factory (for that’s what it was) was – to my mind – horrific. The huge warehouse was smotheringly hot and foetid with odours. A red-light illuminated the factory 24 hours a day.
I felt it would be impossible to condone such a trade, so I started only eating free-range chicken after that experience.

The new system (of more space per hen etc) is clearly better. Now, it seems I can go back to eating supermarket chicken with good conscience. Or not?

Link: The last battery hen (BBC)

Rabbit survives

You think older rabbits look after young bunnies? Think again.

I had managed to creep within three feet of these feeding rabbits, in the hope of a close-up photo, when the old one sensed my presence. It was clear he was an old bruiser, and he may have been a little blind.
But instead of bolting, he only limped steadily to cover a few feet away - thus NOT alerting the youngsters around him, who, in their inexperience, continued blithely to feed just feet away from me.
I guess his tactic was: sacrifice the kids, and live another day! And maybe that's how he's lived so long...