We decided it was time today for a return visit to the British Wildlife Centre, to get our fix of animal photography. The weather wasn’t as bright as we’d hoped but the animals were on fine form nonetheless and we weren’t short of photo opportunities.
Our first port of call was the red squirrel enclosure. We were the first people there so the squirrels were very inquisitive, especially as we arrived just before feeding time!
As ever Flo, the longest resident fox, was happy to come out for her feed and the keeper talk. She’s 14 years old now, but she’s got a wonderfully thick winter coat. Flo is very used to humans and in all honesty behaves more like a dog than a fox, even demanding tickles behind the ears from her keeper, Meg.
Nearby one of the newest arrivals, called Mortimer, is ready to follow in Flo’s friendly footsteps, having been in contact with humans from a very young age. He’s only just over a year old so it’ll be lovely to watch him mature in years to come.
Our next stop was the wildcats, who always show best when it’s time for the keeper’s talk and some food. Don’t be fooled by their cute ‘I’m just a tabby cat’ look – they’re the fiercest member of the feline family relative to their size!
Elsewhere at the centre I also had some luck photographing the smaller residents, including a polecat, a mink, the wood mice, a weasel and the otters. Not a bad selection for a spur of the moment day out!
31 December 2021