New Mink Arrives

Saturday afternoon saw the arrival of a new mink to the British Wildlife Centre. As many of you know, our elderly male mink "Lucky" passed away earlier this Summer due to old age, and we have been looking for a replacement ever since.

This new youngster will tame down very well over the next few weeks, and I am sure he will be out and about on view when he gets into his new routine.

The american mink is a non native mustelid, that has come over from America. In most cases due to fur farming for their coats. Many animal rights groups aided their escapes from these farms, and they have since been spreading and increasing in population over the country. Although not their fault, it does mean they are now classified as vermin due to the destruction they can cause on our own native wildlife.

There is no doubt however that our new young mink is a very handsome chap, and will be a great ambassador for the trouble that invasive exotic animals can bring.

Video of our Water Voles

As many of you know, since I think I have told everyone who has visited recently, our water vole enclosure is a hive of activity at the moment and one of my favourite enclosures at the centre currently. I have spent a bit of time over the last couple of mornings getting a few photos and video clips. You have seen some of the photos on here and the other blog, and below is a compilation of the better video clips.

If you can only spare half a minute or so, just watch the first bit as it is my favourite bit of video I got. If you have more time, the clip lasts just under three minutes.

Water Vole Youngsters born on the Display Island

After introducing a new pair of water voles to our island display at the beginning of the year, they have settled down extremely well and produced a litter. Growing up on display and in front of the public they have no fear, and have been a fantastic exhibit over the past few days posing well for photographers.

The best time to see our water voles are in the morning and at the end of the day, but while they are growing up the youngsters will often be seen out and about during the middle of the day too.