THE team at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm has welcomed the newest addition to the family, Hamish the Highland calf.

The Wraxall zoo has said that Hamish has already captured the hearts of visitors. His mum, Agnes, has proved well up to the task and is giving him "all the care he needs."

Eleanor Steeds, the farm section leader at Noah's Ark, said: "Agnes and her new arrival Hamish are both doing really well. Agnes is a fantastic mum so he’s getting all the care he needs.”

Noah's Ark, which is also a registered charity, works tirelessly to educate visitors on the importance of conservation.

25 years ago, dairy farmers Anthony and Christina Bush opened the zoo's gates to the public, encouraging their first visitors to take part in a variety of fun farm activities like bottle feeding lambs, tractor rides and playing in the straw den.

As the farm gained more popularity, they added more species to their collection, including Rhinos, Giraffes, Lions, Spectacled Bears and African Elephants, taking advantage of their 100 acres of countryside to create large enclosures.

The zoo now boasts the largest Elephant habitat in the UK.

Larry Bush, the couple's son, became zoo director in 2019.

Speaking about gaining charity status in 2023, Larry said: “The gaining of charity status will be hugely beneficial for the long-term future of the zoo, its conservation and education programmes, its visitors, the community, and staff.

"Visitors can also enjoy the knowledge that their admission directly funds the vital conservation work of the charity in the UK and around the world.”

Over 100 endangered species call the zoo home, including African elephants, Andean bears, Siamang gibbons and White rhino.

The zoo has a strong focus on native conservation of Farm Animals and in 2022 received their Rare Breeds Survival Trust accreditation.

Speaking further about the importance of preserving nature, Larry added: “Connecting with nature, getting up close to animals, learning in fun and immersive ways and enjoying play together – these all improve your wellbeing.”

Staff from the zoo also make 20,000 school visits each year, as well as undertaking outreach visits to schools, care homes and holiday clubs to educate people on the importance of conservation.