Zebra herd set for rural county

The zebra will live in the hills of rural Carmarthenshire

Zebra could shortly be found roaming hills in rural Carmarthenshire as part of a research and conservation project.

Ross and Heather Simpson, who run the Natural Animal Centre near Carmarthen, plan to import a herd from Africa.

They treat many types of animals for behavioural problems but also research and teach training techniques.

Mrs Simpson said the aim of the project was to contrast the behaviour of zebra with horses they already keep, to improve human understanding of both.

They have successfully applied to Carmarthenshire Council for permission to keep a herd of zebra on their 100-acre site in a wooded valley at Cwmduad.

South African-born Mr Simpson is currently in Africa looking for a suitable herd.

"As well as the Natural Animal Centre here in Wales we have a share of a game reserve out there," said Mrs Simpson.

"We keep horses and zebra and for the last five years I have been working to compare their behaviour."

She said by bringing a herd to Wales students at the centre could also become involved.

Mrs Simpson said it may provide answers as to why zebra were becoming more scarce - outside of the obvious causes such as hunting and loss of natural habitat.

She said it would also help with their research into the study of natural equine behaviour.

The couple, who met while tracking cheetah in the African bush, both gave up careers in the financial sector to pursue their interest in animal behaviour and training.

"We do a lot of work with rescue centres and with animals with behaviour disorders who come here with their owners," added Mrs Simpson.

They have been given £67,500 European funding via a grant from Carmarthenshire Council to open new student accommodation on a site near their centre and have also developed long-distance learning courses.

The authority said the centre had the necessary permits to house the zebra but new fences and gates would have to be installed.