Stranded Devon zoo in Exmoor welcomes thaw after snow

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

The cheetahs stay cool in the snow at Exmoor Zoo

The residents of a Devon zoo are hoping the recent cold snap is coming to an end after spending nine days cut off from visitors and deliveries.

After the snowfall on Wednesday 6 January 2010 only two keepers - who walked 3.5 miles of country lanes to get there - made it to Exmoor Zoo.

The education officer also managed to get there.

The animals and birds are being fed warmed porridge, jacket potatoes and cooked vegetables to keep them warm.

Scarlet Ibis get a taste of snow

And the few people living on site have been press-ganged into looking after the animals' welfare.

Lynn Reynolds, the zoo's commercial manager, said: "Logistics and supply have been difficult and staff cars have been been left by the main road involving a one-and-a-half-mile walk for all keepers and staff every day.

We are desperately hoping to return to normality Lynn Reynolds

"As the main roads have cleared some deliveries have managed to get close.

"The four-wheel-drive quad bike has been put to good use, dragging the zoo van up the minor road to the cleared A399 and transporting feed and materials across compacted ice and snow back to the zoo.

The reindeer are relishing the weather

Tina Reynolds, a university graduate, has been stranded at the zoo when she should be studying at university.

But since the snow she has become a full-time keeper during the cold snap looking after the zoo's 575 animals from about 195 species.

Derek Gibson, the zoo's head-keeper said: "Not every animal dislikes the snow - the reindeer with their big feet and thick fur coats are in their element enjoying every moment!"

But the zoo has had to close for 12 days since the snow began and Lynn says they are "desperately hoping to return to normality".

"Visitors are needed, supplies are needed and the welfare of the animals is essential," she said.

"Hopefully today will see the end of the current cold snap."