We are very excited to share that we have welcomed some new animals to our site. Three alpacas, Tom, Jerry and Graham, arrived on Thursday 4th December and have settled in beautifully. Tom is the largest, with small white patches and a particular fondness for neck scratches; Jerry is slightly smaller and all black; and Graham is the lightest in colour and still very young at just seven months old. Photos have been shared, and students have already enjoyed meeting them.

In the new year, students will be involved in feeding, watering, cleaning, poo picking and shed maintenance, linking closely to the Five Animal Needs that are embedded within our Animal Care sessions. Students will also be able to take the alpacas for walks around the site, helping them to generalise routines learned on volunteer placements. The alpacas will also play an important role as guard animals when we welcome lambs in the spring.

In addition, our Animal Care provision has expanded to include small birds such as finches, canaries and diamond doves, alongside the four parrots already on site. This has been a positive step in helping students build confidence and overcome common fears around birds.