´óÏó´«Ã½

It’s time to deck the halls because Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are heading back to Longleat Safari Park for a magical week of programmes.

As far as Christmas wishes go, few are bigger than the one the keepers have had for the last few years – a baby koala. Incredibly, last year that wish came true when Violet gave birth to Hazel. As the first southern koala to ever be born in Europe, she was quite the Christmas miracle. Unbelievably, this Christmas the keepers suspect Maisy may now be expecting too.

Megan McCubbin is spending time with some of the busiest animals of the season, the reindeer. Both male and female reindeer have antlers, one of the few deer species that do. In fact, it’s a challenge for Megan to avoid them when taking Reuben for a walk because his antlers are on course to grow over a metre in length.

It’s wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin’s first Christmas at the park, and he is being put to the test by Animal Park legend and fellow photographer Ian Turner. Hamza has the challenge of following the feeding truck as it does its morning rounds to feed the lions, tigers, cheetahs and wolves. The question is, will he be quick enough to get the killer shot worthy of the annual Christmas card?

Also today, there is a monumental release of native wildlife back to the estate, as eighteen water voles get to explore their new home down at Half Mile Lake.