Green-fingered volunteers feed West Midland Safari Park elephants
Green-fingered volunteers from a council ranger service have been busy feeding West Midland Safari Park's trio of elephants.
The group of volunteers from Wyre Forest District Council's ranger service got up close and personal with the African elephants Five, Latabe and young Sutton.
The trio tucked into shrubbery that was recently cleared from the heathlands at Burlish Top Nature Reserve, near Stourport.
Councillor Juliet Smith, Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said: "Our rangers and their volunteers work tirelessly to manage our open spaces so they can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.
“It is great that by working closely with West Midlands Safari Park, we are able to dispose of our green waste in an eco-friendly way, feed the elephants and give something back to our volunteers.”
Angela Potter, head of wildlife at West Midland Safari Park, added: "The elephant team are really delighted to reap the rewards of the hard work carried out by the Wyre Forest volunteer rangers.
"It is great to see the elephants tucking into the browse, collected from the Nature Reserves. It acts as enrichment and provides extra nutrition for our animals and we were pleased that the rangers were able to drop by and watch the elephants tucking in."
The volunteers dedicate a few hours every week to help the council's ranger team. They help carry out various activities such as site patrols, cattle management, fence repairs, scrub clearance and educational activities.
For more information about volunteering with the ranger team, visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/volunteerrangers.
