Hello Darling

George The Cockatoo welcomes Malinky the Kinkajou

The Tropical Zoo’s first rescued animal - George the Cockatoo - will get to welcome their latest rescue in time for Valentines. Malinky a baby kinkajou will be arriving in the lead up to the February half term. It is the 500th animal to be rescued by The Tropical Zoo team in Syon Park since they started almost 20 years ago.

To mark this milestone, they are launching ‘The Tropical Zoo Rescue Stories’ an exhibition celebrating the rescue stories of all our animals.

Tony Purdy, Founder of The Tropical Zoo: “Alongside our passion for the natural world there is unfortunately always a need for a sanctuary for unwanted animals. While most rescue centres have to survive on donations and end up needing to close, we setup as a visitor centre with the focus on education. In this way we have managed to allow public support to help us care for these animals.”

The centre’s first rescued animal was George a Cockatoo, found ‘walking’ along the Twickenham High Street outside of the police station. He still lives there now and can regularly be heard charming the ladies with his ‘Hello darling’ impression.

Malinky, a six month old kinkajou, the latest rescue was seized by customs when she was illegally smuggled into the country.

In almost 20 years, they have rescued animals as diverse as crocodiles, monkeys, tortoises, bats and snakes. Visit this February half term to find out more about ‘The Tropical Zoo Rescue Stories’ and to celebrate the arrival of Malinky. Children will have the opportunity to create valentines cards for their favourite animals.