Dudley hotel guests looking for a day out in the town can say hello to the latest addition to the town's Zoological Gardens.

Martha was the first Patagonian mara to be born at Dudley Zoological Gardens in seven years when she entered the world in November and now she is thoroughly enjoying her time with her parents, Olivia and Martin.

Though they look slightly like deer, maras are in fact rodents with long legs and they are a delight to watch as they jump and bounce to and fro.

"They are considered to be a near-threatened species, which means numbers of maras in the wild are being monitored regularly by conservation experts," said assistant curator at the zoo, Richard Brown.

"If numbers dwindle further they will be re-classified as a threatened species," he added.

For visitors to the zoo, Martha is the newest recruit but there are many other delightful exhibits, displays and activities to enjoy on a day out there.

Dudley Zoological Gardens is open everyday from 10am, with last entry at 3pm in the winter. Tickets cost £11.80 for adults, £9.50 for children and £10.50 for concessions.

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17/01/2012