Staff at West Midland Safari Park are busy making the last few preparations for the Christmas festivities at the Bewdley venue...with the help of a few special guests!

Starting now, and running daily from 1st December, the park is hosting its annual Santa Safari, where the big man himself, Mrs Claus and their jolly elf helpers are helping to set up shop, ready to meet guests.

The elves have been very busy, setting up the magical grotto, planting over 350 Christmas trees and transforming the whole of the Park’s Discovery Trail, with lights, baubles and a sprinkling of ‘snow’. Additionally, they have been visiting all of their new animal neighbours and gathering some amazing stories, ready for ‘Elf Story Time’ – a brand new, interactive, story-telling show, sure to spread lots of festive cheer. Holly Ashworth, Marketing and Park Events Officer said:

“We are so lucky that Santa, Mrs Claus and all of the elves have agreed to stay with us and meet all of our lovely guests. What’s even better, is they have also agreed to extend their stay until 30th December, so that children who may not have got the chance to see them before Christmas, can visit them after and say thank you to Santa in person!

“As well as seeing Santa, Mrs Claus has returned with her custom-built kitchen, supplying some wonderful tasty treats for our guests. The elves are extra busy this year too. As soon as they landed, Santa sent them off to become acquainted with the animals, so they could gather some amazing festive stories to tell the guests in our new Elf Story Time, which will be running on selected evenings.

"They have also been perfecting their secret ‘Elf Wave’, ready to show any guests that are cheeky enough to ask them! We hope everyone has a magical Christmas with us.”

Santa’s visitors will be magically transported to the North Pole, where they will be able to pay a visit to the merry man himself in his grotto. Children will get a memento of their day by having a picture of themselves with Santa to take home and they’ll be able to choose their very own present in the elves’ workshop.

Additionally, children can complete their very own Santa Activity Book, watch the festive Sea Lion Show and a visit the Elf Craft Club in the Safari Academy. There’s also an ‘Elfie’ competition where guests can take a picture with one of the merry elves, to post on Facebook for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Admission to Santa Safari also includes access to the Park’s four-mile self-drive Safari, where guests can spot new baby animals, including Granville the rhino, Gerald the giraffe and Grace and Gamba the zebras.

Admission is £24.00 for adults, £20.00 for children aged 3-15 years, £8.00 for children under the age of three and £21.00 for concessions, including a free return ticket.

Further information and tickets are available from the Santa Safari website or by telephone on 01299 402114.