More than 3,500 visitors enjoyed the weather at Dudley Zoo for a fun-packed patriotic festival to celebrate St George.

This was the third year the zoo had hosted the Dudley borough extravaganza, which has once again been hailed a roaring success.

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler, joined in the celebrations in the 11th century Castle courtyard which included medieval re-enactors, children’s entertainers, dragon puppets and dragon processions. There were also extra talks and feeds at the penguin and sealion enclosures, history talks, ghost tours, a tombola, name the cuddly dragon and a fancy dress parade. Zoo Director, Derek Grove, said:

“This was another magnificent event and it was wonderful to see people of all ages joining us for the occasion.”

The festivities also gave people chance to support the attractions on-going appeal to help the ‘Silent Forest, Asian Songbird Crisis’ – EAZA’s global campaign to protect the threatened songbirds of Southeast Asia.

There were games including hook-a-duck, balls for birds and chance to throw wet sponges at Conservation Officer, Chris Leeson, who is heading up the appeal alongside Head of Birds, Nicola Wright.

The total has now reached over £700 thanks to money raised from games on the day, visitor donations, a proportion of sales of cuddly songbirds from the Safari Shop and nectar sales in Lorikeet Lookout.

Bosses have pledged to raise awareness and €2,000 for the campaign which aims to protect the beautiful birds, many of which are stolen from the forests to take part in singing contests or traded as pets.