Shetlands settling in 'beautifully' at mini zoo

Holly PhillipsBBC News
News imageBBC A man and a woman dressed in green zoo uniforms kneel down with the two Shetland ponies, one of which is black and white and one of which is brown and white.BBC
Visitors are now able to greet the miniature new arrivals

Two Shetland ponies are settling in "beautifully" at a Hull mini zoo, keepers have said.

Bonnie and Benjie, who have been together since they were six months old, are expected to become firm favourites among visitors to East Park's Animal Education Centre.

Manager Emma Burdon said: "Bonnie and Benjie are already settling into their new home beautifully and are getting used to their new care team, trotting over to greet us in return for a bit of a fuss or scratch."

The ponies were rehomed through the Blue Cross animal rescue charity.

Councillor Rob Pritchard added: "As the newest residents at the park, I’m sure they will attract many visitors and become firm favourites."

The Shetland pony is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Islands.

Generally between 2.3ft (0.7m) and 3.6ft (1m) tall, they are known for being strong for their size and were traditionally used in mining and agriculture.

Admission to the mini zoo is free.

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