David Attenborough fan, 6, becomes youngest zookeeper

News imageChessington World of Adventures A young boy wearing a green polo shirt, red lanyard and name badge which reads "Max". He is facing the camera while holding up a green leaf, being eaten by a tall brown giraffe stood behind him.Chessington World of Adventures
News imageChessington World of Adventures A young boy wearing a green polo shirt and black cap. he is facing away from the camera and towards a window, which is the front of a tank of water, with a sealion swimming in it. Chessington World of Adventures

Six-year-old Max from Pembrokeshire is the newest zookeeper recruit at Chessington World of Adventures
Max has been getting "stuck in" to a variety of duties including cleaning

A six-year-old animal lover known for his love of Sir David Attenborough has had a summer holiday to remember, as he became Britain's youngest ever zookeeper.

Max Evans-Browning from Neyland, Pembrokeshire, drew 99 animals to mark the renowned biologist's 99th birthday earlier this year, with his endeavours reaching fellow fans "far and wide" on social media.

He was delighted when Sir David himself responded to him, saying he'd "greatly enjoyed" the drawings.

Now, he's been "recruited" by Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey, to work alongside its zoo team over the summer.

He is receiving special training and carrying out duties including helping clean enclosures, preparing food for the animals, conducting health checks and providing care for all the animals in the park.

Max said it was a "dream come true", adding he particularly enjoyed spending time with the giraffes and monkeys.

"This summer is the best," he added.

Seren Cottrell, education officer at Chessington World of Adventures, said: "Max has been an excellent addition to our team so far and his wealth of animal knowledge is second to none."


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