Keepers at Paignton Zoo saved scores of animals after recent storms damaged a key building.
High winds ripped open a 36-metre-long air vent in the roof of Reptile Tropics at around 7.30 one morning, exposing vulnerable animals, plants and electrics. Staff rushed to save lizards, snakes, turtles, iguanas, chameleons and geckos as the temperature in the building dropped. Meanwhile, maintenance staff were able to carry out running repairs and prevent further damage.
In all, 65 reptiles and amphibians were saved, along with around 200 birds. It’s thought that no individuals...
Pets across Devon and Somerset have a better chance of surviving household fires – thanks to new oxygen masks for animals being carried on selected fire engines.
The funding for the sets of specially-designed masks has been provided by Pets at Home through its instore reward scheme.
Eight fire stations in the Devon and Somerset area are to benefit from the scheme: Barnstaple, Bridgwater, Brixham, Burnham-on-Sea, North Tawton, Ottery St Mary, Topsham and Wellington.
Station Manager Dean Hastie, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “I appreciate...
A poorly Daubenton’s Bat, spotted at East Devon District Council's Seaton Wetlands nature reserve was, after several weeks of care, released on Good Friday.
On Sunday March 13 at 1.30pm, a bird watcher saw a bat flying around the pond, in the heart of Seaton Wetlands. The bat, which should have been hibernating, was clearly distressed. It had strong sun shining on it and was flying into things.
The bird watcher was concerned by the bat's behavior and informed volunteers, John and Judith Richards, who were manning the Discovery Hut. The three sheltered the bat as best they...
You'll need to keep your waterproofs close to hand this week as more rain is on the way.
The forecast until Friday is as follows:
Tuesday will see sunshine and showers, again with these turning heavy at times, and bringing a risk of hail and thunder. In any sunshine, it should feel pleasant enough. Maximum Temperature 11 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Showery again on Wednesday, but mostly dry by Thursday, and in lighter winds, it should feel increasingly pleasant. Dry on Friday, but with sunshine turning hazier through the day.
Pets living in Honiton now have a better chance of surviving household fires – thanks to new oxygen masks for animals being carried on the town’s fire engines.
The funding for the set of specially-designed masks to Honiton has been provided by Honiton's Fortescue Lodge.
Honiton's Fortescue Lodge donated the money for a set of masks to Smokey Paws, the not-for-profit organisation trying to help family pets in the event of a fire. Honiton is the first fire station in Devon to receive the life-saving devices.
Watch Manager Wayne Broom said: “As a dog owner myself, I...
Christmas is fast approaching and with the colder weather also arriving, cosy chimney fires are being lit. Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are encouraging you to check your chimney is clean, safe and swept for Santa’s arrival.
Chimney fires can cause serious structural damage to a home, with the risks being even greater if the property has a thatched roof. The damage is not only fire based but also the dirt and smell left from all the soot and smoke, which would affect your personal property, including all your Christmas presents.
A man and two children were rescued from a house in Exeter after a fire broke out in the kitchen.
Two fire appliances from Danes Castle attended the property in Cowley after a neighbour raised the alarm.
On arrival, crews gained entry to the property using breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet.
The trio were rescued from the smoke logged property by fire crews. They were all suffering from smoke inhalation, so an ambulance was requested to attend. Fire crews administered oxygen therapy until the arrival of the paramedics.
An injured wading bird has been rescued and given safe haven at Living Coasts in Devon.
Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium can provide the ideal estuary habitat for the whimbrel, now thought to be the only one in a public zoological collection in the UK.
The adult female bird was found on a roadside in Cornwall by a passing member of the public. She was taken to Rosevean Veterinary Practice in Penzance. Vet Paul Hall, who treated the bird’s potentially life-threatening injuries, said: “The bird was unable to fly because both major and minor metacarpal bones were fractured...
Police in Exmouth are appealing for information following an arson in the town.
Detectives in Exmouth are investigating an arson that occurred at a multi occupancy property on Exeter Road in Exmouth, between 11:15pm and 11:30pm on Saturday 12 September.
The property is located on the smaller part of Exeter Road near the shops – not far from the junction with the main A396 Exeter Road.
Damage was caused after a wooden front door was set alight.
Nobody was injured following fire which was extinguished quickly.
Four people were rescued from the Rive Exe in fading light after their boat began to sink.
Exmouth lifeboat was launched at 7.40pm yesterday and on arrival at the scene found the sailing crew up to their waists clinging to sinking boat near Topsham.
