Two beavers named Steve and Terri arrive at Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The sanctuary said their arrival is another step in its partnership with Beaver Trust
Two beavers named Steve and Terri have arrived at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
The pair arrived on Wednesday 24th September after a period of care at Five Sisters Zoo.
The sanctuary said their arrival is another step in its partnership with Beaver Trust, which supports the conservation and reintroduction of beavers across mainland Britain.
Sarah Pegg, general manager at the sanctuary, said Steve and Terri are the 12th and 13th beavers to go through its project.
The sanctuary said the pair are named in tribute to the impact Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin have had on wildlife conservation and education around the world.
It said the Irwins have been personal heroes and inspirations to many members of its team.
Property and Conservation Manager Sean Higgins said: "By naming our two new beavers Steve and Terri, we hope to honour that legacy and celebrate the values they championed, a deep respect for wildlife, a commitment to conservation and the belief that inspiring people to care can make a real difference."
The sanctuary describes beavers as a keystone species.
It said their natural activities can help create and maintain wetland habitats, which benefit a wide range of other wildlife.
Mr Higgins said: "Through our ongoing partnership with Beaver Trust, we are proud to play our part in supporting beaver conservation and the wider effort to reintroduce these remarkable animals to our special and unique landscape"
Steve and Terri were cared for by the team at Five Sisters Zoo, and by Beaver Trust at the zoo's dedicated holding facility in West Caulder, Scotland.
Specialist veterinary support was provided by Dr Romain Pizzi.
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at Beaver Trust, said: "These kits have both had very different journeys into captive care. The male arrived as an orphan, while the female was injured and unable to return to her family group. The move was made to pair them together for companionship while they continue to mature, with the hope that, when they are ready, they will establish themselves in a suitable wild release project."
The sanctuary thanked everyone involved in preparing the beavers for the move and making sure they arrived safely.
Mr Higgins said: "We would like to thank Beaver Trust for their continued support, expertise and commitment to beaver conservation, and the Five Sisters Zoo team for the time, care and dedication they have given Steve and Terri. Their arrival is an exciting moment for everyone at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, and we look forward to getting to know their personalities and watching them settle into their new surroundings."
Ms Pegg said: "It's always an exciting time for everyone involved in supporting the reintroduction of beavers, each animal is unique and we are proud to play our part in providing a home and getting them ready for the next chapter of their journey. Steve and Terri have settled in well. They are now the 12th and 13th beavers to go through our project; I am really thankful for all the support from everyone involved."