Marwell Wildlife's meerkat abseils down iconic tower on the South Coast

MARWELL Wildlife’s charismatic animal character ‘Chico the Meerkat’ has abseiled more than 300 feet down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower.

Chico’s daring antics drew a crowd of people to Gunwharf Quays on Monday (August 8).

The handsome meerkat was raising vital funds for Marwell Wildlife, a charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources.

Last month, Marwell Wildlife’s zoological park opened a brand new home for their meerkats offering excellent close up views of the animals.

And to celebrate the opening, Chico gave visitors to Portsmouth an excellent view as he made his way down the tower!

Marwell’s animal character Chico said: “It was a wonderful experience to abseil down the tower. My supporters definitely helped my nerves and it was all for a good cause- to help Marwell Wildlife’s conservation work.

“I will now go back to the park and enjoy a tasty mealworm to celebrate!”

A spokesperson for Spinnaker Tower said: “Chico launched our week of abseiling at the Spinnaker Tower. The special event has proved hugely popular with the public and it is a once in a lifetime experience.

“I think onlookers were very surprised to see a meerkat abseiling!”

You can follow Chico on twitter @Chicothemeerkat

This summer Marwell Wildlife has launched a competition to win an exclusive face to face with the meerkats.

We want the best pictures of Chico the meerkat on tour!

For more information visit www.flickr.com/groups/chicoontour/

For more information on Marwell Wildlife visit the dayvisits page.