Zoo experiences for rugby stars

Two Devon sports stars have had some close encounters of the animal kind. Aly Muldowney and Jon Vickers from the Exeter Chiefs took time out from training to pay a visit to Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo to meet the penguins and giraffes.

Lock forward Aly Muldowney is used to coming up against lofty opponents in Aviva Premiership line-outs, but even he felt small next to Yoda, the Zoo’s 4 metre tall male Rothschild giraffe. Paignton Zoo holds special memories for him, as it was where he proposed to his now wife, Samantha.

"It's a refreshing change to get out into the community like this," said Muldowney. "It's not often you get the chance to get this up close to the animals."

Stuart Wright, from Living Coasts, said: “We offer special experiences and encounters at both zoos. At Living Coasts you can feed the penguins, do a keeper experience or even dive with the penguins".

“At Paignton Zoo you can feed meerkats, rhinos, crocodiles, tortoises, elephant or giraffes, and work with keepers, vets or gardeners. As charities, we need to raise funds in inventive and engaging ways – and people love to get close to the animals.”

Vickers also enjoyed the whole experience, adding: "As far as going out on a club appearance this has to be the best one yet for me. Me and Ali had a bit of a competition when it came to feeding the penguins, but I think I lost that one! It was great fun although I might be smelling of fish for a day or two!"

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and Living Coasts are registered charities.