Visitors 'fully explore' park on mobility scooters

Supporters of a wildlife park have said the donation of two new scooters enable visitors with mobility challenges to "fully explore" its attractions.

The Supporters of the Curraghs Wildlife Park was granted £4,500 by the Manx Lottery Trust to buy the equipment.

A spokesman for the SCWP said replacing one aging machine and introducing another new one would mean "anyone needing to use one should be able to do so",

The machines can be pre-booked for free ahead of planned visits to the Ballaugh park.

Established in 1963, the sanctuary is home to more than 60 species of birds and animals, many of which are endangered.

Chairman of the supporters Kim Etherton said the group had secured the funding after a request by staff members at the park to help supply some new scooters.

"We know that people with mobility challenges love coming to the Wildlife Park and that the scooters will be well used," she said.

Park manager Kathleen Graham said the scooters would expand a "valued service" for guests and would enable people to "explore the site" and "observe our wonderful animals"

"Getting out and about in nature is known to benefit health and well-being, but can be a challenge for those who cannot easily walk," she added.

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