Love is in air as new guests arrive just in time for Valentine’s Day at Tropical World

One of Leeds’ most popular visitor attractions has welcomed a number of tiny new guests to its ranks this month, which will help ensure love is well and truly in the tropical air ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Hailing originally from the dry, arid desert environment of South Africa, a diminutive small flock of Black-Cheeked Lovebirds are settling into their new surroundings at Tropical World in Roundhay after moving north from their previous home in Norfolk. The lovebirds, which are green in colour with features that include a red beak and white eye rings, are a member of the small parrot species, and measuring just 14 cm (5.5 in) in length, are renowned for mating for life, with monogamy essential to the social stability of flocks. Following a time of extended separation, mating lovebirds will also feed each other to re-establish their bond, which was the inspiration behind their name. A mate is also said to exhibit erratic behaviour if a companion dies or is separated from the flock, which some have compared to being lovesick or suffering from depression.

The lovebirds are the latest fantastic addition to Tropical World, which is also home also to a wide range of animals from meerkats, butterflies, birds, fish, reptiles and nocturnal monkeys to bearded dragons and bats. Following a significant revamp, which was completed early last year, also on offer includes an octopus, seahorses, stingray, dart frogs, Asian Tigerfish and a red bellied piranha that sit aside other improvements such as the introduction of a fantastic new aquarium, a new toilet block with changing facilities, rainforest themed mosaics and environmentally friendly electrical and heating improvements. After experiencing the delightful wildlife there is a chance to relax and enjoy a tasty snack or drink in the new conservatory extension to the café which overlooks the beautiful Canal Gardens.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities said:

“Throughout the year Tropical World really does offer something for everyone, but with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is lovely that visitors with a love of romance will have the chance to take a peek and enjoy our newest arrivals a flock of Black-Cheeked Lovebirds, which certainly do live up to their name due to their complete devotion to each other!

“With half term also fast-approaching, there is no better place than Tropical World to keep both adults and kids captivated and entertained by our large range of animals, which include nocturnal monkeys, dragons, bats, birds, fish, reptiles and of course our very own cheeky meerkats."

Notes to editors:

For more information regarding Tropical World please access on the web: www.leeds.gov.uk/tropicalworld; Twitter: www.twitter.com/tropworldleeds or Facebook: www.facebook.com/tropicalworldleeds

Entrance prices at Tropical World are as follows:

Adults: £5.00LeedsCard: £3.00‘Extra’ cardholders: £2.00Breezecard holders: £2.005 to 15 year olds: £2.50Under 5s: Free

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk