CHILDREN with life-limiting conditions enjoyed a magical experience at Newquay Zoo.

Around 300 people including children from Little Harbour Children’s Hospice in St Austell, Ellie’s Haven in Looe and Treliske’s Oncology Unit along with their families attended the Dream Night event, which saw the attraction open late for the special occasion.

The children were able to meet all of zoo’s animals including zebras, penguins, otters and lemurs during the event. There were also a range of other activities for people to enjoy, along with food and drink provided by the zoo. 

St Dennis Ukulele Club Band provided music, Newquay-based Bounce Dance Academy performed and the zoo’s rangers were on hand to give talks about different animals and artefacts.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue brought along one of its fire trucks and a team from Clifton Villa Vets taught people all about their work, helping to care for Newquay’s animals. 

Families were able to bring back mementos from the evening, as an artist from Williams Caricatures drew portraits, and Devon and Cornwall Police showed people how to take fingerprints. All participants gave their time free of charge to give families a memorable evening. 

Newquay Zoo has been hosting the Dream Night event for the last six years as part of a global initiative to provide chronically ill and disabled children, along with their families, the opportunity to make precious memories.

Mike Downman, Newquay Zoo Team Leader of Animals, organises the event each year.

He said: “Dream Night at Newquay Zoo is one of the highlights of the year for all of us here at the zoo. We are so pleased to be able to help families make memories that they will be able to cherish in the future.”