Eleven-month-old Archie Brown could well be treading in his fathers footsteps after meeting DZG’s reindeer this week.
Dad is Assistant Curator, Richard Brown, and he made sure his firstborn met animals on his section during a visit to Santas grotto in the castle.
Richard said:?It was Archies first visit to see Santa, but I couldnt let him come on site without showing him the reindeer in the courtyard.
He really loved them and wasnt a bit scared. I think he liked them more than Santa, and lots of the staff have joked hes DZGs next generation of keeper!
Richard will be leaving Archie and wife, Sharon, at home on Christmas morning to help feed more than 1,400 animals across the zoo site.
He added:?Its business as usual regardless of the festive holiday. Its the only day of the year Dudley Zoo closes to the public and its quite special as keepers get to spend time with their favourite species and take them treats.
Archies still a bit young to understand what Christmas is all about, but Ill make sure he sends along some extra carrots for the reindeer.
CAPTION: In fathers footsteps:?Dudley Zoo Assistant Curator, Richard Brown, introduces 11-month-old son Archie to reindeer during a visit to Santas grotto.