Now that most of the country is aware the Isle of Wight has a Zoo, we may need to prepare for an influx of tiger lovers.
After Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, spoke during PMQs yesterday about problems Isle of Wight Zoo were having importing a tiger, the Government agency dealing with the case has stepped in.
Correct procedures need to be followed
The Guardian reported that officials will work to transfer the tiger – rescued from a German circus – from where it’s been held at the moment, Belgium, to the Isle of Wight zoo.
A spokeswoman for DEFRA said,
“Quarantine waivers are strictly controlled and only issued if certain criteria can be met by the premises of origin and destination. APHA will work with the Isle of Wight zoo to ensure that the correct procedures are followed.”
Surprise at question being raised
Charlotte Corney, the zoo’s director, told the Guardian that negotiations had already been taking place with DEFRA and they were optimistic of a positive outcome,
She also told the IWCP the zoo wasn’t expecting the question to be asked until October. One can only guess that someone within the Conservative Party thought it a good idea to bring the question forward.
Charlotte said,
“It’s good news obviously, and we weren’t expecting it to be raised today, so that was a bit of a surprise. We’re in negotiations with Defra and we are optimistic that we can get the move pushed through.
“From our perspective everything lies on the welfare of the tiger, who’s been living in a holding facility for some while, having come from a particularly unpleasant background, and the sooner she can be settled with the people who are bonding with her and caring for her for the rest of her life, the better.”
A warm welcome for Simi
So hurrah! Simi should soon be on her way to the Isle of Wight, where she’ll be in a safer environment with people who will care for her.
Wouldn’t it be great if the Island’s MP got this sort of positive action each time he asked a question in Parliament.
