LOCAL MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has praised the work of zoos like West Somerset's Tropiquaria in providing sanctuary for unwanted exotic pets.

But, he said, far too many rare and unusual birds and animals were still being kept as pets in entirely unsuitable conditions in private homes.

Mr Liddell-Grainger was speaking during a visit to the wildlife centre at Washford as part of Love Your Zoo Week, organised by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums to highlight the conservation work of its members.

He is pictured enjoying a close encounter with Milly, a common marmoset which, as reported in last week's Free Press, had to be rescued from a private owner and is now living in far more spacious surroundings at the centre.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, who was given a tour of Tropiquaria by owner Chris Moiser, said it was tragic that so many British families were keeping exotic creatures in conditions far removed from their normal habitat.

"For some people rare and unusual pets have become a sort of fashion item - bought to impress the friends and neighbours," he said.

"But fashions don't generally last that long and what we see in so many cases is these creatures either kept in conditions tantamount to cruelty or, when they become too much trouble, simply released into the wild to become someone else's problems.

"Many of us enjoy seeing rare birds, animals and reptiles, but few homes are properly equipped to offer them the space, facilities and care that they need, so far better for us to visit facilities such as Tropiquaria to view them in their natural surroundings and where we can see that they are well cared-for.

"And thank goodness places like Tropiquaria exist to offer proper homes to animals like Millie rescued from entirely unsuitable surroundings."