A YOUNG raccoon is settling in at Tropiquaria zoo having been collected from the country’s top exotic animal rehoming agent, Matt Ford.

Tropiquaria’s directors Chris Moiser and Jane Bassett drove to a motorway services station to meet up with Matt, who runs Specialist Wildlife Services, based near Heathrow.

“This isn’t the first time we have gone part way to pick up an animal as a matter of mutual convenience,” said Chris. “But it always feels funny moving boxes between vehicles on motorway service stations at night."

He added: “Archer, as the staff have decided to call him, walked into our life. He is a lovely animal, obviously used to being around people, and still a youngster.

“We will keep him separate from our older girl for a few days so that we can get to know him better and he can get to know us.”