Animal lovers have a host of attractions to choose from this summer. Others include:

Blackbrook Zoological Park, at Winkhill, near Leek, which is open everyday from 10am until 5.30pm with last admissions at 4pm.

Visitors can see birds from all over the world, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, wallabies, fish and the ever-popular penguins.

Entry for adults costs £8.95, while concessions are £6.95, children are £5.50, and under threes go free.

Family tickets cost £27.

For more information, call 01538 308293.

Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre, at Fletcher's Country Garden Centre, in Eccleshall, is home to more than 30 different species of birds of prey and various exotic animals.

The attraction is open every day except Tuesdays until the school holidays kick-in and a seven-day opening week starts.

Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs, with children under three getting free entry.

Opening hours are 10.30am until 4.30pm.

Call 01785 850379 for find out more.

Visitors to the Palms Tropical Oasis at Stapeley Water Gardens, near Nantwich, can explore the world of a deep rainforest with animals such as snakes, geckos, frogs, fish and spiders.

Admission costs £4.95 for adults, £2.95 for two to 15-year-olds and £4.45 for OAPs and concessions.

Family tickets and group rates are also available. The Tropical Palm Oasis is open from 10am until 5pm each day, with the last entrance at 4pm.

For more information call 01270 628628.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has a number of events planned over the summer.

They include environmental activities, crafts and games at free Summer Wildplay events taking place at various locations across Stoke-on-Trent throughout July.

To contact the organisation, call 01889 880100.