Shropshire Star

Can you think of a snappy name for Telford attraction's newest arrival?

This snappy creature is the latest arrival at a Telford tourist attraction.

Published
The Cuviers Caiman has come into Hoo Farm as a rescue, held by Will Dorrell

The little Cuvier's Caiman came into Hoo Farm at Preston on the Weald Moors as a rescue animal, and is now on display to visitors.

Will Dorrell, of Hoo Farm, said the caiman had previously been a pet and added that people needed to think seriously before taking on exotic pets.

Mr Dorrell said the caiman was not in the best condition when she arrived two weeks ago but is now on the road to recovery and doing much better.

He said: "She came to us rescue because the person who had her before couldn't look after her any more.

"She was alright, but not in the best condition, but with the right food and the right environment she is doing much better.

"It is one of my biggest headaches, people having animals that they get hold of when they really shouldn't.

"I'm all for people having unusual pets but they need to know how to look after them and have the right experience."

She has been housed with the farm's resident spectacled caimans but Mr Dorrell said she is doing well, the group are getting on well and visitors will be able to see her from now on.

Mr Dorrell said he expects that she will now spend the rest of her life at Hoo Farm, and if she is rehomed it will be to another centre, rather than to a private owner.

The farm is also calling for people to come forward with suggestions of a name for the five-year-old female.

The Cuvier's Caiman is a small member of the alligator family from northern and central South America.

It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela.

It lives in rivers in forests, flooded forests near lakes, and near fast-flowing rivers and streams.

It can traverse dry land to reach temporary pools and tolerates colder water than other species of alligator.

Other common names for this species include the musky caiman, the dwarf caiman and the smooth-fronted caiman. It is sometimes kept in captivity as a pet, though those wanting to own them, need a special licence.

Anyone with a suggestion for a name for the caiman should visit hoofarm.com/about/contact-us/