Blackpool zookeeper's MSc in sea lion whiskers

10 August 2014 Last updated at 11:17

A zookeeper in Blackpool has been awarded a masters' degree for her research into sea lion whiskers.

Liverpool-born Alyx Milne, 27, combined her work at Blackpool Zoo as an animal trainer/presenter, with her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Her dissertation on the motor neuron abilities of sea lions' whiskers earned her a distinction from the university.

Ms Milne said sea lions' whiskers were very sensitive and could help them to find fish.

She said their whiskers picked up vibrations in the water and air, leading them to food.

Continued ...

Four stolen monkeys returned to Blackpool Zoo

Four of the five stolen tamarin monkeys have been found at an an address in West Yorkshire and returned to Blackpool Zoo, with the four-month-old cotton-topped tamarin still remaining at large. It is believed the media attention the crime received led the monkeys to be abandoned.

Andy McWilliam from the National Wildlife Crime Unit said, “It is good news that these endangered species have been recovered and are being cared for at the zoo. We are still making every effort to trace those responsible for this crime.”

The burglary happened overnight between Tuesday 29 April and Wednesday 30 April and the thieves stole two female and one baby cotton-top tamarins, which are a critically endangered species, and two male emperor tamarins.

Police believe the animals were targeted specifically.

Continued

Blackpool Zoo's cotton-top and emperor tamarin monkeys stolen

Five monkeys have been stolen during a "targeted" break-in at Blackpool Zoo, police have said.

Two female and one baby cotton-top tamarins and two male emperor tamarins were taken when thieves broke into their enclosures, on Tuesday night.

Lancashire Constabulary's Andy McWilliam said officers were "making inquiries across Europe" as there was "definitely a market for the monkeys".

Zoo director Darren Webster said staff were "extremely saddened" by the theft.

Continued