ANIMALS from Lilford Park pets corner are being rehoused in new homes across the country.

Last week some animals from Leigh's mini zoo -- closed for over a year -- were relocated. One donkey is staying local having been moved to Heybrook Community Farm at Lowton.

And llamas, deer, emus, wallabies and peacocks are set to start a new life at the Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre, in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire.

Ponderosa manager Maureen Crook said people were welcome to visit the animals.

Theraputic

She said: "The animals are used for therapeutic means for people who are disabled and the general public. They are used to further children's education."

The centre has about 150 animals, including wallabies, water buffalo, hens and ducks.

She stressed that the animals would be well cared for and said she had not been told about the death of a wallaby which escaped during an attempt to move some of the animals.

"As far as I am aware the transportation was carried out safely."

Disabled children will be able to ride some of Lilford's donkeys at a registered sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon.

However, some animals have yet to be found new homes.

Animal keeper Paul Brown has still to hear from leisure department bosses to whom he complained about the initial attempt to move animals. He had refused to allow any animals out of the park after Wally the wallaby escaped and died.

"If I had been involved in planning the movement of the animals this would never have happened," said an upset Paul, who had looked after Wally from birth.

A council spokesman said transportation had not been their responsibility but the priority was to ensure animals were re-homed in the best possible place.

The Journal understands some of the animals were moved from Lilford by a licensed horse and cattle slaughterer.