YOUNG wildlife enthusiast Toby Hyde knows all about monkey business and the bear necessities of working with animals - after making a name for himself at London Zoo.

The Knowle Green 12-year-old has come to the end of his two-year stint on the zoo's children's committee.

And one of his last tasks was coming up with the name "Bear Mountain" for the top zoo's new bear enclosure.

Toby, who attends St Wilfrid's CE High School, Blackburn, won his place on the committee in a competition.

With his young colleagues, he has been involved in crucial decision-making at the zoo on advertising campaigns and publicity stunts.

His last engagement was a "retirement" party, where he was allowed behind the scenes and thoroughly enjoyed himself, mum Claire said.

Toby, who wants to be a vet, was inspired to vie for a place on the committee by his enthusiasm for wild and exotic animals.

Bear Mountain, the largest urban bear enclosure in the world, houses two rare Sloth bears, along with deer, monkeys, geese and peacocks.

Toby has given the spectacular site, which includes undergrowth, trees and climbing ropes, a rave review. "It is absolutely brilliant!" he said.

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