BEWDLEY based West Midland Safari Park picked up two prestigious prizes at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium Awards.

The event celebrates the work and dedication of staff in zoos, safari parks and wildlife attractions across both Britain and Ireland.

They picked up a gold award thanks to their research and conservation officer Katie McDonald whose submission in the behavior and welfare category followed her research into monitoring the Safari Park’s Humboldt penguin colony.

There was also a bronze award presented to the Safari Park’s education manager Nicola Anslow following her 2,000 word detailed building into the Safari Academy.

It looked at the impact it had on both delivering both conservation education to schools and accredited animal care courses to further education students over the past five years.

It’s the second national award recently obtained by the education team following success at the School Travel Awards last May by winning Best Wildlife Attraction.

The Park’s Head of Wildlife Angela Potter claimed: “We are delighted to have received two awards at this year’s BIAZA awards. We are really proud of the entries by Katie and Nicola as it highlights the vital work carried out by all member zoos and aquariums. It’s well deserved recognition for the work we carry out at West Midlands Safari Park”.