A rare specimen

A six-and-a-half-centimetre snail is one of the rarest animals at the park.

The Giant Magnolia Snail had been thought to have been extinct before living specimens were found in southern Vietnam in 2012.Classified as critically endangered, there are thought to be as few as 300 of the left coiling snail in the world with eight at Longleat and just 56 in European zoos and Safari Parks.

Keeper Samantha Peeke has been ensuring they settle in and the snails will soon be able to be seen in the Animal Adventure area of the Park.“They are kept in a sterile environment to protect them, and each has an ID tag. We are hoping they will start breeding which will be incredible for the species.

“Until relatively recently they were thought to be extinct before being found in a small area of forest in Vietnam. The biggest threat to their survival is being used for food and the shell trade.

“We need to keep them at temperatures of 23-27’C and they are eating fruit and vegetables with mango being a favourite.

“They are weighing in at around 100 grams with our biggest 66mm and are two and a half years old, so at the right size and age for breeding.

“They are beautiful animals and having them at Longleat is wonderful as we can show our guests how we care for all animals, whatever their size.”