Staff at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating after winning two prestigious national awards, recognising excellence in photography and service to group travel. Both prizes have been awarded by national organisations who are very significant to the park, the first being BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), who host the National Zoo & Aquarium Photo Awards annually.

Sponsored by Wildlife Vets International, the annual competition welcomes an array of striking photography submissions, highlighting just some of the 2,000 plus species that are cared for in British and Irish zoos and aquariums, as well as the global conservation work they support.

Scooping the top award for his image of a playful young rhino challenging an older member of the herd to a dual, was the Safari Park’s photographer, Matthew Lissimore. Matthew said, “It's a real privilege being able to observe and photograph animals as part of my job at West Midland Safari Park. Spending time with these animals and getting to know their habits, allows me to witness intimate moments in their lives. I hope that through my photography and creative work I can help to raise awareness for the conservation of threatened species in the wild.”

The second award was for “Best Animal or Sea Life Attraction for Groups”, presented to the Park by Michaela Strachan at the 2019 Group Travel Awards in London. Sue Day, the Group Visit Co-ordinator at the Park said, “We welcome many group and coach parties to our attraction throughout the year, for both standard day visits and a variety of special events like Santa Safari. We really are so proud to be the recipients of this award and to be recognised for continuing to deliver a fantastic day out to our guests. To be singled out as the ‘best’ by these visitors is praise indeed!” This is the sixth time since 2011 that the Park has won the award and is highly coveted, as is voted for by visitors and recognises the best suppliers to the group travel industry.

West Midland Safari Park is open daily for its summer season, with a group admission charge of £11 for adults, £10 for children aged 3-15 and £10.50 for concessions based on ten or more paying passengers arriving by coach or mini bus. Children under the age of 3 are free. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.

Further information and tickets are available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari