OWLS and kestrels can make themselves at home in Dudley Zoo's new nesting boxes, thanks to donations from generous visitors.

During the summer holidays, the zoo hosted a Raptor Day to highlight the plight of British birds of prey, including barn and tawny owls and kestrels, who typically suffer in winter months.

The event raised £869.95 through bird-themed games, including guess the name of the cuddly owl and guess the number of feathers in a jar.

The zoo also added the funds raised from the August Bank Holiday’s nectar pot sales in Lorikeet Lookout to boost the final total.

Bird Keeper, Kriss Pearson, said: “The UK’s cold and wet weather prevents our native bird of prey species from nesting and hunting and many die of starvation as the weather also impacts the vole population, which is their main source of food.

“We were delighted with the amount raised on the day, which has enabled us to purchase specific kestrel, tawny and barn owl nesting boxes to install around the zoo’s 40-acre site, which will hopefully provide them with safe and warm shelters during the coming season.”

The boxes will be installed in areas around the ancient wooded site where the birds have been spotted, including the vintage chairlift, at the back of the giraffe paddock and Harry Hatch’s cottage.