A student at Shuttleworth College could be the
first person in the country to hand rear a baby Mara that is now
hopping around the grounds of the Animal Care Centre at the
College.
The Mara, also known as the Patagonian Cavy,
comes from the Patagonian steps of Argentina and other areas of
South America, but is now also to be seen in Bedfordshire at
Shuttleworth where students study its behaviour and recreate its
natural habitat.
Hannah Baker, studying the National Diploma in
Animal Management, noticed that the new born Mara was not moving
and in need of urgent help if it was to survive. She
immediately wrapped him in her jumper and moved him into one of the
tropical habitat rooms to keep him warm. After speaking to
animal experts at Shuttleworth College she decided to take him home
so that she could continue to care for him, feeding him every 2
hours to give him the chance of life.
Carl Groombridge, Animal Unit Manager at
Shuttleworth College, said:
“This has been a real hands on learning
experience. We could find no information of anyone
successfully rearing a Mara in the UK despite all our contacts and
trawling the internet. Hannah has been very successful and
could be the first and only person to do this in the UK. This
is an incredible achievement that has given life to the fascinating
Mara that we have here today.”
The Mara, named Joey, has now bonded closely
with Hannah who continues to give him the care that he needs.
He can be seen following Hannah around the Animal Care Centre and
is a firm favourite with everyone.
Hannah added:
“Hand rearing Joey has given me the chance to
follow my dreams and I am thrilled that he is now doing well – he
is quite a character. I have always had a passion for
animals and the Animal Management National Diploma has given me the
knowledge to carry on further. I am now keen to study for a
foundation degree in Animal Management at Shuttleworth College next
year.”
View more information about our courses at
Shuttleworth College.