A DEDICATED zoo keeper has been honoured for his 40 years of service at Walton Hall and Gardens Children’s Zoo.

Peter Cookson-Dean has worked at the site since 1982 and was ‘instrumental’ in creating the zoo that is loved by so many today.

Now a special plaque has been stalled at the zoo entrance to honour him.

When Peter arrived at Walton, the zoo consisted of a single row of old aviaries where the zoo entrance now stands.

And over the years, it has been extended to house various different animals.

Warrington Guardian:

Highlights of Peter’s career at the Children’s Zoo so far include him hand-rearing BoBo the donkey in the kitchen at his home until he was strong enough to move to his own home at the zoo.

He has also introduced many new species at the zoo – such as the herdwick sheep and the pot-bellied pigs, alongside the introduction of Walton’s red squirrel breeding programme which supports the national efforts to protect native reds.

Walton’s three resident alpacas – Jim, Topaz and Mally – were also brought to the zoo and are cared for by Peter.

They enjoy regular walks around the estate with visitors which was another one of Peter’s ideas to make the zoo more accessible to the public.

Peter said: “From a young age, I always wanted to work with animals.

“I started as a zoo keeper for several different zoos and safari parks before joining Warrington Borough Council when I was 21 years old to help develop the zoo at Walton.

“I always had a close bond with animals and have had many pets at home, so working with many different animals every day is wonderful, and is quite possibly the reason why I have never had a day off sick in the 40 years that I’ve worked at Walton!

Warrington Guardian:

“I’ve always said that the day I don’t look forward to coming to work is the day I should leave, and I can’t see that happening anytime soon!”

As well as working closely with students from Myerscough College, Peter has supported many young people with disabilities having worked closely with Walton Lea Partnership to provide supported learning opportunities at the zoo.

As a result, he was presented with a positive action award by Warrington Disability Partnership.

And to honour his work with students and partners, the team at Walton Hall and Gardens have worked in partnership with Myerscough College to launch the Peter Cookson-Dean award, which will be given to a student each year for outstanding achievement in animal care.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community, said: “Peter is known for his dedication to his job and the love he has for the animals in his care. He works tirelessly to ensure the animals are safe and well, including making sure he’s around to safely help with the birth of many baby goat kids over the years.

"Peter and the team have put a huge amount of work into the zoo over the years, making it a much-loved place for families to visit, from many different generations.

“We all have such warm memories of Walton Hall and Gardens and the Children’s Zoo in particular, which is largely down to the hard work and dedication from Peter over the years. It really is the jewel in Warrington's crown!”