Creature comforts continue at Blackpool Zoo and Sea Life Centre

Aquarists at the Sea Life Centre are working shifts individually wearing protective gloves and masks to look after and feed the many fish in their care.

This includes breaking into song for sharks, stingrays and giant sea turtles who are missing the noise of visitors moving around.

Staff are serenading sea creatures with the likes of The Beatles' classic Octopus's Garden and Disney favourite Little Mermaid.

An aquarist visits the Central Promenade attraction each day to feed all of the species, as well as checking on the health and wellbeing of the baby sharks and tiny juvenile stingrays, while food deliveries are being made weekly.

Lead aquarist Mel Shawcross said: "We noticed some of the creatures seemed a little restless without anyone around and with virtual silence in the aquarium.

“They seemed to like it when I started singing to myself, so I sang a bit louder and they liked that.

“So we each sing to them and play songs to reassure them. We even leave the radio on when there’s no-one there. But they particularly like it when we sing, many species are very social.

“I’ve been working with the creatures for a number of years, so I know when they are happy and can tell if they’re slightly restless or uneasy.

"There are just small changes in behaviour. The tunes have made a real difference.

“It’s critical we look after the creatures and check on their health and welfare during the lockdown.

"We try to keep their routines as normal as possible. After each shift, the aquarist cleans down thoroughly with sanitiser ready for the next shift."

Mel added: "Someone had to stay to look after all the creatures while everywhere is closed down.

“I was only too happy to, I love the creatures and wanted to be close to them at this difficult time.

“It’s an amazing experience, as I’m now in a one-to-one with each of the species and they’re really responding to it.

“It means I’m able to maintain all our usual feeding and health check regimes. I’m really grateful to everyone who’s keeping us supplied."

The feeding regime ranges from larger creatures in the main displays to smaller species in the rockpool and quayside areas, along with the rainforest and seahorse zones.

Meanwhile keepers are also ensuring Blackpool Zoo's animals are well cared for during the crisis.

Della Belk, PR and marketing manager at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We have a full team of dedicated keepers taking care of our animals while observing social distancing guidelines.

“Our maintenance and cleaning teams are also on site to support the keepers and ensure high standards of cleanliness.

“All current and future food supplies are secured and we will also be keeping zoo fans updated with behind the scenes footage and photographs with our social media keeper takeover.

“There have already been updates from our oldest resident, Darwin the Aldabran tortoise as well as the elephant team at Base Camp and there are plenty more ideas in the pipeline.

“We are, of course, really missing our visitors and can’t wait for the day we open our doors again. Until then, we hope everyone is staying safe at home.”