TWO red squirrels from Belfast Zoo have been released into Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch to boost numbers of the endangered mammal in Co Down.
The release follows the zoo's most successful year with the species. Over the past 12 months, 10 red squirrel kittens have been born at Belfast Zoo and six animals have previously been released to the Silent Valley Mountain Park.
The latest captive-bred squirrels will provide welcome reinforcement to Montalto Estate’s small contingent of red squirrels, which are just starting to make a comeback, after years of absence.
"This is fantastic news in the race to save our much-loved red squirrel," said Shanna Rice, Red Squirrel Officer with Ulster Wildlife.
"We are delighted to have worked with Montalto’s Ranger, Wilson Johnston and volunteers from the Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group to help create a prime and safe location for reds to survive and thrive through our Red Squirrels United project. With any luck, the reds will spread into the surrounding area which would be a great conservation success story."
