How Rotherham is helping the world's most vulnerable animals
Visitors of all ages flocking there this summer are subtly invited to learn more about the planet's vulnerable animals
Can a modest-sized wildlife park in Rotherham really help any of the world's endangered species?
Well, the Tropical Butterfly House is certainly doing its bit.
As well as providing a home to a variety of fascinating animals, including threatened species like macaws, lemurs, caiman, agouti, hornbills and armadillos, it is educating the next generation that will be entrusted with the future of our planet.
The park in North Anston has become more than simply a butterfly attraction. It's effectively an environmental campaigner with a firm conservation message underlying the fun and colour of their attractions.
Visitors of all ages flocking there this summer are subtly invited to learn more about the planet's vulnerable animals.
They learn about the threat to rainforests, habitat destruction and the risk of wild animals being captured or bred for sale as pets.
And youngsters are invited to become a "Conservation Champions" by moving along the "Tropical Treasures Trail" where they learn from information boards about threatened species.
The message to youngsters is to help "save nature’s treasures before they are lost forever."
The centre is skilled at providing the right conditions for native species like red squirrels and harvest mice, which are officially classed as endangered in England.
Then there are more exotic animals such as lemurs and macaws. Many species kept at the park are classified as threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
A spokeswoman says they try to encourage a hands-on relationship between youngsters and the animals, where possible.
"We have always let our visitors have a very up close and personal relationship with our animals through our keeper talks, animal encounters and animal shows where questions can be asked and some animals may be handled, for example kids can hold a cockroach or snail."
The attraction says it likes to keep its experience "in the family.
"We know those who visit as a child come back with their children.
"We have a very strong education offering for local schools, and groups, we have many repeat bookings from local and South Yorkshire/North Notts-wide schools.
"We offer incentives for visiting schools. For example, we give free wildflower seeds and plants to create wild gardens for butterflies. Pupils also get a free return child ticket to visit with their family.
"We manage local conservation sites so we are helping to support and encourage native species within our local community on their doorstep where they will hopefully see and benefit from the results of this."
A percentage of ticket admission goes back into managing the native species and habitat at the park and three other conservation sites, while other money is raised for external charities.
Lottie's Coffee Lounge, on site, says its sales of Fairtrade coffee — produced under standards guaranteeing farmers fair minimum prices and safe working conditions — have helped preserve more than 7,100 trees and areas of rainforest.
Their motto is: "Help save the rainforest- one cup of coffee at a time."