SANTA took time out of his busy schedule at West Midland Safari Park today to ‘go on Safari’.

During his visit, Santa encountered hundreds of animals in the 4-mile safari, but none quite so attentive as Latabe, the 16-year old African Elephant that shares the reserve with Elephants, Jack and Five. Latabe certainly seemed very keen on Santa and it was cuddles all round.

Santa is currently appearing in Santa Safari at West Midland Safari Park - the unique and unusual seasonal experience, incorporating the call of the wild – that is open every day until 24th December 2008.

Admission to Santa Safari includes the four mile, all-weather self drive safari; Discovery Trail which incorporates Seal Island, Twilight Cave, Creepy Crawlies, Seaquarium, Mark O’Shea’s Reptile World, Sealion Show, Friendly Animal and Reptile Encounters, Leopard Exhibit and Santa’s Reindeer – Rudolph, Blitzen, Donner and youngster, Prancer.

Santa Safari Prices (which also includes a winter free return ticket) Adult £8.50 per person, Santa Visit, Mulled Wine or Hot Chocolate and a Mince Pie. Child £11.50 per person (1-16 years) Santa Visit, Children’s Present and a Souvenir Photo with Santa, to take home.

Baby £5.50 per person (under 12 months) Santa Visit, Baby’s Present and a Souvenir Photo with Santa, to take home.

Santa Safari is an exceptionally popular seasonal event and it is essential that visitors pre-book. Ticket hotline: 01299 400700 Online www.santasafari.com West Midland Safari Park is currently open every day until 24th December 2008 and then weekends only until 8th February 2009. The Park, with amusement rides, fully reopens on Saturday 14th February 2009.