A LIFELONG Dudley Zoo fan, who visited the attraction on its opening day in 1937, is celebrating after being the first to adopt the newly arrived bearded dragon.

Animal crazy Muriel Thatcher, 83, from Wednesfield, has adopted many of the Castle Hill site’s creature collection over the years and is the first adopter of Edward the colourful lizard.

A sign is now proudly displayed next to the reptile’s tank in the Discovery Centre, with Muriel’s message "He is beautiful. A present for myself."

Muriel said: “One day I walked into the Discovery Centre and I saw him in his tank right in front of me.

“He is gorgeous and it was love at first sight. He’s my little golden baby – he has lovely markings and he likes being held and having his head stroked.”

She added: “I love Dudley Zoo – it seems magical to me, with all the fabulous animals there and the castle at the top of the hill.”

Adopters can choose to adopt many of the zoo’s animals, from its larger animals such as lions, tigers and giraffes to the smallest geckos, with all funds raised through the scheme going towards the zoo’s worldwide conservation and breeding programmes.

All adopters receive a certificate, a fact sheet and a photograph of their adopted animal, as well as the quarterly ZooNooz magazine, a complimentary zoo ticket, discounted rates for guests and a gift card.

For more details about animal adoptions, visit dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 01384 215313.