ALL 326 animals and birds kept at Leigh's Lilford Park zoo have now been rehoused.

The site is being cleared and parks chiefs are researching its future with the help of local councillors.

Following the forced closure in March, because of lack of funding and the foot and mouth crisis, the pets have been found new havens in Blackpool, Manchester's Heaton Park, a rural animal centre in Wakefield and a donkey sanctuary in Devon.

The first donkey to be re-homed is still a local and enjoying life at Heybrook Community Farm in Lowton.

Since the closure announcement parks officers have been painstakingly searching for new homes, working closely with the RSPCA and the council's own animal wardens.

Parks community liaison officer Mike Berry said: "The welfare of the animals was paramount. The job could not have been completed without the sterling efforts of the animal park staff and the other agencies who helped secure a better future for the animals than we were able to provide."