ANIMAL lovers are being called upon to help a charity prepare for the busy summer season.

The Volunteers Day at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis offers a rare chance to get up close with animals like snow leopards, marmosets, meerkats and lizards.

Zoo boss Jo Marsden said: “It's a Spring Clean theme and we’re looking not only for people who have a real interest in animals but those who might want to help in other ways too.”

As well as getting an insight into what it takes to keep a zoo going, volunteers get a lunch of soup and sandwiches.

The sanctuary is a popular attraction for families wanting to see rare and unusual animals in a safe environment. It also takes part in breeding programmes and is home to some of the world's rarest animals.

As a charity, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis said the zoo relied on volunteers to help out.

For more information call 015395 63027 or visit wildlifeoasis.co.uk