AS Cumbria’s only resident hairy armadillo, Tank spent a happy first three months since arriving at Milnthorpe Wildlife Oasis from Leeds.

Visitors were charmed by the loveable seven-year-old’s cheeky antics, but zoo staff had a nagging feeling the complex’s most eligible bachelor was lonely, and set about trying to find a companion.

So just after the New Year, they welcomed one-year-old Nessa from York, and with just over a month to spare before St Valentine’s Day, love seems to have blossomed between the pair.

With female armadillos maturing at nine months, Oasis manager Jack Williams has high hopes for the zoo’s newest couple may soon add to the family, and with armadillos usually giving birth to twins, there could be quite a patter of tiny paws on the way.

“Tank is delighted to have a new companion, and Nessa is such a character and just as active and cheeky as he is,” said Mr Williams.

“We’ve gradually introduced them this week, and they’re getting on really well, playing affectionately together, and with them both coming from Yorkshire, they clearly speak the same language.”

Fans are already following Tank and Nessa’s blossoming romance via the zoo’s Facebook page, and the pair can be visited close up, alongside the zoo’s other attractions, from 10am daily.