15 January 2012
Heathrow’s Animal Reception Centre looks after African
cheetah
An African cheetah named Isaac has been enjoying some down-time
at the City of London Corporation’s Heathrow Animal Reception
Centre (ARC) after UK Border Agency officials intercepted the
animal when suspicions were raised about his missing identity
microchip.
Isaac was on his way from a South African safari park to Russia
when he was seized. He stayed at the ARC for three weeks before
moving on to a UK wildlife park while investigations continue. He
is being kept in the UK until it is known why his microchip was
missing. All endangered animals have to be clearly
identifiable by a unique marking to be allowed to travel.
Microchips are used to tackle the trade in illegal animals and
stop smugglers cheating the system. Transporting endangered animals
without microchips is a breach of the Convention in International
Trade in Endangered Species.
Rob Quest the City of London Corporation’s Assistant Director of
Animal Health & Welfare at the ARC, said: "We know its best
that Isaac moves on to a more suitable environment whilst his
future is sorted, but he will still be sorely missed by everyone
here at the Reception Centre. He was just like a giant moggy
– really friendly but with a deafening purr and a monster
appetite.”
Notes to editors
- Press enquiries
John Park, Press Officer, City of London Corporation
Tel 020 7332 3639 / Mobile 07824 343 456
Email
john.park@cityoflondon.gov.uk
- About the City of London
Corporation
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation.
It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in
international finance and business services and provides local
services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting
the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the
nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School
of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and
London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision
(including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including
Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court
at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including
Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food
markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the
Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with
neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and
the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to
charity annually.
- About the
Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
The
Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) is part of the
Veterinary Sector of the City of London’s Environmental Services
Directorate and has over the past 25 years established itself as a
world leader in the care of animals during transport. Open 24
hours a day, 365 days a year receiving and caring for
literally millions of animals of all types – including
everything from tarantulas, cobras, race horses, tigers, cattle,
cats and dogs and even baby elephants – the HARC has the facilities
to cope with almost any animal.