Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2009 | Page 15

ANDREW TURNER MP life Andrew Turner Asked what Members of Parliament It was an enjoyable way to spend an do, most people would say they speak afternoon. in debates and vote in the House of Big cat staff Paul and Nina introduced My other animal experience was great fun – lemur art. Staff Leigh and Steph helped me choose the paint and then Commons, help their constituents and me to Zena, Zia and Diamond. These I fed raisins to the bustling troop of take part in the life of the communities beautiful tigers really enjoy a drink of ring-tailed lemurs enticing them to they serve. goat’s milk and I was allowed to feed scamper through the paint and onto a them. I was awe-struck by being so close canvas, leaving dainty footprints. The with lemurs would not, I suggest, be in to such powerful predators. Staff tried to colourful and eye-catching result is now the job description. But they were the teach me to converse with the tigers by hanging in my office after being rejected interesting things I was asked to do at the ‘chuffing’ and, while I was keen to try, I by Tate Modern. Isle of Wight Zoo in Sandown recently. am no Dr Dolittle! In 2004 I attended the Charlotte Corney, zoo proprietor invited opening of the new tiger enclosure, the Being the Island’s MP is certainly never me to try out the ‘animal experiences’ Kanha Exhibit, and I was impressed by the dull! which are now available to the public. way it has matured. Giving tigers a drink of milk or painting Andrew Turner MP 24 The Mall, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight PO30 1BW Tel: [phone] email: [email protected] 15