Medway's first zoo has finally opened - in a pub garden.

The Fenn Bell Inn, at St Mary Hoo, has some unusual regulars.They have marmosets, squirrel monkeys, a coati, a south American racoon, kunekune pigs, great grey owls, geese, chickens and they are hoping to move some macaws in soon.

Andy Cowell, 46, used to take in unwanted animals at his farm in Stoke Road and had 200 animals.

Andy Cowell with Spice the kune kune pig. Picture: Steve Crispe

Basil the Coati. Picture: Steve Crispe

His neighbours used to knock on the door and ask to see them, so when his wife, Kelly, said they couldn’t have any more he decided to find somewhere where people could come and visit.

When they found out that the Fenn Bell Inn was shutting down, Mr Cowell wrote to Shepherd Neame and they loved the idea.

The couple first moved in to the 17th century inn in December last year and have gradually moved the animals in.

Video: The zoo in a pub garden

The father of two said: “It’s been going really well. Shepherd Neame have been very supportive and Medway Council are being very supportive in helping us achieve our goal to become Medway’s first zoo.

“We’re hoping to really have everything up and running by spring next year. We want to run Saturday workshops for children and finish the railway which will go all around the zoo and back to the station.

Mr Cowell hopes that by spring next year the pub will have obtained its zoo licence and will be fully open.

The Fenn Bell Inn, Fenn Street, St Mary Hoo. Picture: Steve Crispe

Andy Cowell at the zoo.

He said that he wanted it to be a place for the community to come and learn about the different animals. He wants to build a bird of prey centre and hold demonstrations.

He said: “I’d like to say a very big thank you to Paul Wennhan and Bob Royce they have been giving their time up to help me. I couldn’t achieve all this without their help.

“I know I shouldn’t have favourites but Spice, a kunekune pig, is one of mine. We almost lost him last year as he had arthritis but we’ve been giving him rose hip oil and he’s been doing really well.”

Bebe the Squirrel Monkey. Picture: Steve Crispe

A marmoset monkey. Picture: Steve Crispe

Andy has made all the cages for the animals himself and the Royal Engineers helped cut down trees to clear another field for the animals.

The Fenn Bell Inn is open from Wednesday to Sunday. To book lunch or dinner call 01634 270422.

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