Shaldon Wildlife Trust will host an afternoon of poetry in motion later this month at an event where renowned UK writers share verse they have written especially for the animals.

Poet in residence Steven J Fowler will be joined by bards from across the UK to present brand new poems, each dedicated to an animal at Shaldon Wildlife Trust.

The walking tour will see zoo director Zak Showell introducing each animal before their poem is read.

Curated by Jo Jabbi, Zak Showell and Steven J Fowler, the event includes work by poets Colin Herd, Amy Cutler, Will Rene, Danica Ignacio, Eleanor Wilders, Cameron Wade and Matt Sokulsky.

This will be the second poetry walking tour Fowler has held at the zoo. He described his first event last May as ‘brilliant and memorable’.

‘Especially pleasing for me was the appearance of both Bintarong and Slow Loris as I read to them,’ he recalled.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust appointed Steven J Fowler as its first poet in residence in January 2024. His residency includes two public events each year, a small, limited-edition publication and film documentation.

‘As a Devonian myself, this is a special project for me, connected to the wonderful people which make the county so unique,’ Steven commented.

‘Hospitable and generous staff make up a remarkable community that runs and supports the zoo, which also runs some amazing conservation programs.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is renowned nationally and internationally for its breeding and conservation work.

Zak Showell, director of the trust said: ‘We always like to do things a little differently here and the opportunity to have a poet in residence was something that immediately piqued our interest.

‘I’m not aware of any other UK zoo having a poet in residence which makes this project even more exciting.’