A keeper at Longleat Safari Park is bringing the bedtime story of Dennis the koala to life online on Saturday, 16th May at 7pm. 

Keeper Jon Ovens will be filmed narrating the children's tale 'Welcome to Longleat Dennis!' from inside the Wiltshire wildlife attraction's Koala Creek feature, which is home to the real-life Dennis. 

The video is being filmed by a fellow keeper and will include shots of Dennis and the other koalas as well as featuring additional footage of some of the Safari Park's other animal residents. 

Set to music, it will also incorporate illustrations and sound effects. 

The rhyming book was specially commissioned to celebrate the opening of Koala Creek in 2019. 

“Jon very bravely volunteered to take on the role of storyteller and we think he's an absolute natural,” said Longleat's Marketing Director, James Bailey. 

“The video begins with him finishing off his duties for the day, before sitting down to tell Dennis and the other koalas a bedtime story. 

“We thought it was a great way to give younger fans the chance to see the koalas for real and keep them entertained with a fun tale of Dennis' adventures with the other animals here,” he added. 

The bedtime story is the latest in a series of online activities which Longleat has produced during lockdown. A previous virtual safari park tour was viewed more than half-a-million times in just three days. 

“The team here wanted to find a way to keep in contact with the public even though we're closed to visitors. I think we were all astonished at the level of interest and we hope these online events will help keep people amused and entertained,” added James. 

This Bank Holiday weekend sees the launch of Longleat's third virtual Safari Park tour featuring giant otters, Cuban crocodiles, emus and wallabies and finishing in Animal Adventure; home to blue and gold macaws, armadillos and giant Egyptian fruit bats. 

The Virtual Gates open at 10am on Saturday 9th May.

• For more information on all activities, to get a copy of the children's book and to view the virtual tours visit www.longleat.co.uk. 

Issued by Longleat. For more information and to arrange interviews please contact James Bailey on 07936 337 326 or email james.bailey@longleat.co.uk. 

Longleat is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.