SOUTH Lakes Safari Zoo has seen a new arrival this week which has created a buzz around the place.

The new raccoon has come to keep her new housemate company, who has been living alone until now, once her month of quarantine is over.

A spokeswoman for the Zoo said: "The raccoon is called Mia, she was hand reared and has been living at Wiltshire college for the past three years. She is approximately eight-years-old.

"Mia’s arrival is especially exciting as our resident raccoon Wabash has been living alone, so she will be a very welcome companion for him.

"Mia will be in quarantine for a month, so won’t meet Wabash or the visitors quite yet, but we’re sure she’ll be a hit when she does."

The staff at the zoo have expressed their excitement for visitors to meet their new family member.