CAMERAS and sound recording equipment swung into action back in 2008 as the popular TV presenter Michaela Strachan went on a wildlife adventure in Furness.

An emu and several kangaroos tried to get in on the action but a baby rhino called Nyala was the real star of the show.

The Mail, on Wednesday, July 9 in 2008, noted: "It was lights, camera,action at South Lakes Wild Animal Park yesterday as camera crews took over the zoo to film a television series.

"Some of Dalton zoo's newest arrivals took centre stage during filming for Channel Five wildlife series Michaela's Animal Babies.

"The series tours the county filming new-born animals as they familiarise themselves with the world around them.

"Celebrity wildlife fanatic Michaela Strachan visited the animal park to get up close and personal and film the finishing touches in the hour-long programme due to be broadcast on August 11.

The park's education and marketing manager Karen Brewer said: "The film crew have been with us here filming various births and also filming the baby animals and how they are coping with life in the zoo."

The article noted: "The film crews have captured footage of reindeer calves, lemur babies and one of the park's star attractions, rhino calf Nyala,who was born on June 1.

"Nyala, Cumbria's first native rhino, was filmed taking her first steps, alongside her mother, Ntombi.

"Presenter Michaela is no stranger to the area, as she has made an appearance at the South Lakes Wild Animal Park when it first opened.

"In March she visited Lakes Aquarium to launch a new interactive dive bell.

"Michaela is a well established wildlife TV presenter, having fronted BBC children's television programme The Really Wild Show.

"At Dalton, she spent time with one-month-old rhino calf Nyala, who was recently let out on to the rhino savannah for the first time.

"Another baby rhino is due in the next few weeks. "

Looking at the development of the Dalton site since her first visit in1996, the presenter said: "I am amazed by how much it has changed and matured over the years.

"I am very impressed by the changes and how everything is so wild here."

Mrs Brewer said: "The film crews have been absolutely excellent.

"They have managed to get to the places where visitors can't and they have some amazing footage and shots."