As a child, I loved opening my presents at Christmas, never imagining that at work a few years later I could be prising open a crate of lizards, a packet of stick insects, or a literal box of frogs, writes Lakeland Wildlife Oasis manager Jack Williams.

Getting new animals in the Oasis is always exciting. As a member of BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), there are regulated procedures for transfer of animals between partner zoos.

This could be through our participation in conservation captive breeding programmes for endangered animals, like our snow leopards.

Part of our mission is the chance to educate by introducing visitors to unusual, overlooked and at risk animals.

Before a new animal even arrives, training and facilities need to be in place: the correct enclosure, environment, diet, healthcare, and handling procedures. We took the opportunity during lockdown to welcome some new residents to the zoo.

The first of our unusual arrivals, were ‘Nephila’, six inch giant spiders whose common names include orb-weavers or banana spiders.

Living in warm regions of the world, ours will feel right at home in the tropical hall, living free-range alongside our leaf-cutter ants.

As their names suggest, are renowned for their impressive, strong webs, so we’re planning a spectacular Halloween this year!

In our marine tanks, rainbowfish, barbs, yellow tangs, cichlids, and clownfish enjoy are always popular. But we’ve some quirky new arrivals which are quickly establishing themselves as visitor favourites.

Weirdly wonderful Cassiopea, or ‘upside down jellyfish’ look like round, squidgy plants on the ocean floor, pulsing their frilly arms upward to release venom into the water.

For me, getting seahorses will be like Christmas all over again. It won’t be long until we have them here with us at the Oasis.