Snakes alive at Lancaster & Morecambe College thanks to hire firm

One of the college snakes with the generator that was helping keep the animals alive.

Hot water was heated from gas tanks to prepare hot water bottles to keep the animals warm initially.

And when the power didn’t return, reptiles including snakes and tortoises were taken to Blackpool in the college minibus, where they were given food and shelter by retired college tutor John Vale, while the remaining animals were cared for at college.

Hartley Hire from Lancaster kindly loaned the college their last remaining generator, which they had been using within their own premises, to power the tanks for the reptiles and tropical fish.

Neil Cook, animal technician, and Jo Bell, animal studies tutor.

Victoria Bond, head of animal studies, said: “We are very thankful to everyone who helped keep the animals safe and sound during the flood and power cuts, particularly Neil Cook and Jo Bell, who worked tirelessly to ensure they were out of harm’s way.

“The animal studies students were very concerned for the safety and welfare of the animals but due to Hartley Hire’s help we were able to run a generator within college and keep the animals warm and dry.”

Due to the numerous road closures in Lancaster the regular live food delivery for the animals couldn’t get through to college.

As a result, AJ Exotics in Lancaster, run by ex-Lancaster and Morecambe College student Ashley Parsons, kindly provided food for the animals.