A group of exotic birds from Madagascar have found a temporary home at Tropiquaria animal park in Watchet.

The birds are on loan from a private collector whose plans to publicly display the birds have been put on hold by the recession.

Among the birds being displayed in the tropical hall, are Madagascan partridges, a type of weaver bird called a fody, turtle doves and bib finches.

Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser, said: “There is much interest in the flora and fauna of Madagascar because of its uniqueness and because much of it is endangered due to the increase of the human population there.

“Although our friend in Bath is hoping to eventually open his own display of solely Madagascan animals, by holding these for him we are improving our display and enabling members of the public who would like to see these birds to do so.

“Over the last two years we have acquired other Madagascan animals like day geckos and tenrecs, which are a type of hedgehog.”