Meet Simon, the ‘lovely’ Raccoon Dog, who celebrated his seventh birthday on Friday April 19 and enjoyed being ‘spoilt’ with ‘endless’ goodies.

He was treated to a wide range of enrichment items such as slow feeders, treat balls, puzzle feeders and his favourite treats, including tasty morioworms and minced beef.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis at Milnthorpe, made sure Simon had the ‘best possible day’ as he also marked his six month anniversary with the zoo.

Simon has been ‘very popular’ with visitors since he arrived at the zoo on October 19, 2023, from Dartmoor Zoo.

In fact, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis said many of Simon’s birthday presents were very kindly donated by his supporters and visitors through the zoo’s online Amazon Wishlist.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis said: “Simon is such a sweetheart – a favourite of every zookeeper. He has a very shy and reserved personality, but soon comes out of himself once he gets to know his keepers. He is a little mischievous and has been known to tug on keeper’s shoelaces and untie them! He loves to trot around his enclosure, and even climb up to the high platforms – and loves a treat ball filled with mealworms. He is very sweet and playful at heart.”

While native to Asian countries such as China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Korea, Raccoon Dogs are highly adapted to cold climates which has enabled them to become an invasive species across many areas of Europe. This means Raccoon Dogs have been identified as a potential problem for native wildlife, they have an advantage which allows them to outcompete native species.

Simon can hibernate and eat a wider range of foods than a fox for example, which gives him an edge for survival.

In June 2021, the UK identified the Common Raccoon Dog as one of the 20 invasive species likely to spread to the UK.

While the oldest recorded Raccoon Dog in the wild was seven years old, Simon may live as long as 13 years in captivity.