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Fly into your Valentine's heart with Marwell's inseparable lovebirds

Looking for an unusual alternative to chocolates and roses this Valentine's Day, well Marwell Zoological Park is offering the perfect gift for a loved one this Valentine's Day - a pair of lovebirds!

Lovebirds are one of the most romantic birds in the world. They spend most of the day grooming each other and even display affection whilst sleeping as they snuggle together and turn their faces into each other.

Marwell's Peach-faced lovebirds, just like those that live in their native habitat of southwestern Africa, are very loyal to each other - so much so that they, unusually for the animal world, will pair for life and be forever companions.

Marwell's special Valentine adoption package includes two admission tickets to Marwell - to use at any time during 2008 - however a romantic stroll round the Park on Valentine's Day is the perfect way to use those tickets up!

The adoption costs £50 and unlike other Valentine gifts it lasts a whole year. It also includes an adoption certificate, the adopters names (as a couple) displayed on a plaque outside the lovebird aviary, a Valentine's card, a fact sheet about Peach-faced lovebirds and a welcome letter.

Rachael Fehrenbach, Marwell's Adoption Officer, believes that these romantic birds are the perfect gift for someone special: "lovebirds are known for their 'inseparable' quality and like nothing better than to be showered with love and affection - just like us humans!"

To adopt Marwell's lovebirds online simply go to www.marwell.org.uk or alternatively phone 01962 777988 for an application form.

The closing date to guarantee delivery in time for Valentine's Day is Monday 11th February.

Photo Caption: Peach-faced lovebirds like nothing better than to cuddle up together.

For further media information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Zoological Park Media Relations Officer. Email: helenj@marwell.org.uk

Phone: 01962 777947

Peach-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) are extremely friendly and are very sociable; often congregating in small groups to mix. Peach-faced lovebirds originate from southwestern Africa, Namibia and Angola. They have a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 470,000km. Marwell Zoological Park holds two lovebird collections: the Peach-faced and Black-cheeked. There are nine lovebird species in total, of which the Peach-faced is the largest.Marwell Zoological Park was founded in 1972. The Park is owned and operated by Marwell Preservation Trust: a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources and works to conserve species and their habitats, whilst advocating environmental and social responsibility in support of these goals.

Marwell Conservation seeks to address causes of extinction and manages vulnerable populations of threatened species to ensure their survival. This is achieved through a range of species and habitat conservation programmes locally to Marwell's base in southern England and internationally, with a particular focus in Africa.

Marwell is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.

Marwell Zoological Park, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH. www.marwell.org.uk