Zoo finds successors to swearing raven

Terry the raven was a resident at Tilgate Zoo in Crawley, known for his habit of swearing at visitors

A West Sussex zoo has introduced two new ravens to replace one of its most famous residents.

Terry the raven was a star attraction at Tilgate Zoo in Crawley, largely due to his habit of swearing at visitors.

The bird died several years ago, but the zoo said it now had two new ravens, Foghorn, a female, and Corbie, a male.

Local councillor Chris Mullins said Terry would always be remembered as "a talking terror".

The cabinet member for wellbeing on Crawley District Council told BBC Radio Sussex: "We felt something was missing, something that stood out, a bit different from the rest."

He added that Foghorn was "very chatty", but so far neither of the new birds had learned how to swear.

The birds have been hand reared and brought in from a private collection.

Mr Mullins added: "We don't take creatures from the wild. We're about conservation, and have exchange programmes with other zoos."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.