Wiltshire in pictures: Exotic animals and Stonehenge

A tiger cub playfully jumps on top of its mother, who is lying down in a parkImage source, PA
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Exotic animals, ghost towns and Stonehenge feature in our weekly picture round-up of Wiltshire.

A critically-endangered monkey was born at Longleat Safari Park, while four rare tiger cubs were introduced to the outside world for the first time.

On Saturday, buses took people to visit an abandoned village in Wiltshire for one day only.

Image source, PA

Monkey business: Maxi the cotton top tamarin monkey gave birth at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire on Thursday.

The baby weighed around 40g (1.4oz), the same as an average chicken egg.

Tamarins are small primates native to Central and South America, often characterized by their vibrant fur and distinctive facial hair.

There are thought to be about 6,000 of these monkeys in the wild.

Image source, PA
Image caption,

Maxi the cotton top tamarin monkey baby gave birth at Longleat in Wiltshire

Easy tiger: The spotlight has also shone on four rare Amur tiger cubs at Longleat.

The cubs, which were born in May, were allowed outside for the first time.

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are among the most endangered big cats in the world

Image source, Reuters

New discovery: A new analysis has found the central Altar Stone at Stonehenge probably came from northern Scotland, rather than Wales.

The discovery shows the construction of Stonehenge was a far greater collaborative effort than scientists realised.

Image source, Imberbus

Ghost town: For one day only, village Routemaster buses took passengers to a a Salisbury Plain village abandoned during the Second World War.

In 1943, the 150 people living in Imber were asked to move out so the village could be turned into a military defence area.

Public access to Imber is only granted on up to 50 days each year.

Image source, Historic Environment Consultancy

Mouldy mural: Pictures taken inside the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, external show the state of the neglected building.

The building has been closed for the past four years. The murals are said to have been painted in 1976, but have been affected by water damage.

Image source, Historic Environment Consultancy

Splish splash: Swindon's new £475,000 splash park opened on Wednesday.

Located at Swindon's Coate Water Country Park, the fully accessible water play area includes a paddling pool and various features and games.

Parents and children welcomed the opening, and about 30 children played in the park within an hour of its opening.

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