for 25 years it has brought a tropical touch to South Yorkshire.

The Tropical Butterfly House, Falconry and Wildlife Park in North Anston, near Rotherham, will mark its silver jubilee this month with a series of celebration events.

They start next Saturday with a birthday cake for the animals and fun activities. The park is renowned for its collection of exotic animals and endangered species from around the world.

Operations director Jo McDonough joined the park 19 years ago and has dedicated her career to her love of animals.

The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife And Falconry Centre in North Anston is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. Pictured is Andrew Reeve. Picture: Chris Etchells

“We quickly discovered that the key to our success was allowing visitors to get close to and handle the animals they love,” she said.

“I’m proud to say the same ethos remains with us today.”

A quarter of a century on, visitor numbers have grown to over 150,000 a year with a 60-plus team of staff working hard to connect people with the animals.

It remains owned and run by the same family that founded it in 1994, headed by managing director Kim Bellis who took over the reins earlier this year.

All aflutter as butterfly house celebrates 25-year milestone