The island's only wildlife park is extending its opening days for another week to give visitors more time to meet its newest arrivals.

Curraghs Wildlife Park, in the north of the island, will remain open seven days a week from Monday, November 9, after the arrival of eight capybara youngsters proved popular with visitors.

The park had been due to switch to its winter opening pattern two weeks ago, reducing its opening days, but has decided to delay the change following a spell of favourable autumn weather and interest in the young animals.

In a post on social media, the Ballaugh based park said: ‘We've decided to keep the Park open seven days a week for another WHOLE week!’

It added that autumn was a particularly good time to visit, as falling leaves made it easier to spot animals which could be harder to see during the summer months.

As well as the eight newest arrivals, visitors can see a range of other animals, including large cats, birds of prey, primates, penguins and red pandas.

The extended opening arrangements will run until Sunday, November 15, with the park open from 9.30am until 4pm each day.

Last admission is at 3pm, while the café will continue to operate as usual.

From Monday, November 16, the park will move to its winter opening schedule, welcoming visitors from Thursday to Sunday each week.

The park said it hoped to welcome more visitors before returning to its reduced winter timetable.

Curraghs Wildlife Park is located in the Ballaugh Curraghs and is operated by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Membership holders receive free admission throughout the year, as well as discounts in the park's shop and café.