A life-saving Welsh Ambulance Service scheme can now be found among zebras, meerkats and ostriches...right at the heart of a Pembrokshire attraction.

Ambulance staff braved the wildlife of Manor House Wildlife Park to join together with owner Anna Ryder Richardson to launch a new Public Access Defibrillator Scheme (PADS) on the grounds.

The park, set in 52 acres of protected Pembrokeshire parkland, contains a number of endangered animals from all over the world and is also home to native flora and fauna.

Anna and husband Colin MacDougall bought the park in 2008, which has since been featured on the ITV Wales series - Anna's Welsh Zoo.

Welsh Ambulance Service National PADs manager Gerard Rothwell brushed up on his animal instincts to help train staff at the park in basic life-saving skills.

PADs allow volunteers in the team to utilise their defibrillator to help people facing a cardiac arrest. The machines are made easily accessible to the team members, in the same way life belts are around public swimming areas.

The Trust has trained over 4,000 volunteers across Wales in partnership with the Welsh Assembly to man PADs sites across the country, stationed in places such as railway stations, leisure centres and even on top of Snowdon. Staff work in partnership with other organisations to provide equipment and training.

Each of the Manor House volunteers undertook four hours training to allow them to use the electric shock life-saving machine and also administer basic life support skills.

Gerard, who is based at Lansdowne Hospital, Cardiff, said: "It's been an absolute privilege to come to Manor House Wildlife Park and train staff here. Anna and Colin have been fantastic in supporting this scheme after recognising what an important part it can play in an attraction which sees thousands of people each year.

"The team were very enthusiastic during the training and I am sure they will provide an early response to cardiac emergencies along with the delivery of basic life-saving care which are the key to saving lives."