Tropical Wings Zoo is known for its array of butterflies, meerkats, skunks and other wonderful creatures... but what about a place for love birds?

Stacey Law, 28, from Rayleigh, chose the zoo, which the Echo revealed yesterday is sadly set to close, as the perfect place for her first date with now partner Ben Coombs, 26, from Basildon.

As the pair viewed the birds at the zoo, they became lovebirds themselves.

Echo:

Tropical Wings announced on Tuesday that it will be closing

Fast forward three years, they now have a five-month-old son Taron.

Stacey said she was upset to hear the news that the zoo, based in Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, will be closing for good on Sunday, December 3 due to the owner’s ill health.

Read more: Tropical Wings Zoo to close for good as owners retire due to ill health​

Read more: Tropical Wings thanks people for "overwhelming support" after it announces closure

Read more: Your memories as Tropical Wings announces it will close next month

She said: “It was in 2014 when we first went. It was just a lovely place where you can go as a couple and with your children. We went to see the meerkats, the butterfly enclosure and it was just a lovely moment for us.”

The couple, who now live in Chelmsford, visited Tropical Wings with Taron for the first time, and possibly the last, last month following the shock announcement.

She said: “We did the butterfly enclosure with our son of his first time visiting there.

“It is such a shame that it is closing because the butterfly enclosure was gorgeous and it was amazing seeing Taron taking it all in. He was fascinated with all that was in the zoo, he is just starting to take notice of things.”

Echo:

A Meerkat at home in the zoo

Stacey expressed great sadness that the place her family have shared so many memories will close.

The closure has come as a result of the ill health of the owners, Dennis and Rona Strong. They announced the difficult decision to retire in a public statement.

Yesterday, a further announcement on the zoo’s Facebook page stated: “Since our announcement, we would like to say how overwhelmed and grateful we are for the kind messages and offers of support. Please be assured that we are working closely with zoo professionals across the UK to secure the best possible homes for our beloved animals.”