A couple’s dream wedding reception has been moved and given extra security amid fears it could be disrupted – by the missing zoo LYNX.
Devoted Max Weeks and Charlie-Jane Swain were due to enjoy a post nuptial do at Dartmoor Zoo in Devon.
But they were left “distraught” after being told by staff that their £5,000 marquee wedding reception this Saturday was off while the lynx remains at large.
The pair, who live in Sparkwell, Devon, booked the venue two years ago after agreeing to keep the wedding “local”.
Their reception was due to be in a marquee in the grounds but has now been moved to the zoo restaurant – with beefed up SECURITY in case the lynx shows up.
Max, 20, said: “We arranged for this reception two years ago, this wasn’t just some last minute thing.
“The whole day has cost nearly £10,000 and it’s something we’ve been planning for a long time.
“We’re getting married at the church in Sparkwell and we wanted to keep everything local, hence why we booked the marquee.
“When they called yesterday, we were really upset.
“They said while the lynx was still missing, we wouldn’t be able to have our reception in the marquee but it would have to be in the restaurant instead.
“They also said we would only have two hours to move everything up there on the Saturday and that it’s the best they could do.
“But I’m so happy they’ve managed to sort it out so we can have the marquee. It’s what we wanted.”
Dartmoor Zoo held a crisis meeting with the South Hams District Council licensing team.
They then arranged for extra security to be drafted in in time for Saturday’s reception.
The search for the escaped lynx, which fled from the zoo last week after gnawing a six by four inch hole in its enclosure, is still ongoing.
Staff say the two-year-old Carpathian, called Flaviu, has been tracked to nearby farmland but attempts to capture the animal in humane traps have failed so far.
Operations manager at the zoo, George Hyde, said provided the music is kept low on Saturday, there is no reason for the ceremony to not take place.
“We are delighted to confirm that we have spoken to the local authority and they are happy with the necessary precautions we have been put in place for this reception.
“Extra security has been arranged and the couple have agreed to reduce general noise output.
“All other measures that the animal might return to the zoo of its own accord are still in place, and have been since he first escaped.
“We just wish to thank Max and Charlie-Jane for their patience and understanding with this matter.
“They have both been brilliant and we hope they enjoy their day with us on Saturday.”
