Dylan, Red Tabby and I wish you all a great 2012.
This will be a special year bringing as it does two massive spectacles: The Queen's Jubilee and the London Olympics.

But these won't be until later in the year. First we must wait out the winter. Days may be getting longer, but the coldest weather has yet to come. Our young mouse (pictured above) is curled into a snug ball at present, hibernating until spring. And the tiny birds in my garden must eat far more than usual to keep up their strength.

You'll remember I've a few 'big cat' friends at Paradise Park. The lions and tigers there have heaters to keep them snug in chilly weather. They can look forward to their future knowing they will be well fed, and loved by their keepers. Other big cats are not so lucky. You might like to look at the Tigertime website - sponsored by the wildlife artist David Shepherd and supported by many other famous people. Tigertime works to save the lives of big cats living in remote parts of China, where they are unfortunately worth a great deal more money dead than alive.