Little Pick Me Ups!
Olivia got a special tat for her pal Scar...
Istudied Animal Care at college, and since May last year, I’ve been working in the entertainments team at Brighton’s Sea Life Centre.
I love being hands-on with animals. So, rather than rest on Sundays, I volunteer at Drusillas Park zoo, East Sussex, where I help out in the Lemurland enclosure. There, I fell in love with Scar.
As his name suggests, he has war wounds, so isn’t the prettiest.
At 14, he’s the oldest of 13 lemurs, and is often left out by the others. Bless him!
So I spend extra time feeding him and offering my company.
Wild, they can’t be petted, but Scar seems to like me being there.
Each lemur has its own personality, and Scar’s an absolute sweetheart.
He never shows anger – probably why he’s been bullied.
In May last year, approaching my 20th birthday, I’d decided to get a tattoo.
The image? Scar was first choice!
Fellow volunteer and photographer Ian Standivan snapped some great shots of him.
Then I told my mum, Liz, about my plan.
‘If it’s what you want,’ she smiled, and paid £120 to the tattoo parlour as my pressie!
On 1 June, I went alone, nervous but excited.
I’d chosen my left ankle, so it’s visible when I wear shorts at work, but can be covered up with trousers when necessary.
The needle didn’t hurt at first but, after an hour-and-a-half, it really stung.
But it was worth the pain – I really love it!
Scar always has a shocked expression but, the following week, I think he liked it, too.
‘It’s fantastic,’ commented all my fellow volunteers.
I may get another tattoo of a marine animal next.
But, for the time being, I have proof of the lasting impression Scar’s made on me!