A Donegal teenager has created a menagerie which he hopes one day to open to the public.
Killian McLaughlin has had a love of animals since childhood. There were always dogs in the family home, but his real interest in animals started when he got a hamster.
This led on to rabbits and guinea pigs, and today he cares for a host of birds and exotic animals, all from his back garden in Buncrana.
His school days revolved around feeding and looking after them all, in particular his pet jackdaw which he hand reared from a chick. Making sure they are safe and secure every night is a priority,
If roosters get out first thing...the neighbours will be complaining.
This hobby has opened up an unusual career path for Killian who wanted to study exotic animal management at university, but that would have meant having to find new homes for his menagerie. Instead, he has opted for a business degree at the University of Derry and researches all aspects of the creatures in his care.
Vet Edward Campbell has known Killian for many years and has always been impressed with his level of knowledge,
The questions that he asked, they were sound questions.
Rosina McLaughlin Killian's mother is also an animal lover and doesn’t mind sharing her garden with an array of four legged and feathered friends,
It’s really quite an amazing place to live.
Killian’s goal is to one day open his own animal sanctuary with a focus on wildlife conservation,
Concentrate on the lesser-known things and the more endangered things.
This report for 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 22 October 2003.
