The owners of Borth Animalarium, mid Wales, have been fined by Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court, after pleading guilty to the display and sale of endangered animals.

Jean Mumbray received a fine of £937.50 plus £250 costs, while Alan Mumbray was ordered to pay £300 plus £100 costs after the pair were charged by Dyfed Powys Police. The offences relate to the sale and display of rare animal species, including a leopard, two lynx, ring-tailed lemurs and tortoises.

Sergeant Ian Guildford, wildlife and environmental police officer at Dyfed Powys Police, said: "The use of the licensing system to control the sale and display of protected animals is a valuable tool in the fight against the trade in endangered animals. "Anyone who is involved in dealing with protected animals on a commercial scale such as Zoos and other similar establishments should be aware of this and make every effort to comply with the legislation."

Nevin Hunter, head of compliance at the Animal Health Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service, added: "This prosecution is very significant and shows that illegal commercial use of endangered species will not be tolerated."