A WILDLIFE rescue sanctuary specialising in exotic wild species is hoping a starring role in a TV arts show can put animal welfare firmly in the picture.

You looking at me? This lemur showed interest in passing rock star Ricky Wilson.
You looking at me? This lemur showed more than a passing interest in passing rock star Ricky Wilson. (Wildlife Exotic Rescue)

BBC’s Extraordinary Portraits, fronted by wildlife fan Bill Bailey, paired Wildlife Exotic Rescue owner Lindsay McKenna with Kaiser Chiefs frontman and former art teacher Ricky Wilson for show episode Living With 200 Wild Animals.

Bill Bailey and Ricky Wilson with Wildlife Exotic Rescue groundsman Freddie
Bill Bailey and Ricky Wilson with Wildlife Exotic Rescue groundsman Freddie (Wildlife Exotic Rescue)

And Lindsay, who also appeared on Saturday Live on Radio 4 with Adrian Chiles, is hoping being put in the spotlight can lead to a crackdown on the exotic ‘pet’ trade.

Swing when you're winning for one of the rescue animals at Wildlife Exotic
Swing when you're winning for one of the rescue animals at Wildlife Exotic (Wildlife Exotic)

Earlier this year, she highlighted a worrying boom in such animals being sold on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, and was being bombarded with 25 pleas a week from owners unable to cope with them.

A mountain lion puts its feet up
A mountain lion puts its feet up (Wildlife Exotic)

Guests at the portrait unveiling
Guests at the portrait unveiling (Wildlife Exotic)