Fancy hugging a skunk?

As well as pond dipping, face painting and den building there is a chance to get up close to some unusual critters - including a skunk.

There will also be a chance to hug a greyhound, stroke a chincilla and watch meerkats and alpacas at play.

There will also be a range of talks to attend, including one about flamingoes at 12.45pm and one on otters - with a chance to help feed these as well - at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

A drop-in session from 2.45pm to 3.30pm also promises to provide lots of information about beavers, a rare sight in the wild.

And anyone with a creative streak can put it to good use in one of the craft sessions on offer during the two-day event.

Younger visitors will enjoy the woodland play area and the award-winning canoe safari is a great attraction for all ages.

The self-guided canoe safari offers families a safe and fun way to explore the recently-created reedbed habitat and spot some of the UK’s most threatened species, ranging from water voles to reed bunting.

There are no age restrictions to go on the safari, although the person must be able to fit into the life jacket that will be supplied so will probably be aged five or above.

The canoe safari won the award for Best Visitor Experience in the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2011/12.

Animal Magic will be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Most of the displays will be indoors so whatever the weather there is no danger of getting wet – at least not from the rain.