I'm A Celebrity - Anna Ryder Richardson buys a zoo

30 November 2007 - Dumped jungle contestant Anna Ryder Richardson has spent an estimated £1 million on a Welsh zoo, it has emerged.

The television makeover star, who was the sixth contestant to leave the jungle having braved an underwater trial alongside fellow competitor Rodney Marsh, is thought to have purchased the Manor House Wild Animal Park near Tenby, Wales, according to the Western Mail.

The newspaper reports that mother-of-two Richardson fell in love with the park having viewed it eight months ago and will now help with the final preparations for the zoo's imminent relaunch.

Current owner Jo Williams told the newspaper that the TV star had always dreamed of owning a zoo and that she was "very excited" about the purchase.

"She came down and fell in love with the place. Her two children are delightful and I know they will love it here," she said.

Ms Williams added that the 45-acre zoo, which houses a number of animals such as zebras, camels and llamas, could remind Anna of her time in the rainforests down under.

"She did very well in the Australian jungle so she will feel very much at home here in our zoo," she said.

On leaving the jungle Anna told Ant and Dec that she had been surprised to have stayed in the show as long as she did, saying: "I can't believe I lasted this long."

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