John, Gabrielle and Alex petting the meerkats

A John Black Solicitors Visit to Holmes Chapel Zoo

When people think of solicitors, the mental image is usually familiar. Courtrooms. Case law. Serious faces. Possibly a wig or two. What rarely comes to mind is a meerkat perched happily on a knee, a snake calmly looping its way up a sleeve, or a very large owl fixing you with a stare that says, “I know things.”

Yet that is exactly where John, Gabrielle and Alex from John Black Solicitors found themselves recently, thanks to a generous invitation from Holmes Chapel Zoo.

The visit was a kind gesture from the zoo team in recognition of John Black Solicitors' financial contribution towards completing their brand-new meerkat enclosure. What followed was not just a tour, but a reminder of why community connections matter, and why sometimes stepping away from desks and deadlines is the best way to reconnect with the world around us.

Why the Meerkats Matter

Holmes Chapel Zoo is one of those places that quietly does a great deal of good. Tucked away on Twemlow Lane, it combines animal care, education, conservation and community engagement in a way that feels genuinely personal. The new meerkat enclosure is a perfect example.

Thanks to support from donors and local businesses, including John Black Solicitors, the enclosure is nearing completion. According to Kirsty and the zoo team, around 20 tonnes of substrate have been laid, with extensive work completed to ensure the space is safe, enriching and suitable for the meerkats’ natural behaviours.

Climbing structures have been carefully designed to allow exploration without escape attempts. Environmental enrichment has been installed to keep inquisitive minds active. It is a reminder that good animal welfare is about thoughtful detail, not just square footage.

Knowing that a contribution helped move this project closer to completion made the visit all the more meaningful. Seeing the work in progress brought the impact to life in a way no invoice or email update ever could.

A Tour with Unexpected Colleagues

The zoo visit quickly moved beyond polite handshakes and pleasantries.

John found himself seated with a small meerkat confidently making itself at home on his knee. For anyone who has seen John in court, calmly steering complex legal arguments, this was a rather delightful contrast. The expression on his face suggested equal parts concentration, amusement and quiet acceptance of his new role as temporary furniture.

Gabrielle and Alex joined in, carefully petting the meerkats as they scurried about with the sort of confidence usually reserved for creatures who know they are adored.

Then came the snakes.

John held a large snake with impressive calm, proving that years of dealing with high-pressure situations translate surprisingly well to reptiles with strong opinions about personal space. Alex followed suit with a smaller snake, clearly fascinated and only mildly aware that this was not a typical Tuesday at the office.

The moment that truly stole the show, however, was meeting one of the zoo’s owls. Alex and Gabrielle held the owl together, its size commanding instant respect. Owls have a way of looking straight through you, and this one was no exception. It was a quiet, humbling moment that left everyone just a little more aware of how extraordinary these animals are.

Not All Law Is Lived in Court

At John Black Solicitors, the work is often serious by necessity. Clients come to the firm during difficult moments in their lives. The responsibility that comes with that is never taken lightly.

But behind every case file is a team of people who live locally, raise families locally, and care deeply about the places and organisations that make the community what it is.

Supporting Holmes Chapel Zoo was not about publicity or box-ticking. It was about contributing to something positive and tangible, something that brings joy to children, families, volunteers and visitors, while promoting education and respect for animals.

Spending time at the zoo offered a refreshing perspective. It reminded everyone that community support is not abstract. It has weight. In this case, roughly 20 tonnes of it.

The Power of Small Gestures

What stood out most during the visit was the zoo team's genuine appreciation. Their enthusiasm was infectious, their knowledge impressive, and their gratitude sincere.

Kirsty shared updates on the enclosure’s progress with obvious pride, explaining how close the team is to welcoming the meerkats into their new home. Watching staff install enrichment features and fine-tune details brought home the reality of how much work goes on behind the scenes.

These are not quick fixes or cosmetic improvements. They are long-term investments in animal welfare and visitor experience. Being able to play even a small part in that felt worthwhile.

A Different Side of John Black Solicitors

The photos from the day capture something important. They show laughter, curiosity, and moments of genuine connection. They show solicitors who are more comfortable than you might expect with feathers, fur and scales.

They also show that professional expertise and community spirit are not opposing forces. In fact, they strengthen each other.

When a law firm supports local causes, it reinforces trust. It shows values in action, not just words on a website. It reminds clients and colleagues alike that the people handling their legal matters are also invested in the well-being of the community around them.

Looking Ahead

The new meerkat enclosure at Holmes Chapel Zoo is nearly ready, and that is something to celebrate. When the meerkats finally explore their new home, they will do so thanks to the combined efforts of a dedicated zoo team and supportive local partners.

John Black Solicitors is proud to have played a role, and is even prouder to support organisations that make a difference in such a hands-on way.

If you are looking for a reason to visit Holmes Chapel Zoo, this is a good one. Better yet, you will be supporting a place that puts care, education and community at the heart of everything it does.

As for John, Gabrielle and Alex, they have now returned to the world of legal briefs and court schedules. But there is a strong suspicion that somewhere between the owl’s stare and the meerkat’s confident perch, something shifted slightly.

And honestly, the law could probably do with a bit more of that.

Visit the Holmes Chapel Zoo at: https://holmeschapelzoo.co.uk/