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Rambo and Crocodile Dundee go head to head on the Isle of Wight!

The Isle of Wight Zoo is expecting a new arrival in the form of Rambo - no, not the all-action character immortalised forever by American screen actor, Sylvester Stallone, but rather an 11-year old former circus tiger.

Rambo was born in Britain into a circus organisation and taken to Dallas. When the circus got into difficulties, Rambo was taken in by various rescue centres before the Island's award-winning zoo and tiger sanctuary offered him a new home and a secure future.

He is due to arrive on the Island on Saturday (27 October) and will remain in quarantine for six months. He will eventually be re-homed in the sanctuary's new enclosure.

Meanwhile, the ITV fly-on-the-wall programme, Tiger Island, will focus on Rambo's journey over the Atlantic. The Athena Films production team will follow the tiger as he settles into his new surroundings, although audiences will have to wait until May 2008, when the programme is aired, to see how Rambo fits in.

The zoo is open weekends in November from 10am (Adult £5.95, Senior Citizen/Child (5-16 years) £4.95, under 5's free) and then re-opens again in April, tel. 01983 403883, www.isleofwightzoo.com

Calling All Steve Irwin Fans....

Steve Irwin fans can learn about the late crocodile hunter's world at Amazon World Zoo Park on the Isle of Wight.

The exotic animal attraction is offering workshops on Saturday and Sunday, 17th and 18th November, focusing on the reptiles that Irwin worked with, including the caiman croc. The event marks the first annual Steve Irwin Day on 15th November, the anniversary of his death from a stingray.

With more than 200 species of animals all housed in natural rainforest surroundings, daily falconry displays, this all-weather attraction is a great family day out. Open all year round from 10am. Adult £6.99, Senior Citizen £5.99, Child (3-14 years) £5.50. Tel. 01983 867122, www.amazonworld.co.uk

Other Island animal attractions open throughout the winter include:

Fakenham Farm, St Helens, Ryde
For traditional, rare and exotic farm animals, café on site. Prices: Adults: £4.50; Children £3.50, under three's go free.
Tel. 01983 872062, www.fakenhamfarm.co.uk

Brickfields Horse Country, Binstead, Ryde
Something for everyone, whether its Shire horses, miniature ponies, farm animals, pony rides or the carriage museum. BHS approved for riding school, lessons and hacks - also café and bar. Prices: Adults £6.00; Child (4-14) £4.50; Family ticket £17.00; Senior Citizen £5.00.
Tel.01983 566801, www.brickfields.net

Dinosaur Isle, Sandown- not quite alive but you would never know it from a visit to this brilliant, inter-active attraction! Prices: Adult £4.85; Child (aged 3 to 15, under threes are free) £2.85; Family group(2+2) £13.50; Concession - Student/ Senior Citizen. £3.60
Tel. 01983 404344, www.dinosaurisle.com