Meet Ziggy the Zebra - just one of the exotic animals being kept in private locations in Norfolk

Banham Zoo celebrating World Lemur Festival. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

While most families opt for cats, dogs and fish when selecting their animal companions, a select few have taken a less orthodox approach.

All but one district council in the county has issued at least once licence for dangerous or exotic animals – not taking into account zoos or wildlife parks.

One of these creatures is a zebra by the name of Ziggy, which lives on a farm in Hethel, near Wymondham.

His owner, who wished to remain anonymous, has had it for eight years, having received Ziggy as a gift.

The Sandringham panto camels are exercised in the grounds of the Sandringham Estate. Pictured: Carol MacManus with Bactrian camels (L) Kashmir (male) and (R) Sabia (rare white female).PHOTO: IAN BURTCOPY:Nicki Walker/Chris BishopFOR:EDP NewsEDP pics © 2007(01603)772434 (Image: Archant © 2007)

She said: 'He lives outdoors all year round with a pony and as long as the pony is there with him he is absolutely fine.

'He can be quite a naughty zebra but he's lovely to look at. Each year one of the schools in the area organises a coach trip to come and look at him.'

Also among animals currently kept are reindeer, wild boar and ostriches.

As of June, 2018, the following licences are held – not including those held by wildlife parks and zoos:

Carpenter-turned-farmer Peter Jackson is now raising a speciality pig herd with wild boar heritage dating back to the Iron Age. Picture: Ian Burt

Breckland Council: Once licence for two black and white ruffled lemurs and two clouded leopards;

Broadland District Council: One licence for ostriches and wild boar;

Great Yarmouth Borough Council: One licence for lemurs;

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council: One licence for antelope;

Ziggy the Zebra who lives in Norfolk. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2018 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

North Norfolk District Council: One licence for Bactrian camel, lowland tapir, ring-tailed lemur and reindeer;

South Norfolk Council: One licence for zebra;

Waveney District Council: One licence held for wild boar.

No licences are held by anybody living in Norwich.

Each council has slightly different charges for holding these licences, though not all asked provided the costs.

Broadland District Council's charges were the cheapest, with a two-year licence costing £143, while Breckland's charge of £352.82 for a two-year term was the dearest.

Meanwhile, North Norfolk District Council charges £175 per year, with South Norfolk's costing £91.30 per year.