A tribute song has been dedicated to the much-loved Tropical Wings Zoo which is due to close next month.

The zoo, in South Woodham Ferrers, will close on December 3.

Owners Dennis and Rona Strong will find new homes for its animals before the closure.

In a statement the owners said they had taken the difficult decision as the result of ill health.

The tribute, written and composed by Simon Harris who runs the Southend News Network page, is rightfully titled Crying Without Wings.

The song was written in just a few hours. Mr Harris said he was very upset about the news and he wanted to dedicate a song for the zoo.