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Rare species recorded in New Forest restoration project

The Willow Emerald damselfly - a recent colonist in the New Forest

Nearly 40 rare species have been recorded in the New Forest during a project to restore areas for nature. The species were identified during surveys undertaken by Wild New Forest last year as part of the Species Survival Fund, which is restoring and creating habitats to halt species decline. The surveys were completed at 10 … Read more

Eurasian Lynx could return to Scotland but not through unwelcome illegal releases

European Lynx (Lynx lynx) adult female in winter birch forest, Bardu, Norway

Lynx to Scotland, a three-charity partnership working to restore lynx to the Scottish Highlands, welcomes the humane capture of two Eurasian lynx illegally released in the Cairngorms National Park. Peter Cairns, Executive Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, one of the charities involved, said: “It’s excellent news that experts from the Royal Zoological Society of … Read more

Trio of rare lion cubs born at Whipsnade

Three newborn African lion cubs sleeping peacefully in their den at Whipsnade Zoo

A trio of rare Northern African lion cubs have been born at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, marking a huge conservation success for the vulnerable subspecies. Born to three-year-old lioness Winta, and three-year-old dad Malik, the litter of three arrived on 25th November 2024. Footage captured by the conservation zoo‘s ‘cub cam’ CCTV shows attentive mum … Read more

Where to visit animals this Twixmas 2024

Twixmas at Stratford Butterfly Farm

Scratching your head trying to decide how to keep the kids busy this Twixmas? Then why not try these animal-themed ideas: Glow Marwell There’s still time to visit Marwell Zoo in Hampshire this Twixmas, which has been transformed into a stunning illuminated wonderland until 30th December. Glow Marwell 2024 invites guests to immerse themselves in … Read more

The Secret Lives of Animals to debut on Apple TV+

A shot from The Secret Lives of Animals

Apple TV has announced an all-new 10-part docuseries, The Secret Lives of Animals, narrated by SAG Award winner Hugh Bonneville. It highlights 77 unique species in 24 countries over three years, revealing stunning, never-before-seen animal behaviours and highlighting the remarkable intelligence of the natural world. Hailing from the acclaimed BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the … Read more

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset is the only managed colony of swans in the world where you can enjoy walking through hundreds of nesting and free-flying Mute Swans. The 600-year-old swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury in the 11th century. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish … Read more

Record year for beavers

The Wildlife Trusts have announced that 2021 will be a record year for beaver releases. Plans developed by the Wildlife Trusts of Dorset, Derbyshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Nottinghamshire and Montgomeryshire will see new beaver families moving into these counties for the first time.

Paradise Wildlife Park

Paradise Wildlife Park began life as Broxbourne Zoo in the 1960s and was purchased in 1984 by the Sampson family, who have successfully turned the attraction around. They have made it their mission to create more spacious open enclosures and develop an extensive education programme and more hands-on activities.

Rewilding Britain’s lost landscapes

The opportunity to visit locations where rewilding projects to bring back native habitats and species are in action is an idea to consider this year. In particular, at Knepp Estate in West Sussex, where the concept of rewilding has been most significantly developed, you can encounter herds of wild ponies, cattle, deer and pigs as they roam … Read more

Chessington Zoo

Chessington Zoo was founded in 1931 in the grounds of a mansion of considerable history, which can be traced back to 1348. The estate was acquired by entrepreneur Reginald Goddard, a Flight Lieutenant from the Great War, who needed a place to house his exotic animal collection. The Zoo at Chessington has developed into an … Read more

Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo is set within 33 acres of beautiful parkland just 20 mins from Plymouth, with an impressive collection of big cats, bear, wolves, meerkats, tapir and much more. The Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Mee wrote a book about buying the zoo called, We Bought a Zoo, which later became the subject of a major Hollywood … Read more

Longleat

A tiger pokes its head above flowers at Longleat

In 1966, Longleat became the first location outside Africa to open a drive-through Safari. Over 50 years on, Longleat remains one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions. Boasting animals, Elizabethan architecture, 900 acres of parkland, and easy access from the A350, A36 and A361 Longleat truly is the perfect choice for a day out. A trip to Longleat affords you the chance to … Read more

Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World 2 2

Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, 30 years on the site is now a sanctuary for primates from all over the world including the … Read more

Turtle Gulliver benefits from collaboration

Brighton Sea Life Centre’s elderly green turtle Gulliver has benefited from a unique collaboration between Sea Life and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). The project’s main aim was to try and improve the lives of turtles with buoyancy problems, having suffered severe damage to their shells and spines in collisions with boats. Brighton Sea Life’s … Read more

Ventura Wildlife Park

Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Gardens is one of the UK’s newest and most interactive small zoos. Currently set within approximately two acres of Hertfordshire countryside this unique zoo offers visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to get up close to a variety of wild animals. The zoo is home to many animal species including zebras, … Read more

Trentham Monkey Forest

Trentham Monkey Forest, situated in Staffordshire, is completely unique to the UK. With 140 Barbary macaques living freely within the beautiful 60 acre woodland. Walk amongst the monkeys along the ¾ of a mile pathway and watch as the monkey antics unfold right in front of you. With no cages or bars to hinder your … Read more

Gauntlet Bird of Prey, Eagle and Vulture Park

Gauntlet Bird of Prey Eagle and Vulture Park is home to over 120 birds of prey from 46 species, ranging from the smallest owls to the world’s largest eagles, making it the largest collection of its kind in the north west. There are also unusual species such as caracaras, seriemas and storks on display. Regular … Read more

The Raptor Foundation

The Raptor Foundation in Woodhurst, Cambridgeshire provides a rescue and rehabilitation service for injured birds of prey. It is also a permanent home to over 200 birds, ranging from owls to eagles. Visitors can enjoy close interaction with the birds at one of three daily flying displays, and with 40 different birds on the flying … Read more

World of Owls

Get up close to fabulous birds of prey at this great conservation and education centre situated on the edge of Loch Neagh in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The sanctuary is run voluntarily by staff, so all proceeds from entry  fees go towards the care and conservation of owls from around the world. There are … Read more

Blithbury Reindeer Lodge

Over 150 Reindeer roam freely across our beautiful 30-acre site, which opens to the public for special events throughout the year. We are the only place in the country where visitors can see, fuss and even feed so many Reindeer of varying ages and types; from babies and young calves, to sleigh-pullers and our incredibly … Read more

Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary

Porfell Wildlife Park is a wild family attraction only a few miles from Looe in South East Cornwall. It offers sanctuary to more than 250 animals from around the world. They might be neglected, injured, imported illegally or simply no longer wanted. For whatever reason they come to us, they’re always welcome.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. Reindeer are not just for Christmas. The centre in Glenmore is open from the February half-term holidays right through the year to early … Read more

The Reindeer Centre

The Reindeer Centre is the home of England’s original ‘Reindeer Grotto’. A few reindeer were imported from Sweden about 14 years ago and they now have in excess of 100 reindeer thanks to their successful breeding programme. The reindeers are English bred and farm reared (some by hand), making them extremely tame and are perfect … Read more