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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are offering elephant lovers an unforgettable experience when they visit at the weekend on 16 and 17 September. Celebrating the zoo’s largest residents, the Asian elephants, the zoo’s Elephantastic event promises a mammouth day out while marking the global Elephant Appreciation Weekend. Visitors can enjoy a close encounter with one of the … Read more
The eccentric millionaire Herbert Whitley founded Paignton Zoo in Devon in 1923 and today it is one of the UK’s leading zoos, an important conservation charity and a great family day out. Thousands of animals are housed in a range of different global habitats, from desert to rainforest, all set in an 80-acre park.
The elephant native to Africa, which is larger than the Indian elephant and has larger ears and a two-lipped trunk. The trunk acts as a fifth limb, a sound amplifier and an important method of touch.
The origins of West Midland Safari & Leisure Park can be traced back to the 18th century and Spring Grove House, which still stands at the attraction, but the estate first opened as the safari park in 1973. The park boasts 1,700 animal encounters along with some great family fun rides and attractions, all set in 200 acres of leafy Worcestershire.
In Kent, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is popular with visitors, and is run by the Aspinall Foundation along with Howletts Wild Animal Park. John Aspinall purchased Port Lympne in 1973 to support his growing animal collection, with it opening to the public in 1976.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol was developed in 1998 from a dairy farm by Anthony Bush, who was a tenant dairy farmer. Amongst its many animals are white rhinos, giraffe, tigers and African lions, and primates including Siamang gibbons and ring-tailed lemurs.
Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside is situated around Knowsley Hall on the ancestral estate of the Earl of Derby. Edward Stanley, the 18th Earl opened the park to the public in 1971 and it now offers over 700 animals from peacocks to elephants and white rhino.
John Aspinall purchased Howletts in 1957 to support his growing animal collection, with Howletts opening to the public in 1975. Aspinall ultimately believed that animals belonged in the wild and endeavoured to return them to safe areas where possible.
Opened in 1970 and still in the family, Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling in Scotland was created by Sir John Muir and Jimmy Chipperfield and built on Sir John Muir’s estate.
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