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Book on the Bird Table: The BIG Around-The-World Animal Adventure

The cover of The BIG Around-The-World Animal Adventure

Our latest Book on the Bird Table is The BIG Around-The-World Animal Adventure by author illustrator Vicky Woodgate, which was published this month by Hodder. Here, she shares how she came up with the idea for the book, which is a hop around the world, fun, fact-packed, search-and-find journey! “While searching for pictures of cats … 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

Book on the Bird Table: Home

Book on the Bird Table: Home

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Our latest Book on the Bird Table is Home by Isabelle Simler, translated by Vineet Lal and published by Quarto.

Home is a beautiful book of reflective poems that look at all sorts of homes made and found in nature. From the leaf fortress of the weaver ant and the silk apartment of the Madagascan moon moth to the cactus cabin of the elf owl and the bunk bed in the branches of the Sumatran orangutan, young children can discover the fascinating ways in which over 25 of our planet’s creatures make their homes safe and secure.

Highlights include the European fan worm, which uses its home like a telescope, fanning out its long feathery lashes  that disappear inside at the slightest hint of danger, and the satin bowerbird, which creates an arched home decorated with vibrant blue items that have caught its eye.

not just a non-fiction book but a rhythmic exploration of what nature can teach us

Interior pages from Home

Each animal and its home is accompanied by poetic text making this not just a non-fiction book but a rhythmic exploration of what nature can teach us. The vivid colour of the illustrations and exquisite language mean that children and their parents alike can discover amazing facts about animals’ innovative building techniques and the importance of making a house a home.

 

About the author:

Isabelle Simler has written and illustrated over 20 books for children. Sweet Dreamers, My Wild Cat, Plume and The Blue Hour were all featured in the Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” annual exhibition. Plume was also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book 2017. Isabelle lives in France.

About the translator:

Vineet Lal is a literary translator of books from French to English, including A Perfect Spot and a Head Full of Birds. He studied French at Princeton University and the University of Edinburgh. Vineet lives in Scotland.

Home is aimed at children between 5-7 years old and can be bought from book stores including Amazon, Waterstones and Foyles.

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Home

From the winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book comes a beautiful meditation on what makes a home. Each creature featured in this beautiful collection shows a unique way that they build their home, and poetic text accompanies each, making this both a narrative, non-fiction treasury and a poetic reflection on what nature can teach us. Discover how a beaver builds a safe dam for its family and how a tailor bird forages for grasses and animal hairs to use as threads, to sew a truly tailor-made nest. In this book, children and parents alike will discover in vivid colour and poetry, all the wild ways there are to build a home.

£13.99

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Spectacular animal sculpture trail opens at Leeds Castle

Visitors to Leeds Castle walk past a metallic giraffe, part of a new outdoor sculpture trail at the Kent attraction

A new sculpture trail featuring dozens of animal-inspired artworks has opened at Leeds Castle in Kent. Running until 8th October, the Sublime Sculpture Trail Safari is one of the highlights of the iconic castle’s wider Festival of Craft and Design. Visitors can explore the castle’s stunning grounds and gardens, and discover breathtaking artwork created by a … Read more

Where to visit red panda in the UK

One of the endangered red panda twins at Longleat

In honour of International Red Panda Day yesterday, here’s a round up of the latest red panda news and where to visit them around the UK. West Midland Safari Park welcomes new red panda cub In June, keepers at West Midland Safari Park heard tiny squeaks coming from a nesting box and noticed that resident … Read more

Rescued beagles get first taste of freedom

The beagles experiencing their first taste of freedom

Beagle Freedom Project UK (BFP UK), a leading global organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals used in experimental research, has successfully freed seven beagles from a testing facility in Europe, marking a significant step towards their mission to end animal testing. There are seven beagles all together, named after British rock stars: Jonesy, Davey, … Read more

Discover Ferne, the WW2 animal sanctuary still going strong

A cat at Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Nestling in 72 acres of South Somerset is the Ferne Animal Sanctuary, which only exists because of the Second World War. Watch Discover Animals’ videographer Geoff Moore’s report here: Ferne was set up in 1939 by the late Nina, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon (below) as she realised that with the up-coming war, there was … Read more

Enjoy nature on Finland’s phone-free tourist island this summer

The phone-free island of Ulko-Tammio

Those travelling to the island of Ulko-Tammio, located in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, will be asked to keep their phones in their pockets this summer. The aim is to encourage holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices, take a break from social media and enjoy nature. Ulko-Tammio is believed to be the … Read more

Have a tree-mendous half term at Marwell!

Spot a rare tree at Marwell this half term

For those looking for wildlife-themed days out this half term, Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is inviting guests to explore its wonderful tree collection as well as the zoo’s animal inhabitants. Some of the trees on the Marwell estate date back to the early 14th century, more than 100 years before the Wars of the Roses. The … Read more

Spring Family Festival at London Zoo

Squirrel Monkeys at London Zoo can be seen at the Family Festival

From Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June, visitors to the world famous London Zoo can enjoy creative arts and crafts and fascinating animal talks in the spring sunshine, before leaping into an interactive animal game show and more on a nature-filled day out this May half term at the Spring Family Festival.  Kids can … Read more

Meet Howletts and Port Lympne’s very own Kings this Coronation weekend

One of the Kings, Lee the Gelada at Howletts

Animal attractions Howletts and Port Lympne in Kent are inviting visitors to come and meet some of the Kings of the animal kingdom over the Coronation bank holiday weekend, 6th – 8th May 2023. From playful primates to big cats, here’s a snapshot of some of our very own Kings and their families who you … Read more

Marwell Zoo’s Easter wildlife treats

Zoo Photographer Credit Jason Brown Small clawed otter family 7

Visitors to Hampshire looking for Easter wildlife will be spoilt for choice at Marwell Zoo, with offers including an ‘Appy Egg Trail, a special ticket offer and new experience days. The ‘Appy Egg Trail comes free as part of a visit to the zoo and guests just need to download the free Marwell Zoo app to take … Read more

World’s oldest European hedgehog found in Denmark

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The world’s oldest scientifically-confirmed European hedgehog has been found in Denmark by a citizen science project involving hundreds of volunteers. The hedgehog lived for 16 years, 7 years longer than the previous record holder. The European hedgehog is one of our most beloved mammals but populations have declined dramatically in recent years. In the UK, … Read more

Book on the Bird Table: JUNO’S ARK + author Q&A with Jim Mellon!

Book on the Bird Table

Our latest Book on the Bird Table is JUNO’S ARK by British investor and philanthropist Jim Mellon, published this month by Fruitful Publications. Aimed at 7 to 9-year-olds, the book is inspired by Jim’s passion for animal welfare and follows the adventures of a big-hearted dog called Juno, evoking classics such as Black Beauty and The Sheep-pig. … Read more

A trot around Vienna’s famous Spanish Riding School

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Discover Animals’ Geoff Moore visited the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna for our latest short film. He talks to guide Magdalena Gries about how she looks after the stunning white Lipzanner horses, their training regime, how the grooms and riders play their part, and what happens to the many tonnes of horse manure produced … Read more

ZSL London Zoo’s famous annual stocktake kicks off new year

Sumatran tiger cub takes part in annual London Zoo stocktake c ZSL

Zookeepers at ZSL London Zoo have dusted off their clipboards, calculators and cameras as they counted up all the animals at the zoo‘s annual stocktake yesterday. Caring for more than 300 different species, keepers faced the challenging task of tallying up every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate at the zoo – counting every creature … Read more

Boo at Whipsnade Zoo this Halloween!

An Amur tiger plays with a pumpkin at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo's Boo at the Zoo event

For hairy but not too scary Halloween fun, families can trick-or-treat themselves to a trip to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire this October half term with Boo at the Zoo. From Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th October, visitors to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo can celebrate all things spooky during a fang-tastic day out for the whole family.

Book Review: Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks… + author Q&A!

A page from the book Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks by Alex Morss and Sean Taylor

REVIEW In Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks: and Other Incredible Creature Features, authors Alex Morss and Sean Taylor have created a fascinating collection of unusual creatures with amazing characteristics, celebrating the diversity of life on earth. From puzzling toes to weird ears, and all the other body parts in between, the book includes fantastic illustrations and … Read more

One Zoo Three returns to CBBC and BBC iPlayer

Brothers Cam, Tyler and Aaron pose with a camel to promote the start of the mew series of One Zoo Three

A new series of the show One Zoo Three is back on our screens on CBBC and BBC iPlayer. Based at Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire and its sister site The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, the show is fun and educational.

ZSL announces famous annual stocktake at London Zoo

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) began its well-known annual stocktake at London Zoo this week. Keepers faced the tricky task of tallying up every mammal, bird, reptile and invertebrate – counting everything from a colony of inquisitive Humboldt penguins to Critically Endangered Sumatran tigers.  

WIN! The History of the World in 100 Animals

* COMPETITION * ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! We’ve teamed up with Simon & Schuster Children’s Books to give away FIVE copies of  The History of the World in 100 Animals – just in time for Christmas! For your chance to WIN this beautiful hardback book, simply enter your details below. ******** The History of the World … Read more

Cotswold Wildlife Park animals enjoy the snow

Cotswold Wildlife Park turned into an unexpected winter wonderland earlier this week when a blanket of snow fell, covering parts of the UK including Oxfordshire. As temperatures dropped, a dedicated team of keepers worked hard to care for the animals, including the park’s new three-month-old White Rhino calf, Molly, who saw snow for the first … Read more

A visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Geoff Moore, our roving reporter, speaks with the team at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary about the important work being done to rehabilitate seals found on the southwest coast. We also learn about a typical day at the centre located in Gweek, Cornwall, and what to do if anyone comes across a seal pup on the … Read more