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The Cotswold Wildlife Park is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with the introduction of three giraffes to the animal collection. The animals, all males, are part of an international breeding programme. Male giraffes (bulls) are often difficult to place as a herd can contain several females but only one breeding male.
Two have travelled from Colchester Zoo and one from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park in Scotland. For the very important journeys the Park enlisted the help of a Dutch firm, EKIPA, who have many years of experience in animal transportation. The giraffes travelled in a specially designed truck and trailer. The trailer allows them to stand comfortably while cameras in the truck mean the drivers can keep an eye on their precious cargo.
Curator Jamie Craig says “We’re delighted to welcome these magnificent and fascinating animals. They are an ideal species to complement the natural landscape of the Park and we look forward to helping them settle into their new environment.”
Over recent months the penguin enclosure has been changed to an “Atacama beach” landscape and with improvements to the filtration system, public penguin feeding now takes place every day at 11am and 4pm.
There was a springtime baby boom this year so there are many young animals to be seen as visitors walk around; don’t miss the Madagascar enclosure where you can walk with the lemurs and where there are a number of babies.
Many trees have been planted since the autumn and there have been changes to the flower beds; very soon visitors will be able to enjoy the colourful exotic planting in the Walled Garden with its exuberant displays including the dramatic foliage displays of bananas, cannas and giant water lilies growing in the open air. Elsewhere there is the beautiful landscaping of the 160 acres of parkland and the inspirational container planting and hanging baskets, don’t miss those by the reptile house.
The Park is able to provide interest for all members of the family, of any age, with excellent access for wheelchairs and buggies. All exhibits can be viewed from a wheelchair.
Over the summer months there will be extra events, Birds of Prey demonstrations will take place over all weekends in August and Reptile Awareness Days are on Sundays from 2pm – 4pm, weather permitting, through to end of August.
The Fairthorpe Sports Car Club Rally is returning on 8th August when visitors can see many interesting cars, the owners of which are very happy to chat.
So visit soon and see the many beautiful animals as you walk around, children love the farmyard and adventure playground, ride on the train, have a picnic or eat in the large self-service restaurant.
See the animal webcams on our website and pictures on Facebook.
For full information see www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk. or call 01993 823006. |
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