News Archive

Samanthas Dream Visit

I am 14 years old and suffer from M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). Because of my illness I am unable to go to school and I have to have a home Tutor. I have always had a keen interest in animals and would one day like to pursue a career working with them. Armed with this knowledge my Tutor arranged a special one off behind the scenes tour at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

On the day of the visit we met up with the Park’s Animal Registrar Louise Peat who took the time to show us around and introduce us to some of the keepers.
Our first stop was at the Reptile House where Section Head Marc Ormond brought out several snakes including a Corn Snake and a Californian King Snake. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to hold these snakes, Marc then talked me through the differences between a legless lizard and a snake. We then went into the incubation room, were I was able to hold a baby tortoise, a brightly coloured exotic frog, and a Leopard Gecko which felt like velvet.

We then moved on to meet Senior Keeper Cath Vantol and Oscar and Archie, two Yellow-thighed Caiques (Parrots from South America), they were both very friendly and noisy. In a nearby bird shelter was Bob the Barn Owl who had a lovely soft coat of white feathers.

In the Walled Garden we saw the otters who had recently given birth to four youngsters, the mother otter Ellie was digging for earthworms which she washed in the pond before eating.

We then went to the Farmyard area and met Morris the New Zealand Kune Kune Pig, he had coarse hair and two lobes under his chin called “piri piri”. Morris’s two mates had just given birth to sixteen piglets a week beforehand. I also had the chance to cuddle a baby Pygmy Goat that was being hand-reared.

The day was brought to an end by a heavy downpour of rain, but despite the weather I had a fantastic and memorable day. Thank you to all the staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park for allowing me this very special opportunity.

Samantha

Kit's Winning Bid!

Earlier this year we were approached by Winston’s Wish, a children’s charity based in Cheltenham; they were looking for unusual auction lots to help raise money for the charity. We were only too happy to put together an afternoon with a keeper, which much to our surprise proved to be the most popular lot and raised a substantial sum of money for the charity.

The winning bidder was Heather Haywood who bought the lot for her 13 year old son Kit who is fascinated by animals, and hopes to be a vet. Highlights of the afternoon included; feeding the penguins and small mammals, meeting the parrots, a close encounter with a Giant Tortoise and even a bit of snake handling.

There are no more similar auctions at the Park in the near future, but for more information on Winstons Wish please visit their web site: winstonswish.org.uk

Want to Help?

A visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park can now be even more worthwhile. By adopting an animal, you can provide a helpful contribution towards the costs of keeping and feeding the animals and supporting our conservation breeding programmes... click here for more information