You are here: THE PARK » THE WEST SECTION

The West Section

Children’s Farmyard

In order for visitors to get a better understanding of animal behaviour and to allow our animals the opportunity to have as natural a life as possible we have a “hands off” policy with the majority of the animals at the Park; the Children’s Farmyard is the exception to this rule.

Here both young children and adults can get close up and personal with a variety of domestic animals. All the animals in this area, including some birds, may be approached and in some cases will allow themselves to be touched or stroked.

Animals have been domesticated by man for hundreds of years; their purpose was and still is to serve us, either as beasts of burden, or for meat, milk, hide, wool and eggs. The domestic animals at the Park are here to serve other human needs, such as curiosity, stimulation, education and just plain fun!

When you visit, our friendly team of keepers are never far away, to answer any questions you may have; they have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to give out pet husbandry advice.

Please note: After stroking the animals in this area please make use of the hand washing facilities that are located outside the Barn.

Dogs are not allowed in the Children's Farmyard.

All our animals are given nutritionally balanced diets that are strictly monitored, we would appreciate that you keep all food tucked safely away whenever you are in close proximity with our animals.

Barn

The Barn offers sheltered accommodation for some of our Farmyard residents, and is adorned with relics from the farming industry.

As well as rabbits, guinea pigs and pigs there is also an enclosure for our pair of Striped Skunks.

The barn also houses one of our three incubation rooms, and if you are lucky you may see some recently hatched chicks.

Goat Paddock

The most popular area in the Farmyard is our walk in Pygmy Goat paddock. Walk through the kissing gate and meet some of the characters.

To give the goats a little extra privacy, this area is closed when the goats are due to give birth.

Outside Enclosures

In the surrounding enclosures there are a variety of domestic species, including Holly the Donkey and everyone’s favourite Honey the Ouessant Sheep. The keepers regularly let Honey out to roam freely around the Farmyard area.

Keep an eye out for some of our most popular characters.

South American Walk-through

Next to the Children’s Farmyard is the South America area. Brazilian Tapirs (also known as Lowland Tapir) have been resident at the Park since 1971, over the years they have successfully reared many calves. This species is unusually docile and one of the few animals at the Park that relish close contact with the staff. To help keep their fur and skin in good order the keepers regularly brush them with baby oil.

Sharing the Tapir enclosure are the world’s largest rodent species, the Capybara, which are also native to South America.

White-lipped Peccary

Three White-lipped Peccary's were imported from two European Zoos, a species which has not been held in UK zoos for some time. The group has now grown in numbers and confidence. They display a varied range of behaviours; from highly territorial with the tools to aggressively defend themselves, to very strong social bonds, all giving a fascinating insight into the lives of these amazing animals.

Wolves

2006 saw the arrival of the first Canid species to be kept at the Park. Our female group of Canadian Timber Wolves are exhibited in a wooded area just opposite the Lake. Their enclosure is as close to their natural habitat as we could reproduce.

Wallabies

One of two marsupials represented at the Park are our group of Parma Wallaby. This small species of wallaby are not always easy to spot, but look carefully and you may be rewarded with the sight of a joey in the pouch.

Birds

The West Section only has a few bird species; White Stork, White-naped Crane, Emu, Coscoroba Swan and Magpie Geese.