As we are now experiencing more frequent warmer days, animals such as the Giant Tortoises will be enjoying spending more time in their outdoor enclosures. It is always a sign that spring has arrived when the three giants are seen grazing out in their paddock for most of the day!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the trio, George (pictured left) is our oldest resident in the Park, believed to be around 90 years old, and he has been with us since the Park opened on Good Friday in 1970.
He enjoys submerging himself in the muddy puddle and outdoor pool and spends much of his time checking for tasty weeds in the ha-ha ditch that runs along the wall of the enclosure.
Sheldon is in his 70s and joined the Park in 1998.
He is a very calm and relaxed tortoise and loves to bask in the sunshine. He also quite enjoys a little neck scratch from his keepers!
Darwin is a youngster compared to the other two, at just 39 years old!
A very curious tortoise, he doesn’t like to miss out at all and will be straight over to see what’s going on if he thinks one of the others is getting a treat!
In the Walled Garden the King Vultures, female Vrouw (pronounced ‘vuff’) and new male Luther, were moved into their enclosure on the corner by the Penguins, following the expansion of the aviary and rebuilding of their shed.
Luther joined the Park last month and after a settling in period off-show, the two birds were mixed for the first time in the aviary. Vrouw was wary at first and has taken time to warm up to her new companion but they have now settled in as a pair.
Visitors will notice that Vrouw is very striking in her appearance, and there is a big difference between them for now as Luther looks duller in his colouring. This is due to his young age, but he too will develop the notable colouring as he matures.
Be sure to pay a visit to the King Vulture enclosure on your next visit opposite the Penguins.
DID YOU KNOW?
King Vultures stand at about 2.5 feet tall with around a 5 foot wingspan.
Over in the playground, work began on the Skymaze during the closure period, which saw the area completely renovated and updated. The company that designed the new space and our grounds team worked tirelessly in all weathers to ensure everything was done to a high standard and now the area looks entirely refreshed and has been enjoyed by children throughout the last week since its reopening. If you plan on visiting during the Easter Holidays we look forward to welcoming your children onto the new Skymaze!
EXTRA EXTRA!
Cotswold Falconry Bird of Prey Centre at the Park. Photo credit: Rebecca Louise
Cotswold Falconry Centre will be based at the Park on the following dates in the coming months:
3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th April | 2nd, 3rd, 4th May | 23rd, 24th, 25th May
You will be able to meet their incredible birds and watch their displays on the Anniversary Lawn at the side of the manor house.
Cotswold Falconry Bird of Prey Centre at the Park. Photo credit: Rebecca Louise
Cotswold Falconry Bird of Prey Centre at the Park. Photo credit: Rebecca Louise
Opening times: The Park is now open DAILY from 10.00 am until 4:00 pm or dusk (whichever is earlier, with last admission being at 3:00 pm)
Please could we remind visitors to always check our website or social media for updates ahead of visiting the Par