All Eyes on Wildlife Park
By ANN EVANS
LIONS, monkeys, giant tortoises – there are dozens of different endangered species of animal to visit at the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Oxford – and a lot more besides.
The park, which was founded in 1970, is one of the largest zoological collections in the country, with rhinos, zebras, lions, crocodiles and wolves. And there is a host of unusual creatures such as the critically endangered species of lemurs known as theAlootran Gentle Lemur, and Linnes two-toed sloths, creatures which spend most of their day hanging around up-sidedown.
In the walled garden visitors will find penguins, tropical birds, monkeys, meerkats and otters, while under cover in the Tropical House are the reptile courtyard, the newly revamped insect house and the bat house with more than 100 fruit bats.
Since 2006, the park has added some Canadian Timber wolves from Longleat into its specially built forested enclosure beyond the flamingo lake.
Visitors can watch these and the other animals being fed at varying times throughout the day. And there are always zoo keepers around to answer any questions about the animals, birds and reptiles.
There are 160 acres of parklands and gardens, where the gardening team has created displays and backdrops for the animals, with borders and beds filled with a range of ever-changing planting styles and exotic flora. And don’t miss the new water gardenwith its tropical planting, waterfall, giant lily pond and koi carp.
Children will love the farmyard where they can get up close to the animals. Or they can let off steam in the adventure playground. Visitors can even put their feet up and have a tour of the park on the narrow-gauge railway. Refreshments are available atkiosks, a sandwich bar and the Oak Tree Restaurant.
The park also has a variety of awareness days and special events, detailed on its website.
You can do your bit for the animals in the park too, by taking part in its Animal Adoption Scheme. Adopting an animal provides a helpful contribution towards the cost of keeping that animal for a year.
It’s a great day out in the fresh air, seeing wildlife within a picturesque landscape.
The Details
WHERE: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxford OX18 4JP. Telephone 01993 823006.
WHEN: Open all year round except Christmas Day from 10am-3.30pm October-February and from 10am to 4.30pm March-September.
ADMISSION: Adults pounds 9.50, children pounds 7, senior citizens pounds 7, under-threes free.
ACCESS: The park has easy access and toilet facilities for the disabled. Wheelchairs are available. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
CONTACT: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
(c) 2007 Coventry Evening Telegraph. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.