Fishing Legends to Attend Longleat Country Show
9th May 2013
Longleat will shortly be playing host to some of the biggest names in fishing when they launch their inaugural Fishing and Country Show on June 14th-15th.
The show is set to be the largest of its kind in the South of England, providing visitors with the chance to see, and take part in, a variety of carp, coarse, fly and game fishing activities across the three lakes at the front of Longleat House.
Designed to appeal to families, the event also includes an Artisan food village with local and International speciality food and drink, cookery demonstrations hosted by Aga with top class chefs, two lakeside picnic areas, and the Land Rover 4x4 Experience.
Among those already confirmed to attend are multiple World Freshwater Angling champion Bob Nudd, angling Guru Charles Jardine and the presenter of Sky Sport’s ‘Thinking Tackle’ Danny Fairbrass.
Organisers are also planning to reveal the identity of a number of major celebrities who will also be making an appearance in the next few weeks.
Co-organiser and double English national Flyfishing champion Chris Ogborne said he is delighted with the number of top anglers and exhibitors who will be taking part.
“For two days in June Longleat’s fishing lakes and surrounding lawn, which are set against the stunning backdrop of Longleat House will be transformed into a top class showground that will break the mould of previous fishing-oriented events and will set new standards for a country show.
“The principal focus is to showcase the sport of fishing and to attract youngsters and newcomers into becoming the next generation of anglers.
“There will be tutorials, live fishing demonstrations and hands-on help with the choosing of tackle. The lakes at Longleat are well stocked and there is the very real probability that youngsters will catch their very first fish here.
“At the other end of the scale of expertise, the very top anglers in the sport will be showing customers just why they are at the top of their game.
“Members of the England fishing teams will combine with acknowledged experts in the sport to share their skills and to offer tips and advice,” he added.
The very biggest tackle makers including Hardy Greys, Korda, Preston Innovations, Sonik and Loop will be showcasing their latest products. Top retailers like FatFish, Experience Fishing, Garry Evans and Stockport Fly Shop are also confirmed along with speciality bait makers, flytyers, Trade Guilds and bodies and even a Kayak manufacturer.
Tickets for the two-day show are now available online and will provide visitors with fast track entry to the event site.
For more information about the Fishing & Country Show or to buy tickets click here
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Monkeys Swap Wheels For Wildebeest!
18th April 2013
Longleat Safari Park’s mischievous monkeys have long been famous for their seemingly-endless enjoyment of jumping all over visitors’ cars.
However it’s not just passing vehicles which have attracted their attentions, as a plucky few have now taken to hopping on to the park’s resident herd of wildebeest as well.
Keepers at the award-winning Wiltshire wildlife attraction managed to grab some photos of the rhesus monkeys’ newest form of transport – riding on the backs of the giant antelope.
Longleat’s Ian Turner said: “Rhesus monkeys are renowned, infamous even, for their insatiable curiosity and playful nature.
“Ours have been climbing all over visitors’ vehicles for generations so I suppose we shouldn’t have been surprised to find them going that one step further.
“Amazingly the wildebeest really don’t seem to be bothered by their temporary new jockeys at all and just carry on as if they weren’t even there.
“Having said that, I’m not entirely sure what they could do if they weren’t happy with the situation as the monkeys are so quick and agile they are always able to keep well out of harm’s reach.
“At first we wondered if the monkeys might be checking the wildebeests’ coats for any insects or parasites, but the more we’ve studied them the more we think they’re just doing it because it’s fun,” he added.
Rhesus monkeys are extremely intelligent, naturally inquisitive animals which can learn to manipulate simple tools and distinguish colours and shapes.
In some parts of India they are believed to be sacred with the result that they have lived in close contact with humans for countless centuries - particularly in and around Buddhist and Hindu temples.
In the wild wildebeest face danger from lions, hyenas and even crocodiles, however at Longleat their biggest threat is being used as a climbing frame by the mischievous monkeys.
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Longleat Tigers Put ‘Deadly Safari’ Signage To The Test
10th April 2013
Devising indestructible new signage which can survive the rigours of daily life in a safari park was always going to be a tall order.
However the big cat keepers at Longleat were so confident they were up to the challenge they decided to put the new signs to the ultimate test - with the help of their trio of tigers.
The signage is part of a major new Deadly Adventure series of features which are being unveiled at the Wiltshire attraction this year and acting as Deadly symbols for visitors to spot as they journey through the park.
Deadly Safari is the first experience visitors can get of Longleat’s Deadly transformation with a brand new guide which has been voiced by CBBC Deadly presenter, Steve Backshall himself.
Encountering some of Longleat’s deadliest creatures, visitors learn about the critical predator versus prey relationships that exist in the wild; discover amazing facts about the animals that reside at Longleat and get to hear some of the fascinating stories from Steve’s on screen adventures.
Longleat’s Steve Mytton said: “We needed to create signage which was in keeping with the natural environment, relatively easy for people to spot and also strong enough to stand up to some of the world’s most impressive predators – particularly our lions, tigers and cheetahs.
“We had a couple of early teething problems but we’re now pretty confident we’ve got the signage in exactly the right areas and although they clearly created some interest among the big cats at first, they seemed to survive their attentions relatively unscathed – and we have got some duplicates ready, just in case!” he added.
Deadly Safari marks the launch of the new Deadly Adventure at Longleat, a four year partnership with BBC Worldwide to transform areas of the park in the style of the BBC’s hugely popular Deadly branded programmes which include Deadly 60; Deadly Top 10s; Deadly 360; Deadly Art and most recently Deadly Mission Madagascar as seen on CBBC.
Also arriving at Longleat in May 2013 is the Deadly Challenge, which will see aspiring adventurers pitch their skills against the clock and some of the world’s most lethal creatures in a series of mental and physical challenges.
To find out more about the new Deadly Safari click here
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Deadly’s Steve Backshall A Roaring Success!
6th April 2013
CBBC TV presenter, Steve Backshall amazed audiences over Easter weekend with live shows as part of the launch of the new Deadly Adventure at Longleat.
The Deadly themed Easter shows which ran between 31st March and 1st April attracted thousands of spectators over the two days who were lucky enough to see the Deadly presenter in the flesh!
The show was presented alongside Longleat's resident Hunters of the Sky Team from the Hawk Conservancy Trust who introduced Peregrine Falcons, White Backed Vultures, a Barn Owl, Hooded Vultures,
Black Vultures and Yellow Billed Kites. Also on hand to wow spectators were some more familiar Deadly creatures to Steve, including a snapping Turtle and reticulated python
Jimmy Robinson, keeper at Hunters of the Sky said: "It was an amazing weekend and having the opportunity to work alongside such a professional as Steve Backshall was incredible. Despite the cold weather all our visitors seemed to really enjoy the shows and have the opportunity to see their on-screen wildlife hero!"
The event saw the start of a new 4 year partnership with BBC Worldwide which will see the introduction of several new Deadly themed features and attractions within the Safari & Adventure Park based around the popular BBC TV series. Already open is the Deadly Safari which is a new guide voiced by Steve Backshall and coming in May will be the new Deadly Challenge.
For more information on the Deadly Adventure at Longleat click here >>
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Anne The Elephant - Easter Update
5th April 2013
Despite the recent cold spell of weather Anne the elephant has still been able go outside to enjoy her two paddocks and the enrichment features within them.
The recent dry spell has been advantageous for Anne and has given her more opportunities to explore her grassy enclosure too. She has loved interacting with the massive tree stumps within it. Keepers have even had to chain the logs together as she loves nothing more than rearranging them in awkward places within the enclosure where they can’t be retrieved! The mound of earth also seems to be a popular hang out for Anne to roll and throw mud about in.
Due to the cold weather Anne has been spending a bit more time in her warm indoor area, but this has given keepers the opportunity to do extra work on her feet and nails which are improving all the time. With all the rolling about in mud Anne’s been doing she also requires an extra good bath which has resulted in her keepers looking muddier than her!
Anne has now been living out her life at Longleat for 2 years and appears to have reveled in her new found freedom and luxuries!
With the Longleat Elephant Sanctuary plans now submitted we hope it won’t be too much longer until we are able to offer a similar haven to other elephants.
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New Parents Get The Hump With Reckless Rhino
27th March 2013
An overly-curious rhino got more than he bargained for when he got a little too close to a Critically Endangered baby Bactrian camel at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire this week.
Mum Camilla and dad Dougie took a dim view of Marashi the rhino’s unwanted attentions and wasted little time in chasing the nosy interloper away.
Despite tipping the scales at around three tonnes, sporting a vicious-looking 40- centimetre-long horn, and having a hide up to five centimetres thick, Marashi was no match for the protective parents.
And even with a top speed in excess of 30 mph, the rhino wasn’t able to out-run the cross camels.
Keeper Ian Turner said: “It’s unusual for the camels to get quite so protective over their babies, however in this particular case mum Camilla has been particularly aggressive – and not just to the rhinos, the keepers have also had to keep on their toes as she’s just as likely to chase them away!
“In spite of her bad temper, she’s actually proving to be a really good mum and is extremely attentive to Nikki.
“I’m not exactly sure what the camels’ plan would be if Marashi ever actually decided to stop and stand its ground but he seems to have learned his lesson and is giving them all a wide berth,” he added.
The baby, which was born earlier this month, has been named Nikki by keepers.
Bactrian camels are critically endangered in the wild and Nikki is one of three babies born in the park over the past 12 months in addition to the already eight-strong group headed up by Dougie, the breeding bull.
Unlike their cousins the dromedaries, Bactrian camels have two humps and are covered in thick fur to protect themselves from the sub-zero temperatures of their Mongolian homeland.
Originally from the Gobi desert, Bactrian camels are becoming increasingly endangered in the wild - their main threats being poachers and wolves. However large numbers have been domesticated and are kept by herdsmen in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and China.
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Steve Backshall, Presenter of CBBC’s Deadly 60 Joins Longleat This Easter to Host Live Shows
22nd March 2013
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park is turning Deadly this Easter and there’s only one person to call – Steve Backshall, star of CBBC’s wildly successful Deadly TV series who will present a programme of live shows at Longleat on Sunday 31st March and Monday 1st April.
This special event marks the launch of the new Deadly Adventure at Longleat, a four year partnership with BBC Worldwide to transform areas of the park in the style of the BBC’s hugely popular Deadly branded programmes which include Deadly 60; Deadly Top 10s; Deadly 360; Deadly Art and most recently Deadly Mission Madagascar as seen on CBBC.
Longleat are thrilled to welcome Steve Backshall at Easter to introduce some of Longleat’s Deadliest residents. He will be joined by several birds of prey that have being honing their skills as part of Longleat’s Hunters of the Sky displays.
Steve Backshall said: “Inspiring children to get out there, explore, see, do and find out something new is what Deadly is all about. I hope families will have fun taking part in the first Deadly Adventure at Longleat and be inspired to learn more about the amazing creatures they encounter here.”
Places for the event are free and available to visitors when they purchase a Longleat Day ticket or to holders of an Annual Pass. Tickets to the live shows will be allocated on a first come first served basis via a special ticket hotline: 01985845544. The shows will also be relayed onto a giant screen within the park giving everyone the chance to see Steve Backshall at Longleat.
Longleat’s Steve Mytton, PR & Media Manager, said: “We’re delighted Steve has agreed to come down and present a series of live animal encounters to help launch the new features.
“He’s extremely popular with our visitors and we have been amazed at the levels of interest news of the live shows has generated already,” he added.
The first experience visitors will have of Longleat’s Deadly transformation is the Deadly Safari, opening Easter 2013, for which Steve Backshall has voiced a brand new guide. Encountering some of Longleat’s deadliest creatures, visitors will learn about the critical predator vs prey relationships that exist in the wild; discover amazing facts about the animals that reside at Longleat and be regaled with fascinating stories from Steve’s on screen adventures.
Also arriving at Longleat in 2013 is the Deadly Challenge, which will see aspiring adventurers pitch their skills against some of the world’s most lethal creatures in a series of physical challenges
· Steve Backshall will be live at Longleat on Sunday, 31st March and Monday, 1st April. Entry to the shows is free with a Longleat Day Ticket or Annual Pass but visitors must have already bought these before phoning the ticket hotline. To reserve your place call the ticket hotline on 01985 845544. Lines are open 8am – 6pm daily. For more information click here
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Longleat Is Set to Go Moshi Monsters™ Mad For Easter
19th March 2013
Global kids hit Moshi Monsters™ are heading to Longleat Safari & Adventure Park this Easter Holiday!
From Wednesday 27th March to Tuesday 9th April, the Wiltshire attraction is playing host to a fun-packed fortnight of three amazing themed activities from the online world of Moshi Monsters.
Every day over Easter, children can hunt for the 8 giant Moshi Eggs that have been hidden around Longleat.
By successfully completing the search, fans of Moshi Monsters will be thrilled to receive a secret code to unlock an exclusive in-game item for the monsters room online at http://www.moshimonsters.com as well as a yummy Easter treat to take home that very day.
Characters Katsuma, Poppet, Diavlo and Luvli are also making an appearance at the Park each day, with regular appearances from 10am.
Visit between Friday March 29th and Sunday March 31st and you can get involved in the ultimate Mash Up Code Breakers Trading Card event! Bring along your Code Breakers trading cards, or buy them on site, and swap your duplicate cards with the official Topps swappers!
There will also be informal swapping and a mini-tournament to take part in for your chance to be a Moshi Mash Up Master!
All activities are free with valid Longleat Day Tickets or Annual Passes.
For more information on this and any of the events taking place at Longleat in 2013 click here
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Rare Book Signed By Richard III Goes On Show In Longleat House
27th February 2013
A book that was given to King Richard III as a teenager has gone on public display at Longleat for the first time since it was written 550 years ago.
The rare signed book, which was written on vellum and features tales by Chaucer as well as other popular stories of the time, is part of a new exhibition on the Yorkist king which has opened at Longleat House in Wiltshire.
The book is one of only 13 of Richard III's books that is known to still exist. It is especially valuable as he has signed it 'R Gloucester' as he was only the Duke of Gloucester as a young man.
Above his signature he also wrote the words 'Tant le desieree', which means 'So much desired'.
It has been kept at Longleat since 1709 when it was purchased by Thomas Thynne, the First Viscount Weymouth, as part of a collection of medieval manuscripts.
Dr Kate Harris, curator at Longleat House, said: “It is a fascinating piece of history. His handwriting is extremely competent, which shows he was highly educated.
“Within the book are tales of derring-do, as well as classical Greek and Rome. Most of the books of the time were in French and Latin, so the fact that this one is in English is also unusual,” she added.
As well as the signed book, the new exhibition ‘The King’s Body: Richard III King of England 1483-1485’ features portraits on panel of the King alongside his two predecessors on the throne his brother, Edward IV and his nephew, Edward V as well as his successor Henry VII.
There are also on show original documents relating to the elder of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ who Richard was rumoured to have had killed.
As a pointed contrast there is also the three course menu for the coronation feast of Richard III himself. The dishes served to hundreds of diners in Westminster Hall included venison, roast cygnet, roast crane, roast heron, roast bittern, roast egret, sturgeon and pike.
The exhibition concludes with a copy of the First Folio Shakespeare of 1623. Shakespeare’s characterisation of the king in Richard III has had more influence on his reputation down the centuries than any historical document.
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Longleat Unveils Plans For New Elephant Sanctuary
20th February 2013
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has unveiled detailed plans for a proposed new Elephant Sanctuary.
The plans, which have been submitted for approval, include a 994-square-metre heated accommodation area with deep sand floors, natural sky light panels, automated feeding systems and a specialist treatment area.
An extensive, 2.4-acre outdoor space will feature a large grassy paddock, rocks, log piles, a giant browse frame, sand pits and the ‘Thirst Pockets Elephant Spa’ which will give the elephants a pool to utilise.
The new sanctuary will offer a permanent home for Anne, Britain’s last circus elephant, who has been cared for at Longleat since April 2011 after secretly filmed footage showed her being abused by her former groom.
Longleat CEO, David Bradley, said: “We have been working hard on this project ever since Anne first arrived with us and have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the public.
“Donations both from visitors and members of the public will help part-fund the multi-million-pound development with the majority of the costs being met by Longleat.
“As part of the plan we have consulted extensively with other animal collections around the world as well as welfare experts, English Heritage and Natural England.
“It has been an incredibly complex and highly-detailed process but we are confident the proposals we have submitted will deliver an elephant rescue and rehabilitation facility which will utilise cutting edge knowledge to provide for the specialist needs of the elephants.”
The sanctuary can provide accommodation for up to four elephants, including Anne, however Longleat will not be re-homing other elephants until the new building has been completed.
Longleat’s Director of Animal Operations, Jon Cracknell, said: “The over-riding ambition is to provide the best habitat possible to encourage natural behaviours both indoors and outdoors.”
Mr Cracknell believes there are currently around 55 circus elephants in Europe.
“It will be a huge step forward creating the sanctuary here at Longleat. Although we cannot take in every elephant, we aim to lead by example and provide a facility to help rescued elephants which can be replicated elsewhere,” he added.
Since arriving at Longleat, Anne has been under the full-time care of three highly-experienced keepers and has received specialised veterinary care, osteopathy and ongoing medical treatment.
Keepers have been astonished with the improvement in the health of Anne, who is one of the oldest elephants in Europe and approaching 60 years. There has been a complete transformation in the condition of her skin, feet, trunk, ears and general muscle tone.
Her current home features a large grassed paddock, heated indoor accommodation, giant sandpit, tree rubbing posts, rocks, a sun shelter and several other enrichment features.
It is hoped that, once approved, work will begin on the multi-million pound sanctuary later this year with a proposed completion date in 2014.
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.
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Safari Guide In Line for National Tourism Superstar Award
11th February 2013
A safari guide at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has been nominated for a prestigious national travel award.
Wayne Grimston, who escorts visitors on VIP Safari Tours at the award-winning Wiltshire attraction, is among 10 finalists for the title of Tourism Superstar 2013.
The award, which is run by national tourist board, VisitEngland aims to find the country’s unsung holiday hero – someone who makes breaks in England extra special and goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer visitors a priceless experience.
This year the award – which was launched in 2012 focuses on employees at English visitor attractions.
Nominations were received from throughout the country and the team of judges announced their shortlist of 10 – including Wayne, who is the only representative from the Wessex region.
“It’s a real honour to have been shortlisted for the award and now I am just hoping as many people as possible will vote for me,” said Wayne.
“I’ve been able to fulfil lifelong ambitions with various organisations and individuals on the VIP Tours including the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ where it’s vitally important I provide a day out for families which they can cherish and remember forever.
“I love my job because it gives me the incredible opportunity to talk passionately about some amazing animals and their personalities to all sorts of different people.
“I’m hoping the public will vote for me because there aren’t’ that many people that have seen the inside of a lions mouth so many times… and survived!” he added.
Videos of all the nominees are now available to view at www.mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar where you can also vote for your favourite. The winner will be announced during English Tourism Week, which runs from March 16th-26th (voting closes on March 8th).
The eventual winner will be honoured at the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence gala dinner in Manchester in May.
Click here to vote for Wayne to win!
· For more information on Longleat’s VIP Tours visit www.longleat.co.uk/vip
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BBC Worldwide and Longleat Join Forces For A Real-Life Deadly Adventure
9th February 2013
BBC Worldwide and Longleat Safari & Adventure Park are joining forces to create a spectacular new series of Deadly-themed features at the world famous Wiltshire attraction
The four year plan will see areas of the park transformed in the style of the BBC’s wildly successful Deadly branded programmes which include Deadly 60; Deadly Top 10s; Deadly 360; Deadly Art and most recently Deadly Mission Madagascar as seen on CBBC.
Philip Murphy, Managing Director of BBC Worldwide Live Events said: “Bringing a real-life Deadly adventure to Longleat Safari & Adventure Park is a fantastic opportunity that demonstrates what the Deadly brand is all about, encouraging children to explore the natural world and discover its wonders for themselves.”
From Easter 2013 visitors to the park will be invited to go on a Deadly Safari discovering some of Longleat’s deadliest creatures. Presenter Steve Backshall has voiced a brand new guide to the safari which incorporates fascinating facts and experiences from his on screen adventures. Visitors will be given a special Safari Activity Book full of information and tasks to test their spotter skills as they explore the park, learning about vital predator prey relationships that exist in the wild and encountering some of Longleat’s most famous deadly residents including lions, tigers and wolves.
Also coming in 2013 is a Deadly Challenge zone which will see aspiring Deadly Adventurers pitch their skills against those of some of the world’s most lethal creatures! Can you climb like a macaque monkey, match the strength of a polar bear and dodge a vipers strike? Most important of all, how many animals on the Deadly List can you find in a race against the
clock? Check points along the way will feature quizzes and challenges from Steve Backshall who will want to see what each Adventurer has learned about the Deadly creatures they’re tracking.
Longleat CEO, David Bradley, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC on this exciting project and having the opportunity to bring ‘Deadly’ to our visitors. With so many amazing animals here at Longleat the new 'Deadly Adventure' experiences will give our visitors the chance to experience first hand all the exciting elements of the TV programme right here in the wilds of Wiltshire!”
Deadly Adventure at Longleat will open from 31st March 2013 with entry free with a valid Longleat Day Ticket or Annual Pass. Special seasonal Deadly Adventure events are also planned over the 2013 season starting this Easter to tie in with the opening of the Deadly Safari. To find out more please visit: www.longleat.co.uk/deadly
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Snow Day For Longleat Safari Park Animals
22nd January 2013
Even though some of us may have struggled to get about in the recent snowy conditions a few of the Safari Park animals have been out making the most of the weather.
Longleat's four Amur Tigers appeared to be the most inquisitive of the park animals and were even presented with specially built Snowmen which keepers made for them, complete with carrot noses! They made light work of them though, showing offer their predatory skills before exploring the rest of their enclosure which was several inches deep in snow.
Whilst a lot of the Safari Park animals were tucked up indoors in the warm some couldn't resist playing in the snow including the rhinos who charged around their enclosure kicking up the snow.
Meanwhile down at Animal Adventure some of Longleat's smaller residents including anteaters, otters and red Panda were also keen to check out the sudden change to their outdoor environment.
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Rain Doesn’t Stop Play for Longleat Lion Cubs
28th December 2012
A spot of rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of eight lion cubs at Longleat Safari Park as they ventured outside for the very first time.
The eight cubs, four males and four females, were born back in August however they hadn’t been allowed to join the rest of the pride until now.
They certainly made up for lost time though and even the pouring rain didn’t seem to be a problem for the youngsters who played and explored their new surroundings under the watchful gaze of mums Nikata and Louisa.
Both the first-time mums have impressed keepers with their attentive behaviour, although they are less patient when it comes to humans.
“Nikata and Louisa don’t seem to have any problem joining in the rough and tumble games with their cubs,” said keeper Bob Trollope.
“However they are extremely protective and are nowhere near as accommodating with us!” he added.
Within minutes of being released the cubs were covered in mud and leaves and were taking it in turns to try and balance their way along a slippery fallen tree trunk.
Several of the braver individuals even began perfecting their ambush skills on mum, although they were rather more cautious when dad Hugo came over to say hello.
“Both mums have four cubs with two of each sex and Hugo is also a first time father, however he is considerably less interested in the youngsters and soon went back to what male lions do best – sleeping!” said Bob.
Longleat is famed for its lions, which are kept in two separate prides. However this is the first time the ‘woodland’ pride has had cubs.
At birth the cubs were just a kilogramme in weight, but they now tip the scales at eight kgs
Male lions usually reach their full size by the age of two, while females will be about three years old before they’re fully grown. Adult lions can weigh up to 200 kgs and grow to lengths in excess of three metres.
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Anne the Elephant Enjoys Christmas at Longleat
22nd December 2012
Anne the elephant has been enjoying some richly-deserved festive cheer at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park in the run up to Christmas.
Despite the chilly, wet weather she has been playing with some of her favourite ‘toys’ in her outdoor area including tyre swings, a giant sandpit and tree logs.
Keepers also presented her with a special festive treat in the shape of some tasty Christmas cake along with her favourite fruit and vegetables wrapped up in a parcel.
Her indoor sleeping quarters are also rapidly getting covered up with stacks of Christmas cards from well-wishers and she even received a packet of wine gums!
Over the past few months Anne has been able to enjoy a new grassy area next to her paddock.
The new paddock, which measures almost an acre in area, adjoins her existing home and incorporates a series of elephant-sized additions including tree rubbing posts, branches and a mudpool.
Since her arrival in April 2011 Anne has had a new lease of life and continues to enjoy her retirement under the care and supervision of her experienced keepers and dedicated team of experts.
The difference and improvement in the condition of her skin, feet, trunk, ears and general muscle tone is clear to see and she certainly doesn’t look like an elephant in her 60th year!
Her keepers and everyone at Longleat are extremely grateful for the public support and messages of goodwill Anne has received over the past year.
In addition to her newly-extended home, Longleat are currently progressing with detailed planning proposals for a permanent elephant sanctuary on the estate to help other elephants in a similar position to Anne.
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The Snowman and The Snowdog at Longleat
21st December 2012
Visitors to Longeat will be able to watch the much-anticipated The Snowman and The Snowdog on a giant outdoor screen from December 26th – January 7th.
The sequel to Raymond Briggs’ classic The Snowman the animated film reunites audiences with The Snowman and introduces a new best friend, The Snowdog - complete with odd socks for ears and a satsuma for a nose.
The film will be screened several times daily on a giant screen located close to the giant outdoor ice skating rink and will be free with a valid Christmas Ticket or Annual Pass.
Longleat’s Steve Mytton said: “We’re delighted to be able to show the new film on a big screen so soon after its television premiere on Channel 4 at 8pm on Christmas Eve.
“It will provide a fantastic added attraction to our Christmas and New Year celebrations and will, I’m sure, appeal to visitors of all ages”, he added.
As well as screening the new film, Longleat will also be playing host to an ice skating Snowman costume character who will be joining visitors on the ice rink from December 22nd.
Working in close consultation with Raymond Briggs (author and creator of The Snowman, published by Puffin Books), The Snowman and The Snowdog has been written by Hilary Audus and Joanna Harrison and is directed by Audus and art directed by Harrison - both of whom worked as animators on the original film.
Originally adapted for the screen in 1982, The Snowman has been screened by Channel 4 every year since it was first transmitted and has enchanted generations of children.
Raymond Briggs began writing and illustrating children’s books more than forty years ago.
His unique and distinctive style became established with the publication of Father Christmas in the early 70s, followed by Fungus the Bogeyman, the satire on nuclear war When the Wind Blows and, in 1978, The Snowman, which has become one of the most popular children’s books ever published.
• Running until January 7th Christmas at Longleat brings together all the magic of the festive season in one amazing day out with outdoor ice rink, festive fayre, pantomime tales in Longleat House, Owls by Moonlight flying displays and the famous Santa Express. For details click here
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‘Sock Mountain’ Response to Christmas Chipmunk Appeal
20th December 2012
An appeal for odd socks to help keep a family of chipmunks warm over Christmas has left keepers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park overwhelmed by people’s generosity.
Keepers at the Wiltshire wildlife attraction had issued a request for old socks for their chipmunks who use them as sleeping quarters and places to store their food.
However they weren’t prepared for the extraordinary reaction from the public who responded in their dozens – resulting in an ever-growing sock mountain as well as a number of Christmas stockings.
Longleat Keeper Darren Beasley said: “We made an appeal just over a month ago asking for old socks but we weren’t quite prepared for the huge number of socks the public have provided us with.
“There must be hundreds of them and we’re now looking for other uses for them around the Safari Park. One possibility is that we will be able to use them for bedding for some of our other animals.
“It’s an amazing gesture and we could hardly believe our eyes when each new package arrived in the post! We definitely have more than enough now so we’d kindly request no more are sent in,” he added.
The word 'chipmunk' is North American Indian for ‘head first’ so named as this is the method that they use to descend trees.
A chipmunk can carry nine large nuts at a time: four in each cheek pouch and one between its teeth. The chipmunk's cheek pouches can stretch almost to the size of their head.
They only collect hard food that does not mould, such as nuts and cones and can stock up to eight pounds of food in its burrows.
Running until January 7th Christmas at Longleat brings together all the magic of the festive season in one amazing day out with outdoor ice rink, festive fayre, pantomime tales in Longleat House, Owls by Moonlight flying displays and the famous Santa Express. Click here for more detail on Christmas at Longleat
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Gorillas Go Ape For Xmas Gifts
13th December 2012
Christmas came early for a group of gorillas at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park when they were presented with a sackful of festive presents.
Brothers Alf, Evindi and Kesho were fascinated by the brightly wrapped gifts and carefully tore holes in the Christmas paper to try and see what was inside.
Each of the parcels contained a selection of their favourite fruits and vegetables and it didn’t take long for the huge Western lowland gorillas to tear off the paper and get to the treats inside.
Longleat’s deputy head keeper Ian Turner said: “The gorillas were really interested in the wrapping paper and spent several minutes looking at it and carefully inspecting each of the presents before taking off the paper.
“It’s always amazing to see just how gentle these hugely powerful apes can be and to admire their dexterity as they tore back little bits of the wrapping to get a peek at what was inside,” he added.
All three brothers, who were born at Dublin Zoo, were reunited for the first time earlier this year to form the new bachelor colony at Longleat.
Featuring more than a dozen mature trees in an extensive outdoor grassed area, the spacious gorilla enclosure overlooks Longleat’s Half Mile Lake and utilises natural boundaries wherever possible without the barriers of bars or glass.
In addition to the existing trees, keepers have installed a selection of outdoor climbing logs and frames. The gorillas also share a large indoor shelter with a communal area featuring ropes, swings and climbing apparatus.
And it wasn’t just the great apes who enjoyed some early festive spirit. Longleat colony of mischievous rhesus monkeys also got in on the act when they were given Xmas gifts of their own – keepers even provided them with signs reminding Santa not to miss them out on Christmas Eve.
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Tall Order As Endangered Giraffe Gives Birth To Bouncing Six Foot Baby
23rd November 2012
Keepers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park are celebrating the birth of an Endangered baby giraffe - all six foot two inches of her!
The new arrival is the latest success in an ongoing breeding programme for Rothschild’s giraffes at the famous Wiltshire attraction.
In 2010 the giraffe was officially described as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species which means it faces the very real danger of extinction the wild in the near future.
And despite only being a month old, Mary is already taller than most of her keepers and busy exploring the outside world with mum.
Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world and, after a 15-month pregnancy, mum Eliza gave birth standing up, leaving Mary to negotiate a tricky six-foot drop to the ground.
This violent entry into the world, far from harming the newborn calf, actually helped to stimulate her to start breathing on her own. Within minutes of being born Mary was standing - no mean feat with four long legs to coordinate, but vital in the wild to avoid the unwanted attentions of predators on the African savannah.
Deputy Head Warden, Ian Turner, said: “We’re extremely proud of the success of our giraffe captive breeding programme here at Longleat. Mary’s mum Eliza was also born here.
“They’re both doing well and have already been introduced to the rest of the herd. Eliza’s being a very attentive mother and Mary is enjoying exploring safe in the knowledge that mum is never far away,” he added.
There are nine recognised giraffe sub-species and the Rothschild's is the second most threatened, with fewer than 670 individuals remaining in the wild. It has almost entirely disappeared from its former strongholds in southern Sudan, Kenya and Uganda. It now survives in only a few small and isolated populations.
Fully grown male giraffes can grow to heights in excess of five and a half metres. They can reach speeds of up to 56 kilometres per hour and, in captivity, can live to be 28 years old.
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Longleat Pantomime Dames In Three-Day ‘Boo-t Camp’
21st November 2012
A team of apprentice pantomime dames have been put through their paces in a gruelling three-day boot camp at Longleat House.
The Elizabethan stately home has been transformed into a festive fairy-tale world for the Christmas holidays, populated by favourite pantomime characters.
In addition to Aladdin, Buttons, Prince Charming, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White, the Wicked Queen, Prince Charming and Cinderella there are also a team of Pantomime dames including Widow Twankey Dame Trott and the Ugly Step Sisters.
To ensure the dames’ performances are as authentic as possible, the Wiltshire attraction has enlisted the help of a pantomime professional to put them through their paces.
Adam Stafford, from Surrey-based SGA Productions, has many years' experience in acting in pantomimes and will soon be appearing as Dame Dorothy Do-It in Beauty and the Beast at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.
He has also recently starred in 'Chicago', ' Disney's Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Drowsy Chaperone' in the West End.
“As well as rehearsing every character, we also held a Dame make up tutorial. All the men playing the Dames were shown how to apply a variety of Dame make-up styles,” said Adam.
“They were shown techniques for base, eye shadow, lips, cheeks plus the secrets of how to apply fake eyelashes plus wash it all off again.
“We had costume fittings on the first day for all the Dames to make sure they fit into their dresses and knew how to layer up the petticoats and attach the fake boobs!” he added.
The attention to detail was of paramount importance to Longleat Visitor Manager, Ruth Charles, who is in charge of the performances.
“To have the expertise and experience of Adam was invaluable and has really helped give our staff an insight in to their roles,” said Ruth.
“They only started on Friday but the responses we’re getting back from visitors are extremely positive and we’re delighted with how things are going,” she added.
For full details of Christmas at Longleat and to book online click here.
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Giant Christmas Tree Takes Pride of Place in Great Hall
17th November 2012
An eleven-metre-tall Christmas tree with more than 600 baubles and 180 metres of lights has gone on display in Longleat House.
The tree is so large that it took a team of 14 to get it inside and painstakingly move it into position in the Elizabethan Great Hall.
It was then the turn of the house guides to get to work to decorate the tree, which was grown in the Wiltshire estate’s forestry, with specially-constructed scaffolding and extendable bauble-placing poles.
Longleat House Steward, Steve Blyth, said: “It really was something of a military operation to get the tree down here in the first place and then manoeuvre it into the right spot in the Great Hall.
“It’s taken three days in total to finish decorating it but the results are truly spectacular and the reaction from our visitors has been extraordinary.
“As it’s a living tree it gives off a fantastic pine smell which is really helping to get everyone in the festive mood,” he added.
In addition to the giant tree, Longleat House has been transformed into an enchanted world where favourite Pantomime Tales including Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Snow White and many more come magically to life.
Visitors can also enjoy the experience of skating on real ice on an outdoor ice rink, take a ride on the Santa Train, meet real reindeer, join the Owls by Moonlight displays and sing along with an even bigger Christmas Tree in the estate’s Stable Yard.
For full details of Christmas at Longleat and to book online click here
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Longleat Welcomes Back the Endura Trek Lionheart Cyclosportive
16th November 2012
Spin Events, in association with Endura and Trek, proudly present the Endura Trek Lionheart 2013.
Roaring into its third year, The Lionheart has worked hard to establish itself as one of the UK’s ‘must do’ cyclosportives. Voted once again as one of the top sportives of 2012 by ‘Cyclosport’ riders; they’re back in the saddle on Sunday March 17th 2013, enjoying the splendour of Longleat Estate as the start and finish location of this event. Both 100 mile and 100 km routes have been altered and tweaked to perfection.
With its undeniably breathtaking, rolling countryside, this is a quiet corner of South West England and both routes certainly exploit this fact. This is characterful cycling terrain and the Lionheart certainly derserves some respect with its quota of testing climbs. Continuing in their quest to offer riders a memorable, ‘value-for-money’ sportive, Spin Events say that riders can expect full mechanical back-up, vehicular support and NEG motorcycle outriders out on course. The well stocked, village hall feed stations will come as a welcome relief, as will the free ‘hotpot’ back at the Event HQ on the lawns of Longleat House.
With two years of glowing reviews from riders tucked securely under its mane, The Lionheart is a perfect, early season ride, that will really stretch out those winter legs.
Entries for the 2013 Endura Trek Lionheart Cyclosportive will open on Friday 16th November and cost £36.00. 2013 ‘Lionhearters’ can be assured of a challenging and memorable day.
For more information visit the Lionheart Cyclosportive website here
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The Festive Season Has Arrived at Longleat!
15th November 2012
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park’s Christmas Spectacular is set to be even bigger and better this year with more to see and do than ever before.
Running from November 16th until January 7th* Christmas at Longleat brings together all the magic of the festive season in one amazing day out.
Visitors to the award-winning Wiltshire attraction can enjoy the experience of skating on real ice on a huge Outdoor Ice Rink.
There’s a Festive Fayre close by with everything from decorations to fun stocking fillers, winter woollies plus delicious Christmas food and drink
The interior of Longleat’s Elizabethan stately home has been transformed into an enchanted world where favourite Pantomime Tales including Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Snow White and many more come magically to life.
A giant Singing Christmas Tree, which has close to one million individual lights and has been specially made for the Wiltshire attraction, forms the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations in the Stable Yard.
Plus there’s the opportunity to hop on board the magical Santa Express to take an unforgettable journey deep into the woods to meet Father Christmas himself in his snowy log cabin home.
New this year is the Owls by Moonlight show which features Longleat’s very own amazing owlery; home to everything from tiny burrowing owls to stunning barn owls and the great grey owl.
As well as watching them in flight in a special illuminated show, there is also be the chance to meet the stars of the show afterwards.
Many of Longleat’s other attractions are also open throughout the festive season. Visitors can embark on the Safari Drive Adventure at Christmas, get up close to the animals in Jungle Kingdom, explore the Adventure Castle and lots more!
For full details of Christmas at Longleat and to book online click here
*Longleat Christmas open dates- Friday to Sunday only: Friday 16th Nov - Sunday 9th Dec. Daily: Friday 14th Dec - Monday 7th Jan (excl. Christmas Day).
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Wild Otters Spotted at Longleat
8th November 2012
Longleat may be best known for it's famous lions and other exotic species, but it’s a rare native animal which is currently causing excitement among keepers.
For the past week, staff at Longleat have been reporting sightings of a wild otter close to a stream which runs through the centre of the estate.
And, despite being renowned as one of the country’s most elusive mammals, Longleat’s Director of Animal Operations, Jon Cracknell, managed to grab some photos of it playing in the water.
“We’d started getting reports earlier in the week that an otter had been sighted and keepers had spotted some footprints and other signs down by the water’s edge,” said Jon.
“However I really didn’t think we’d be able to actually get some photographic proof so quickly. The pictures aren’t great but it was dark and this is such a privilege to see such an elusive native mammal in our very own waterways,” he added.
Keepers are now hoping to set up a series of camera traps alongside the stream in the hope of getting some more images of the otter and to see whether it’s a lone animal or part of a group.
“We spend a lot of time, energy and resources trying to make the entire estate as attractive as possible for a wide range of native species.
“It’s fantastic to know that all that effort is working and hopefully this will encourage more wild otters into the surrounding areas to re-establish a stronghold here on the borders of north east Somerset and Wiltshire,” said Jon.
Historically otters were hunted for their fur which was highly prized, this alongside being hunted for ‘sport’ and to protect fish stocks meant the number of otters across Britain and in Wiltshire and Somerset declined dramatically in the late 1950's and 1960's. Pollution of watercourses through pesticides also had a big impact on otter numbers.
Although populations are now slowly starting to recover, they remain fragmented.
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Brothers Use Gorilla Tactics on Halloween Pumpkins
31st October 2012
A trio of gorilla brothers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park have been amazing keepers with their love of pumpkins in the run up to Halloween.
Keepers suspended a selection of carved pumpkins high up from trees in the gorillas’ enclosure with each one containing a selection of tasty treats.
They then sat back and waited to see how the gorilla brothers Kesho, Alf and Evindi would react.
Longleat’s deputy head keeper, Ian Turner, said: “We really weren’t sure what sort of reaction we would get from them and there was quite a big chance that they just ignore them entirely.
“However it was fascinating to see how each of the brothers took totally different approaches to investigate these unfamiliar objects,” he said.
Alf, aged nine, ended up leaping off the ground and grabbing food from one of the pumpkins while youngest brother Evindi, six, climbed up the tree and pulled the pumpkin towards him.
However oldest brother and silverback, Kesho, simply yanked the pumpkin off its rope and then found a comfortable nearby spot to enjoy his meal and watch the others at work.
“For each brother to end up using a different strategy was really unexpected,” said Ian.
“All three were actually surprisingly gentle and didn’t just smash the pumpkins to pieces but rather carefully took the food out from inside before then moving on to eating the actual squashes themselves.
“Watching them working out their own approach to the problem and enjoying their rewards really emphasised how closely we are related to each other and gave us all a little insight in to their thought processes,” he added.
All three brothers, who were born at Dublin Zoo, were reunited for the first time earlier this year to form the new bachelor colony at Longleat.
Featuring more than a dozen mature trees in an extensive outdoor grassed area, the spacious gorilla enclosure overlooks Longleat’s Half Mile Lake and utilises natural boundaries wherever possible without the barriers of bars or glass.
In addition to the existing trees, keepers have installed a selection of outdoor climbing logs and frames. The gorillas also share a large indoor shelter with a communal area featuring ropes, swings and climbing apparatus.
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Special Twilight Tickets Announced For Fantastic Fireworks
31st October 2012
Longleat is to mark the official Bonfire Weekend with a night of Fantastic Fireworks’ on Saturday, November 3rd.
Set to classic, animal-themed music, the display is set to be extremely popular and organisers are advising to arrive early. There will also be special guest appearance by Guy Fawkes himself to mark the official Bonfire Night celebrations!
Special Twilight Tickets are available which allow entry after 4.30pm for just £6 per person (Display starts at 6.30pm with last entry into the Estate at 6.15pm).
Longleat’s Simon Cox said: “The fireworks displays are highly popular and we’re asking people to arrive in good time.
“This event has been organised specifically with local people in mind. There will be some pre-display entertainment as well as hot food and drink available and we’d definitely recommend people allow enough time enjoy the show,” he added.
Designed by internationally renowned firework firm Dragonfire, Fantastic Fireworks features a spectacular display set in time to popular music.
Dragonfire is one of the UK’s leading firework display companies committed to producing safe, spectacular and innovative firework entertainment. It is internationally renowned for its displays and special events and has been behind many of the UK’s most prestigious displays in recent years.
An additional Firework display will also be taking place on Friday, November 2nd for day visitors to enjoy. Entry with Day Ticket or Annual Pass only.
For more information and to book any of the events click here or call 01985 844400.
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Haunted Halloween at Longleat
17th October 2012
There’s a host of Halloween-themed thrills and chills taking place at Longleat over the October Half-Term Holidays.
Visitors will be able to enjoy everything from the new ghost train ride and spooky house tours to pumpkin trails, close encounters with giant bats and creepy crawlies and even Halloween-themed fireworks displays.
Prepare to be scared as Longleat celebrates Halloween in style with a ‘Spooktacular Festival’ (Saturday, October 20th – Sunday, November 4th).
Among the grisly goings-on there will be the chance to hop on board the Ghost Train for a fearfully fun foray into the frightful forest!
Listen to tales of terror and intrigue in the spooky surroundings of Longleat House and join one of the Ghoulish Tours in search of mysterious apparitions in the cellars, attics and creepy corridors!
Witches have taken over the Great Hall of Longleat House and have been brewing up trouble. Also keep an eye out for other creepy costume characters on your way around the park!
Visitors can follow the giant Pumpkin Trail around the attractions and children can get crafty having a go at carving their very own jack ‘o’ lantern.
You can also enjoy a creepily close encounter with Dracula in the infamous Bat Cave. Plus there’s hands-on experiences with a selection of creepy crawlies under the expert supervision of the animal keepers!
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park will also be staging a series of fabulous fireworks extravaganzas!
Fiendish Fireworks (October 26th-27th and November 2nd-3rd) The first weekend features a spine-tingling display to accompany a specially compiled medley of ghoulish and hair-raising tunes. Plus there’s an equally spectacular display set to classic animal themed music to mark the official Bonfire Weekend on 2nd and 3rd November.
For more information and to book any of the events, including the Ghost Tours (limited places remaining) click here
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Longleat Issues Socks Appeal!
15th October 2012
They may not be the top of many people’s festive wish list, but keepers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park really want socks for Christmas.
And staff at the Wiltshire attraction don’t even mind whether they’re odd or even single socks.
For the winter stockings are destined to be used as cosy sleeping quarters for their colony of chilly chipmunks.
Longleat Keeper Darren Beasley said: “As well as great places to snuggle up inside the chipmunks also use the socks as places to store their food.
“It may be a bit early to be starting to think about Christmas but we’re hoping people will be happy to find an alternative role for all those odd and unworn socks cluttering up their drawers.
“It’s difficult to think of many other uses for odd socks and donating them to our chipmunks would definitely mean they were going to a good home,” he added.
It’s thought that chipmunks get their name from a North American Indian word which literally means ‘head first’ and refers to the method that they use to climb down trees.
Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of all chipmunks is their pouched cheeks. The pouches are located in the sides of their mouths and are used to store food.
When the pouches are full they can be as large as an entire chipmunk's head. Chipmunks can store large amounts of food in their pouched cheeks.
A chipmunk can carry nine large nuts at a time: four in each cheek pouch and one between its teeth.
One chipmunk was reportedly found with 31 kernels of corn in its cheeks.
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Golden Mo-ments as Olympics Hero Enjoys Family Day Out at Longleat
1st October 2012
Double Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah enjoyed some magical moments on a family day out at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park.
The 29-year-old middle distance sensation enjoyed a special VIP Gold Safari experience at the famous Wiltshire attraction with wife Tania, newborn twins Aisha and Amani and seven-year-old Rihanna.
As part of the tour the family enjoyed close encounters with lions, tigers and cheetahs, fed the giraffes and got hands on with everything from giant tarantulas to parrots and cockatoos.
However Mo was particularly impressed when he had the chance to meet Anne the elephant, who moved to a special sanctuary at Longleat last year.
Posting on Twitter the Olympic star said: “We had a really good time. Me and my family met Anne today, she is 59 years old…..amazing!”
Mo was accompanied on his tour by Longleat’s deputy head keeper, Ian Turner, who drove the family through the Safari Park in their own zebra-striped 4x4 vehicle.
“Mo was brilliant with everyone we met and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to show him and his family around the park.
“We’ve already named one of our newborn Roan antelope after him and we’re now looking at also naming one of the lion cubs which we recently had born here Mo as well.
“He certainly caused quite a stir among the visitors and there were ‘Mo-bots’ wherever we went!” he added.
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TV Star Ben Fogle Helps Launch Longleat’s Overseas Safaris
26th September 2012
TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle was at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park this week to help launch the unique new Overseas Safari trip to Tanzania.
Ben, who filmed BBC’s Animal Park series at Longleat alongside co-presenter Kate Humble, is renowned for his daredevil adventures including rowing the Atlantic Ocean and racing to the South Pole on foot.
Next year he is planning to swim 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in just 100 days for charity.
Ben has spent a lot of time in Africa; including filming for the series Wild in Africa and Make Me a New Face and he travelled with Prince William and Prince Harry on their first Royal Tour to Botswana.
In addition to his television work, Ben is patron for the African conservation charity Tusk and an ambassador for the UK’s leading family adventure specialist The Adventure Company which has worked with Longleat to develop the Overseas Safari trip to Tanzania.
“It was great to be able to come back to Longleat and renew my friendships with the keepers and the animals,” said Ben.
“Since I was a child I have been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by animals and wildlife and it is something that I am loving having the opportunity to do again with my own children.
“There really is nothing like the experience of going on safari and Longleat’s new overseas safari trips combine fabulous wildlife encounters with the chance to both find out more about, and get directly involved with, vital conservation projects,” he added.
The new adventure safari incorporates a unique mix of dawn game drives by jeep, wildlife spotting on walks as well as safari boat and canoe trips in the beautiful and unique Saadani National Park which backs onto the Indian Ocean.
The 10-day trip will provide the opportunity to spend time with experts who will teach wildlife tracking skills and meet with conservationists in the elephant collaring team, who will also provide a personal insight into ongoing elephant / human land conflict issues.
There will also be the chance to get involved with a conservation programme to help protect the endangered local green turtle populations, before heading to the exotic island of Zanzibar to explore the twisting streets of Old Stone Town.
Prices for this exciting adventure start from just £1,899 per person, including flights, transfers, accommodation, the services of a group leader and safari experts, as well as a selection of meals.
For more information on the Overseas Safaris click here
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International Red Panda Day at Longleat!
14th September 2012
Saturday 15th September is Panda day at Longleat!
Come and see Ajendra our Magnificent Red Panda and help celebrate International Red Panda Day!
For the first time ever keepers at Longleat are inviting everyone to take part in this International day of fun, conservation and activities.
We are giving away free gifts and offering a special few Panda Rangers the amazing opportunity to actually meet Ajay our very own Red Panda.
Keepers will be available to answer questions, discuss conservation issues and raise awareness about these amazing animals.
International Red Panda Day is organised by The Red Panda network www.redpandanetwork.org and aims to protect these endangered animals in the wild.
Contributions received from International Red Panda Day will support the operation of a new community conservation centre in Nepal.
The Red Panda Network Community Conservation Resource Centre is a community initiative located on the route to Pathivara shrine, on the route to Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
Keepers in The Longleat Animal Adventure are offering their support to the cause and will challenge any visitor to handle one of their incredible animals such as a Snake, Tarantula or Fantastic Furry creature and then ask them if they have seen our Red Panda?
Anyone agreeing to be a Panda Ambassador and help spread the word about these beautiful animals will receive a very special Animal Adventure photo diploma.
Come and join in the fun at Longleat on Saturday 15th September 2012.
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Longleat Hosts Celebrity Wedding Planner
29th August 2012
Longleat House, Safari & Adventure Park is set to star in an episode of the hit Channel 5 show ‘Celebrity Wedding Planner’ next week (September 3rd).
Longleat was the setting for London couple Kap and Gigi Ling’s special day which was organised by the unlikely pairing of Neighbours veteran Ryan‘Toadfish’ Moloney and former Ramsey Street soap star and comedian Mark Little.
Despite torrential rain, chaotic wedding planners and the unexpected inclusion of an Aboriginal storyteller in to proceedings, the wedding proved to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
“It was certainly nothing like any other wedding we have ever hosted here at Longleat but it was fantastic fun to be involved with and both Ryan and Mark were clearly having a great time,” said Longleat’s Florence Wallace.
“In spite of their ‘unusual’ choice of wedding planners the most important thing is that Kap and Gigi had an amazing day and we wish them the very best for their future life together.
“Thankfully for all of us I don’t think that either Ryan or Mark are planning to make this a permanent career change!” she added.
Longleat is a highly popular venue for wedding couples. This year, for the first time in its 444-year history, Longleat House itself is also hosting private weddings.
Couples can choose from four unique locations for the ceremony including the grand surroundings of the 16th century Great Hall, the more intimate atmosphere of Lord Bath’s Banqueting Suite, the opulence of the Green Library or the splendour of the ornate Orangery – with its views across the romantic Love Labyrinth rose garden.
Longleat also hosts weddings at its two recently-acquired luxury country hotels; The Bishopstrow House and Spa Hotel in Warminster and Homewood Park Hotel & Spa in Hinton Charterhouse, near Bath.
- The programme will be broadcast on Channel 5 on Monday 3rd September at 10pm
- For more information and to download a Weddings’ brochure click here or alternatively call 01985 844328.
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Tongan Heir to the Throne Pays Royal Visit to Longleat
28th August 2012
HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho of the Kingdom of Tonga paid a visit to Longleat House earlier this month as guests of the Marquess of Bath.
Their Royal Highnesses toured the historic rooms of Longleat House and were driven through the world-renowned safari park before attending a luncheon hosted by Lord Bath.
Among other guests present were HSH Princess Marie-Therese von Hohenberg of Austria and her husband HE Mr Anthony Bailey, OBE, GCSS, Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland of the Constantinian Order of St George and HE Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Court of St James's.
Several members of the Tongan Royal Household, Government and High Commission were also present.
The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Tonga were visiting Britain for the first time as part of their honeymoon following their recent marriage in the South Pacific member state of the Commonwealth.
Their Royal Highnesses were also leading the official delegation from the Kingdom of Tonga to the 2012 London Olympic Games.
PHOTO (Left to Right) - HE Mr Anthony Bailey, OBE, GCSS, HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho of the Kingdom of Tonga, the Marquess of Bath, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala of the Kingdom of Tonga, HSH Princess Marie-Therese von Hohenberg, Mrs Anthony Bailey
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Joyful Reunion For Gorilla Brothers
16th August 2012
There were emotional scenes when gorilla brothers who hadn’t seen each other for more than two years were reunited for the first time at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park.
The brothers, who were born at Dublin Zoo, met up again at the spectacular new Gorilla Colony at Longleat.
At around 220 kgs, 13-year-old western lowland silverback gorilla Kesho is a force to be reckoned with and keepers were unsure how he would react to meeting up with his nine-year-old kid brother Alf.
However there was no need to be worried as the brothers acted like they had never been apart.
“The keepers from Dublin weren’t entirely sure the brothers would even know each other, but the moment they met you could just see the recognition in their eyes,” said Longleat keeper Mark Tye.
“We had been slightly concerned how they would react to each other and whether the big brother could put up with little Alf’s playfulness.
“However they have formed a really tight bond in just a few weeks and Kesho is actually incredibly tolerant; allowing both Alf and six-year-old Evindi to jump all over him.
“It’s fantastic for Alf to have an older brother to look up to and learn from and Kesho seems to enjoy being the centre of attention,” he added.
Kesho was moved from Dublin to London Zoo as part of a captive breeding programme and hadn’t seen his siblings since.
Now all three are making a new home at Longleat in their purpose-built new Gorilla Colony alongside a fourth male gorilla called Boulas.
Featuring more than a dozen mature trees in an extensive outdoor grassed area, the spacious new enclosure overlooks Longleat’s Half Mile Lake and utilises natural boundaries wherever possible without the barriers of bars or glass.
In addition to the existing trees, keepers have installed a selection of outdoor climbing logs and frames. The gorillas will also share a large indoor shelter with a communal area featuring ropes, swings and climbing apparatus.
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On a Wing and a Sprayer
10th August 2012
A colony of parrots at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park enjoyed their own version of a power shower this week as a mini-heatwave hit the south west.
Keepers used water spray guns to keep the birds cool as temperatures rose above 80 degrees for the first time in weeks.
As well as giving the birds a welcome cool down during hot weather, the showers are also good for their feathers, which can sometimes get a bit dusty.
Deputy Head Warden, Ian Turner, explained: “There’s no shortage of moisture in the Amazon rainforest where many of the birds come from so this is also a good way of keeping them in great condition.
“Fortunately they also absolutely love the attention and can’t get enough of the sprayer.
“We have to admit that they look pretty bedraggled for a while afterwards but with much feather shaking and the warm weather, they soon smarten up again in time for the visitors,” he added.
Ian Turner is pictured with Mrs Slater, a four-year-old orange winged Amazon parrot.
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Barefaced Beak as Daredevil Ducks Hop on a Hippo!
6th August 2012
At first glance it must have looked like the perfect place for a mallard to do a spot of preening on a lake at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park.
However it appears that this pair of daft ducks may have underestimated the precarious nature of their ‘island’ resting place.
Rather than a rocky outcrop the birds are actually sitting on the back of Spot the hippo – one of the most dangerous animals at Longleat.
At close to 3.5 metres in length and weighing in at around 1.5 tonnes, it’s easy to see how the ducks could have mistaken Spot’s back as a handy haul out.
However neither Spot nor her long-term companion Sonia seems to be overly concerned by the ducks’ presence and keeper Ian Turner thinks they may even enjoy the sensation of webbed feet on their broad backs.
“Spot and Sonia having been living in the lake here at Longleat for the last 35 years, they share it with a group of Californian sea lions and in the past we’ve actually seen some of the young sealion pups jumping on to the hippos’ backs as a sort of game,” said Ian.
“Although they’re both fairly short-tempered they seem to put up with this sort of treatment without too much fuss. It may be that they actually quite enjoy the sensation – perhaps it’s like a back rub or a massage to them,” he added.
Hippos have a semi-aquatic lifestyle and can remain underwater for over five minutes. Out of water, they are fast runners, and if they feel threatened, will race back to the safety of the water.
Their eyes, ears and nostrils are all positioned on top of the head so that they can be almost totally submerged, but still be able to use all of their senses. When diving, they can close their ears and nostrils and they also have webbed toes enabling them to move through the water more efficiently.
In the summer the hippos graze on the grass in their lakeside pasture and on the weed found in the lake. During the winter months their natural diet is supplemented with hay, high fibre cubes and bananas when available.
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Longleat Unveils African Village and Gorila Colony as Part of £7m Summer 2012 Investment
24th July 2012
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has officially launched two major new features this week as part of a massive £7million summer investment.
Located within the heart of the Safari Park’s East African Game Reserve, the African Village features a new Giraffe Feeding area, a Lemur Walkthrough and a giant baobab tree with aerial walkways, viewing towers and underground tunnels.
Two specially-constructed piers lead visitors out into the heart of the East African Game Reserve for eye-to-eye encounters with five-metre-tall Rothschild’s giraffes and the chance to feed them their vegetarian lunch.
At the same time the world-famous park is also unveiling a state-of-the-art new lakeside Gorilla Colony which is home to a group of four lowland gorillas.
Featuring more than a dozen mature trees in an extensive outdoor grassed area, the spacious new enclosure overlooks Longleat’s Half Mile Lake and utilises natural boundaries wherever possible without the barriers of bars or glass.
Keepers have also installed a selection of outdoor climbing logs and frames and there is a large indoor shelter with communal areas featuring ropes, swings and climbing apparatus.
As part of the opening ceremony Longleat enlisted the help of a team of African dancers from the internationally-renowned Masai Cultural Arts which promotes and educates African culture through African performance and workshops. They are set to wow visitors throughout the summer at the African Village.
Longleat CEO David Bradley said: “Both the African Village and the Gorilla Colony are part of a £7m investment in new attractions at Longleat in 2012 which are designed to provide our visitors with unique, new experiences.
“The African Village provides a great new focal point at the beginning of their safari adventure and offers amazing new up close experiences like giraffe feeding and walking among free-roaming lemurs
“The new gorilla area will allow visitors to enjoy extraordinary encounters with these awesome primates in a near-wild environment free from bars and viewing windows,” he added.
Other new attractions for 2012 include the drive-through Cheetah Kingdom.
For more information on the African Village click here...
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World’s Fastest Cat Meets World’s Smallest Car
17th July 2012
The driver of the world’s smallest car enjoyed a close encounter of the furred kind when he visited the new Cheetah Kingdom at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park.
At just 72 inches long and 51 inches high the newly-released electric Peel Trident bubble car is only slightly larger, and significantly slower, than the world’s speediest big cat.
With a top speed in excess of 70 mph for the cheetah compared to just 31 mph for the bubble car it really wasn’t much of a contest.
And for three-year-old males Casey and Max, the arrival of the strange-looking three-wheeled vehicle in their enclosure proved to be just too interesting to ignore.
Longleat’s deputy head keeper Ian Turner said: “The bubble car was here as part of a photo shoot for the new electric version of the vehicle which first came out in the early Sixties.
“It certainly seemed to catch the attention of both the male cheetahs and they couldn’t resist climbing on board briefly to get a better look.
“Apparently the driver also told us that one of them also started to lick the Perspex bubble clean – which is quite handy as the car only has a manually-operated single windscreen wiper!
“Although it looked dramatic – especially if you happened to be the driver – they really were only being curious and were actually very gentle around the car,” he added.
As part of the photo-shoot the car also spent time in Longleat’s East African Game Reserve where it was dwarfed by the five-metre-tall resident Rothschild’s giraffes.
It also proved to be of particular interest to the safari park’s infamous troop of mischievous macaque monkeys who wasted little time in hopping on board the tiny car to get a better look.
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Longleat Voted UK’s Best Animal or Sea Life Attraction
2nd July 2012
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has been voted the UK’s best animal or sea life attraction.
The title was won at the 2012 Group Travel Awards which were held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London on June 15th.
Longleat beat off challenges from Chester Zoo, London Aquarium, Whipsnade Zoo and Woburn Safari Park to claim the top prize, which was presented by travel journalist Simon Calder.
Longleat’s Florence Wallace said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won this award; particularly as we were up against such strong opposition.
“The award is voted for by people working in the travel trade industry which makes it especially rewarding for us to have been recognised by our peers.
“Over the past 18 months Longleat has embarked on a major and ongoing programme of investment and acquisition to cement our position as the number one Safari and Adventure Park in the UK.
“In addition to acquiring The Bishopstrow House and Spa Hotel in Warminster and Homewood Park Hotel & Spa in Hinton Charterhouse we have invested in a series of major new features and events at Longleat.
“These include Cheetah Kingdom, a new giraffe feeding platform, a major new lakeside gorilla enclosure and a walkthrough lemur exhibit as well as major new events for Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
“We have also put together exciting new initiatives aimed specifically at the groups market including tailor-made tours as well as setting up a dedicated sales team and this award is an indication that we are moving in the right direction,” Florence added.
The Group Travel Awards are voted on by readers of Group Travel Organiser magazine.
Set within 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds and with its unique mix of historic stately home, world famous Safari Park and award-winning family attractions Longleat is one of the UK’s best loved tourist destinations.
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Chris Evans Roars into Longleat for Ferrari Extravaganza
29th June 2012
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Chris Evans roared into Longleat yesterday as part of the ‘Children in Need Drive and Dine extravaganza’.
Chris arrived at the front of Longleat House with his son, Noah and seven lucky couples who had bid for the chance to drive seven Ferraris.
The convoy of cars set off from Chris' home in Berkshire, and stopped off at various locations along the way including Longleat Safari & Adventure Park before winding up at a luxury hotel in the New Forest.
Last November, seven generous souls (and their co-drivers) donated over one and a half million pounds to Children in Need, in exchange for the ride of their lives in seven magnificent Ferraris.
The intrepid travellers set off in convoy from chez Evans driving around some of the most picturesque country lanes in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset.
The third official stop of the day was at Longleat where Chris Evans along with his seven auction-winning drivers parked up outside the front steps of Longleat House for a short picnic and a chance to take in the beauty of the 900-acre estate.
On hand to meet Chris and the Ferraris were some historical costume characters in the form of Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria as well as some Royal Pythons and Nutmeg a Lanner Falcon from Hunters of the Sky as part of an impromptu ‘meet the creatures’ event.
Also mingling amongst the group of cars were two Gorilla characters who were there to help launch the upcoming new Gorilla Colony coming to Longleat this summer.
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Keepers Save Critically Endangered Baby Camel
14th June 2012
A critically endangered baby camel has been saved after keepers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park stepped in to act as surrogate mothers.
The baby, who is only a month old, is being bottle fed around the clock by keepers who take it in turns to play mum.
Following a difficult birth, the tiny two-humped bactrian camel - named Myrtle by staff - was too weak to stand and feed from mother Bhali.
Despite repeated attempts she simply could not co-ordinate her gangly legs and keepers took the difficult decision to step in.
“Myrtle was simply unable to stand and get to her mum so it was crucial that someone take over the responsibility of looking after her,” said keeper, Julie Scott.
“This meant feeding milk to Myrtle in sterilised bottles every four hours day and night.
“We’re not sure why Bhali rejected her but the fact that Myrtle could not physically get up to feed may have led her mum to think she was too weak to survive,” added Julie.
Despite being rejected by her mum, Myrtle has been adopted by another baby camel born earlier in the year who has taken it upon himself to act as her surrogate brother.
“Malcolm was born almost exactly a month before Myrtle and he has taken on the role of her protective older brother. The pair are pretty much inseparable and he’s definitely looking out for her,” added Julie.
Bactrian camels are critically endangered in the wild and Myrtle and Malcolm are among three babies born in the park this year in addition to the already eight-strong group headed up by Dougie, the breeding bull.
Unlike their cousins the dromedaries, bactrian camels have two humps and are covered in thick fur to protect themselves from the sub-zero temperatures of their Mongolian homeland.
Originally from the Gobi desert, bactrian camels are becoming increasingly endangered in the wild - their main threats being poachers and wolves. However large numbers have been domesticated and are kept by herdsmen in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and China.
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Anne the Elephant Gets A Jubilee Treat!
3rd June 2012
Anne the elephant is one of very few animals here at Longleat Safari Park who was alive the same year as the Queen's coronation in 1952 and it's a testament to her unquenchable character and energy that she is still with us for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.
As a special treat to mark the Jubilee, keepers presented Anne with some of her favourite fruits… watermelons! These provided an extra special refreshing treat after the recent hot spell of weather.
Anne's team of keepers have spent huge amounts of time over the past 12 months to improve her overall wellbeing and physical condition. The difference and improvement in the condition of her skin, feet, trunk, ears and general muscle tone is clear to see and she certainly doesn’t look like an elephant in her 60th year!
They work around the clock to ensure Anne is getting the best possible care and, much like the nations Queen has been treated like royalty since her arrival here just over a year ago!
Anne is a very well behaved elephant and her relationship with her keepers is improving with every day. Anne has regular physiotherapy under the guidance of an animal osteopath, we have a new hay barn dedicated to her food storage, she has elephant-sized scratching posts and new feed facilities located within the current facility. She also continues to enjoy her giant sandpit which she loves to flick onto her back and roll around in!
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Monkeys Go Ape Over Jubilee Street Party
29th May 2012
Longleat Safari Park's troop of monkeys have enjoyed their very own unique street party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The party, which was laid on as a special one-off treat by their keepers, included cakes, specially-formulated jelly, fruit salads, drinks, bunting, flags, inflatable crowns and Union Jack bowler hats.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the monkeys’ table manners left a lot to be desired and, after spending more than an hour setting up the party, keepers looked on as the famously mischievous macaques took just a few minutes to strip the table bare.
Deputy head warden, Ian Turner, said: “We weren’t surprised by the mayhem. In fact some of the other keepers who have young families said it was no worse than your average children’s party!
“The jelly and cakes proved particularly popular and by the end virtually every tree and log in their enclosure was festooned with bunting and flags, they even managed to grab hold of the Union Jack chairs and drag them up a nearby oak tree.
“As well as being a bit of fun to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, the street party also provided the monkeys, who are extremely curious, with a selection of novel new items to investigate and explore,” he added.
The monkeys are part of more than 100 rhesus macaques at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park who normally spend their days leaping from car to car, hitching free rides on the thousands of vehicles that pass through their enclosure each day.
Found throughout south east Asia and across the Indian subcontinent rhesus monkeys thrive in a wide variety of habitats and climates.
Rhesus monkeys are extremely intelligent, naturally inquisitive animals which can learn to manipulate simple tools and distinguish colours and shapes.
“We’re delighted that our monkeys have been able to join in the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Their street party is just one of thousands that will take place over the coming days – I just hope they don’t all end up making quite so much mess!” added Ian.
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Big Cats Have Lion’s Share of Bluebell Display
23rd May 2012
Longleat Safari Park's most famous residents are clearly enjoying the recent spell of warm weather which has carpeted their woodland home with a stunning display of native bluebells.
After weeks of wet and chilly weather it looks like summer is finally on its way with thousands of beautiful bluebells flowering in woodland across the state.
And there’s a bumper crop of the delicate wildflowers throughout the lions’ enclosure; much to the apparent pleasure of its resident big cats.
Deputy head keeper, Ian Turner, said: “The lion enclosures are always the best place to see bluebells and it provides a unique treat for our visitors who can enjoy a quintessentially British wildflower scene with the added attraction of a pride of lions.
“Although the warning signs have clearly had no effect whatsoever on the lions we're hoping they will raise a smile among our visitors. Obviously no one would be foolhardy enough to even consider getting out of their cars,” he added.
The majority of native bluebells are found in old and ancient woodlands - sites that have been continuously wooded for at least four centuries. It is thought that more than half the world's bluebell population is found in the UK.
Today the Park is home to twenty-seven lions divided into two separate prides In order to keep them fit and healthy Longleat’s lions are encouraged to ‘hunt’ for their food - keepers will hide meat around their enclosure and also use a mobile meat wagon which the lions have to follow to get their meals.
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Longleat Launches Overseas Safari Trips
8th May 2012
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has launched its own unique adventure-based overseas safari trips.
It’s the first time a UK safari park has created its very own overseas adventure safari.
Longleat have teamed up with the number one family adventure holiday specialist, The Adventure Company to bring alive this action-packed safari experience in Tanzania.
Designed to appeal to families, the adventure safaris will incorporate a unique mix of dawn game drives by jeep, wildlife spotting on walks as well as safari boat and canoe trips in the Saadani National Park.
The 10-day trip will provide the opportunity to spend time with experts who will teach tracking skills and meet with conservationists in the elephant collaring team, who will also provide a personal insight into ongoing elephant / human land conflict issues. There will also be the chance to get involved with a conservation programme to help protect the endangered local green turtle populations.
Longleat CEO, David Bradley, said: “These once in a lifetime adventures will offer people extraordinary wildlife experiences and also provide them with the unique opportunity to get directly involved with vital local conservation projects.
“For many years our visitors have been able to enjoy a taste of African wildlife here at Longleat in the beautiful English countryside. We’re delighted to now provide a natural extension to this amazing drive-through experience but in the heart of Africa!
“We’re particularly pleased The Adventure Company whose experience, know-how and enthusiasm in creating unforgettable holiday experiences are our partners in this exciting new venture,” he added.
During the safaris, visitors will be able enjoy close encounters with a huge variety of native African wildlife including lion, zebra, giraffe, crocodiles and hippo.
Claire Wilson, Managing Director from The Adventure Company, said: “We have developed this completely new African wildlife trip which builds on a family’s experience in Longleat Safari Park. This trip offers an array of opportunities to spot an abundance of amazing wildlife and also allows children to get an insight into wildlife conservation.”
The first trip will set off on August 17th 2012, with further dates in October, November and December as well as January and February 2013.
This is the latest stage in an ongoing programme of development and expansion for the Longleat brand which has included the recent acquisition of two hotels and the launch of a series of major new features and attractions.
To find out more on the Overseas Safari trips click here
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Rain Doesn’t Stop Play for Mudlarking Monkeys
26th April 2012
It may appear that summer is still a long way away but the recent downpours have definitely failed to dampen the spirits of the troop of monkeys in the Safari Park.
Far from being put off by the bad weather, the rhesus monkeys have made the most of the recent rainfall and turned the growing puddles into temporary wet play areas.
As well as providing a fun new experience for the younger members of the troop, the puddles have also enabled some of the monkeys to actually see their own reflections – which have clearly fascinated them.
Longleat’s deputy head keeper, Ian Turner, who took the photographs of the monkeys, said: “Watching them jumping about in the puddles and even throwing stones and other objects into the water to see how big a splash they can make has been great.
“It’s obvious they genuinely enjoy themselves, even if the rest of us are finding the rain less entertaining.
“I was particularly interested to observe them watching their own reflections in the water – they seemed to be captivated by their own image and it really brings home how intelligent they are,” he added.
The monkeys are part of more than 100 rhesus macaques in the Safari Park who normally spend their days leaping from car to car, hitching free rides on the thousands of vehicles that pass through their enclosure each day.
Found throughout south east Asia and across the Indian subcontinent rhesus monkeys thrive in a wide variety of habitats and climates.
In some parts of India they are believed to be sacred with the result that they have lived in close contact with humans for countless centuries - particularly in and around Buddhist and Hindu temples.
Rhesus monkeys are extremely intelligent, naturally inquisitive animals which can learn to manipulate simple tools and distinguish colours and shapes.
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Cheetahs Spotted at Longleat
12th April 2012
A coalition of cheetahs has been bringing traffic to a standstill at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park this Easter.
Longleat Safari Park officially opened its brand new drive-through Cheetah Kingdom in the past week and it’s already proving popular with visitors.
The Safari Park is home to a group, or coalition, of seven cheetahs; four males and three females and the public were allowed in to their grassland enclosure for the first time on Saturday.
Depute head keeper Ian Turner said: “The cheetahs have been settling in for the past few months but this was the first time that we had allowed vehicles to drive in amongst them.
“To be honest the cheetahs took the whole experience very much in their stride and were quite happy to come right up to the cars.
“This resulted in some amazingly close encounters for the visitors but did mean that we had difficulty persuading some of the drivers to move on!
“They are amazingly graceful animals and watching them run at speed is astonishing,” he added.
The cheetahs are now the third big cats on display at Longleat alongside their world-famous lion prides and tigers.
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals; capable of top speeds of 71 miles per hour. While running they can cover four strides in a second with each stride measuring up to eight metres.
The name cheetah originates from the Sanskrit word ‘chitraka’ which means ‘variegated’ or ‘sprinkled’ body.
In the wild cheetahs can chase and kill much larger game including antelopes and even zebras as well as smaller animals like hares and rodents.
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Mad Hatter Joins in the Easter Fun at Longleat
4th April 2012
Longleat’s historic Great Hall has played host to some truly spectacular events in its 500-year history.
However it’s unlikely to have ever witnessed anything quite like the mayhem of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
The madcap milliner has taken up residence in Longleat House for the Easter holidays (daily until April 9th) and his eccentric entertaining is providing visitors with an added attraction.
The Mad Hatter is just part of an Alice In Wonderland-themed series of special Easter events and activities taking place at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park.
Alice in Wonderland at Longleat is taking place daily until April 9th. All Easter activities are free with the All in One Day Ticket or Annual Pass
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Anne the Elephant…One Year On
3rd April 2012
We are delighted to announce that Anne the elephant today celebrated her first anniversary living at Longleat Safari Park. Since her arrival on 3rd April 2011 she has had a new lease of life and continues to enjoy her retirement under the care and supervision of her experienced keepers and dedicated team of experts. Her keepers and everyone at Longleat are extremely grateful for the public support and messages of goodwill Anne has received over the past year.
Her keepers have spent huge amounts of time over the past twelve months working with Anne to improve her wellbeing and physical condition. The difference and improvement in skin condition, feet, trunk, ears and general muscle tone is clear to see and she certainly doesn’t look like an elephant approaching 60.
Take a look at the latest images of Anne enjoying her sandy play area and the photo comparisions from when she arrived through to 2012.
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QUEEN OF HEARTS ORDERS PLAYING CARDS TO PAINT LONGLEAT ROSES
30th March 2012
A pack of playing cards has been enlisted to put the finishing touches to a new Alice in Wonderland-themed Easter event at Longleat.
The playing cards, under the expert supervision of the Queen of Hearts, have been hard at work painting the roses in the Wiltshire attraction’s Love Labyrinth and taking part in a crazy game of Wonderland Croquet.
The playing cards are from the world-renowned, Bath-based Natural Theatre Company and will be joined by Longleat’s very own Queen of Hearts at Longleat during the Easter period.
Their efforts are part of a series of egg-citing Easter events and activities based around Alice in Wonderland which runs during the Easter holidays (March 31st – April 9th).
Alice and the Mad Hatter invite guests to attend the craziest Tea Party ever in the spectacular surroundings of the Great Hall of Longleat House and there’s the opportunity to go through the looking glass and search for Alice’s Golden Crown in the Mirror Maze.
There will be the chance to hop on the Easter Eggspress to discover the White Rabbit as he rushes through the woods to meet the Duchess, and help Humpty Dumpty track down his lost giant eggs in an egg-centric Easter Trail.
• Alice in Wonderland at Longleat will be taking place daily from March 31st – April 9th. All Easter activities are free with the All in One Day Ticket or Annual Pass. For more information click here
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EGGS ON LEGS!
27th March 2012
Gardeners at Longleat literally had egg on their faces as they helped put the finishing touches to a giant Easter Egg Hunt this week.
Staff on the estate have employed a unique way to transport a series of massive, hand-painted eggs to their final destinations around the park.
Each of the eight eggs has been themed to represent a different aspect of Longleat and younger visitors will have to track them down and discover a special code to complete the Easter trail.
“It certainly took visitors by surprise when they spotted these giant eggs walking around the estate on legs,” said Longleat’s Steve Mytton.
“What made it even more amusing was the fact that the gardeners found it very difficult to see where they were going so tended to follow each other in a long line!” he added.
The eggs are part of an exciting Easter event based around Alice in Wonderland which runs during the Easter holidays (March 31st – April 9th).
There will be the chance to hop on the Easter Eggspress to discover the White Rabbit as he rushes through the woods to meet the Duchess, and help Humpty Dumpty track down his lost giant eggs in an egg-centric Easter Trail.
Alice and the Mad Hatter invite guests to attend the craziest Tea Party ever in the spectacular surroundings of the Great Hall of Longleat House and there’s the opportunity to go through the Looking Glass and search for Alice’s Golden Crown in the Mirror Maze.
• Alice in Wonderland at Longleat will be taking place daily from March 31st – April 9th. All Easter activities are free with the All in One Day Ticket or Annual Pass.
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Visitors Witness Rare Baby Giant Anteater Birth
27th March 2012
Visitors to Longleat Safari & Adventure Park had an unexpected surprise when they witnessed the arrival of a rare baby giant anteater.
‘Choccy’, as he’s been nicknamed by keepers, made his unscheduled appearance just before midday in front of a stunned audience of onlookers.
The tiny anteater’s arrival is particularly welcome as the species is officially listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
“It’s extremely rare to actually witness the birth of a giant anteater so those visitors were very lucky indeed – I’m actually quite jealous!” said keeper Catriona Carr.
“We knew that mum Maroni was pregnant but we weren’t 100% certain when the baby was due so when we got the news she had given birth we were both delighted and a little bit nervous.
“To have a successful birth with our anteaters is fantastic. It’s especially good to see mum and Choccy showing all the usual signs of a mother and baby relationship in the early stages.
“For the first six months Maroni will carry Choccy on her back virtually all the time. The baby takes milk by moving around underneath mum and only very rarely lets go.
“The baby aligns itself to the pattern on mum’s back to provide camouflage from any predators who might prey on the young. It’s so effective that it’s almost as if the baby become invisible,” she added.
Mum Maroni, who was born in France, and German dad Bonito arrived at Longleat two years ago as are part of a co-ordinated European Breeding Programme for the species.
Giant Anteaters originate from South America and can be found in tropical and deciduous forests.
As its name suggests the giant anteater is the largest of the anteater family and can grow to over two metres in length with tongues that extend to more than 60cm.
Their long nose, tongue and sharp claws enable them to get to into ant and termite mounds, eating over 30,000 insects in a single day!
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Mugs Make Snug Fit For Tiny Tea T’Owls
21st March 2012
A pair of tiny hand-reared baby burrowing owls have taken to using teacups to roost in during the day.
The owlets, nicknamed Linford and Christie as they were born in the year of the London Olympics, are being cared for by keeper Jimmy Robinson.
They will form part of the new birds of prey displays at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park as part of their Hunters of the Sky attraction.
Linford and Christie were both hatched in an incubator and have had to be hand reared by Jimmy.
“Basically I have had to have them with me 24 hours a day every day and that means taking them home with me in the evening and getting up in the middle of the night to feed them,” he said.
Found throughout the Americas, the burrowing owl is so named because it lives in underground burrows that have been dug out by small mammals such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Unlike most owls they are active during the day.
“As I spend so much time with them they do look at me as their surrogate mum and will follow me around the house or sit on my shoulder.
“They also enjoy the security of sitting inside their teacups and like to find small spaces on my bookshelf and in between my DVD collection to snuggle up into.
The owls were hatched at the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover back in February and are now just over six weeks old.
“Although they are small birds they do grow incredibly quickly. These guys will be fully fledge within the next month, their feathers are coming through nicely and they are already getting used to flapping their wings,” added Jimmy.
Linford and Christie will join a variety of birds of prey including vultures, eagles, hawks, kites, owls and falcons in the Hunters of the Sky attraction at Longleat.
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‘Extinct’ Antelope Born At Longleat
19th March 2012
An ‘extinct’ antelope whose extraordinary horns may have been the origin of the unicorn myth has bred successfully at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park.
The female scimitar horned oryx calf, named Mesta, was born on February 21st to mum Raira after a nine-month pregnancy and both are doing extremely well.
Originally from North Africa, the antelope is thought to have gone extinct in the wild in 1999 – due to a combination of hunting and loss of habitat.
The Wiltshire Safari Park is part of an international captive breeding programme for the species with numbers worldwide now thought to be in excess of 1,500.
Re-introduction programmes are currently taking place in Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal with captive-bred animals being released into fenced reserves.
The scimitar horned oryx gets its name from its magnificent, scimitar-shaped horn which can measure up to 1.5 metres in length.
Longleat’s Ian Turner said: “The scimitar horned oryx is one of the most iconic types of antelope with these truly magnificent curved horns which are actually quite thin and break off comparatively easily.
“Our captive breeding programme has been extremely successful over the years and this is Raira’s fourth calf. If all goes according to plan the calf should be fully weaned around 14 weeks after being born.
Some experts believe oryx may be the basis for the legendary unicorn. View from the side it can look like the antelope have only a single horn.
As the horns are made from hollow bone they can also break off quite easily and do not grow back – making one horned oryx a relatively common occurrence.
Ancient Greeks including Aristotle and Pliny the Elder both thought the oryx was the ‘prototype’ for the unicorn myth.
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Anne the Elephant - Latest Update: March
13th March 2012
The sun has started to shine again and Anne the elephant is certainly enjoying it as she plays in a new pile of sand!
Anne's keepers have weighed her and she is now a healthy muscular 3820kg. Her osteopath has also been out again and is overjoyed at her progress.
Looking at old photo's of Anne, the difference in her muscle tone and her conformation is wonderful.
Now the ground around Anne's outdoor area is beginning to dry out in the spring sunshine, work on a new grass paddock will also hopefully start soon.
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Love Sick As A Parrot
14th February 2012
He may be a pretty boy but Spike the parrot is ruffling a few feathers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park after apparently falling beak over claws in love with his keeper.
The love-sick African grey parrot is so infatuated he has taken to following keeper Gemma Short around all day and refusing to leave her side.
The bond between the pair is now so deep that Gemma, 26, who got married last year, says she won’t be able to go on holiday again without Spike.
“I went on my honeymoon last year and realistically that’s probably going to be the last time I will be able to go away for any length of time for the foreseeable future,” said Gemma.
“I wouldn’t be happy to leave Spike on his own for more than a day or so and I know how sulky he gets if I’m not around,” she added.
Parrots are highly intelligent birds and African greys in particular are noted for their personalities and the deep attachments they develop with their owners.
The fact that they can also live for up to 70 years makes them a real long-term commitment.
Spike, who is also aged 26, was given to Longleat more than 15 years ago by his owner after he decided he could no longer look after him. Gemma has been in charge of looking after him for the last two years.
“Pretty much as soon as I was introduced to him for the first time it was obvious that he liked me. He’s quite shy around other people but he really comes alive when he’s with me,” she added.
Photos by BNPS
Longleat Opening Dates 2012:
Daily: Friday 9th March – Sunday 4th November
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Tall Order as Maze Takes High-Tech Approach To Hedge Trimming
2nd February 2012
Gardeners at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park have come up with a novel new way to dramatically speed up cutting their world-famous hedge maze – by using stilts.
The maze has undergone a final cut prior to re-opening to the public for the start of the new season on February 11th.
Made up of more than 16,000 English yew trees, with 2.8kms of pathways and covering an area of 0.6 hectares, the Longleat hedge maze is one of the largest in the world.
With an average height of two metres, gardeners previously had to use scaffolding to reach the top and it took a team of up to five people more than a week to complete.
However, since the introduction of the stilts, two staff are now able to finish the task in less than half the time.
Paul Thompson, Longleat’s Deputy Grounds Manager, said: “Previously we used an 'H'-frame scaffold tower with a platform on it. We would normally cut two to three metres of hedge using this technique before having to get down and move the tower each time.
“All the gardeners are fully trained and we have had to do a series of specific risk assessments for using the stilts but it makes what was once a long, rather boring job, a lot more fun and much less energy-sapping,” he added.
The pre-season cut is only for the top of the hedges while the sides will normally be trimmed prior to main summer season.
The Maze was commissioned by Lord Bath and designed by Greg Bright. It was laid out in 1975 and is planted entirely of English Yew (Taxus baccata). The maze is three dimensional in that there are six bridges built from timber for visitors to navigate.
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Anne the Elephant Latest Update: December
28th December 2011
As well as recent improvements to Anne's main paddock by adding 200 tonnes of sand Anne has obviously been a good girl this year as Santa delivered a nice new shiny 'hopefully' indestructable ball.
This has been recieved with great excitement from the old girl as you can see from the photos. Unfortunately this has put her keepers back in their work as the temptation to watch her enjoy playing with her new ball is overwhelming!
Her keepers, Andy, Ryan and Ross have been inundated with thank you and good will messages for Anne this year and would like to thank everyone for their support for looking after an incredible individual such as Anne. They will continue working hard next year to ensure Anne gets the best possible care and enjoys her retirement at Longleat
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Jamie Theakson and Emma Bunton Join in the Christmas Fun at Longleat
16th December 2011
Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton from London’s Heart Breakfast will be broadcasting their London show live from Longleat on Friday 16th December, as they embark on their search for Santa!
They're here to get all Christmassy and see the Singing Christmas Tree, Fairytale Characters in Longleat House and even meet Santa!
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Mini-Monkeys Dive into Christmas Stockings!
15th December 2011
A colony of marmoset monkeys at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park are getting in to the festive spirit with their very own Christmas Stockings.
The ten-strong group of miniature South American primates woke one morning to find their open enclosure bedecked with Christmas decorations.
Naturally inquisitive, it didn’t take dominant male Campo and female Corumba long to pluck up enough courage to see what gifts were inside the stockings.
“We put a variety of tasty treats inside the stocking including nuts, bugs and pieces of fruit first thing in the morning and then hang them around their enclosure for them to find,” said Keeper Darren Beasley.
"As well as adding a festive feel to Monkey Temple the stockings also enable us to stimulate the marmosets natural foraging behaviour,” he added.
Common marmosets live in social family groups and have a strict hierarchy ranking. Young and old adults share in the care of the young, unusually for primates the female nearly always gives birth to non-identical twins which the male then carries on his back.
It’s not just the monkeys who are benefiting from the goodwill though as keepers are providing treats for all the other animals too including porridge for the parrots and hot potatoes for the rhesus monkeys.
The Christmas animal treats are part of a series of special activities taking place at the Wiltshire attraction in the coming weeks.
This year is the first time that Longleat Safari & Adventure Park has been open throughout the festive season.
Running until January 2nd ‘Christmas at Longleat’ features a real Ice Rink set against the backdrop of Longleat House, the UK’s largest Singing Christmas Tree, Santa Trains and Christmas-themed House Tours with Cinderella, Ebenezer Scrooge, Sleeping Beauty and other fairytale characters.
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Fairy Tale Characters Take to the Ice at Longleat
30th November 2011
Visitors to Longleat Safari & Adventure Park were treated to the unusual sight of Scrooge, Cinderella and Prince Charming taking to the ice.
The fairytale and festive characters are all part of the Christmas Extravaganza event which has been officially launched at Longleat.
Cinderella, Scrooge, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother all ventured onto a giant ice rink in front of Longleat House to mark the start of the festive season.
Inside the Elizabethan stately home has been transformed into an enchanted world where favourite fairy-tales and festive stories like ‘A Christmas Carol’ have been brought to life.
Longleat’s Ruth Charles said: “It did take a bit of persuading but in the end they all agreed to go onto the ice, although Scrooge had to be pushed around on a children’s seal skating aid!
“It certainly made quite an impact on the visitors who couldn’t quite believe their eyes,” he added.
Longleat is also playing host to Britain’s biggest singing Christmas Tree. The giant festive tree – which has close to one million individual lights - is the only one of its kind in Britain and has been specially made for the Wiltshire attraction as part of their Christmas celebrations.
It’s the first time the award-winning attraction has opened its doors to visitors over the festive season.
Many of Longleat’s other attractions will also be open throughout the Christmas holidays. Visitors will be able to go on a Safari Drive Adventure, get up close to the animals in Jungle Kingdom and explore the Adventure Castle.
For more information on Christmas please click here...
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Anne the Elephant - Latest Update: November
28th November 2011
Anne the elephant has had another couple of visits from her osteopath over the past month who is very happy with her progress since arriving at Longleat earlier in the year. Her muscle tone is much improved and getting better all the time.
Lots of work is being done on Anne’s feet still, and even her keepers are now in need of an osteopath!
Anne’s outdoor area has been resurfaced with 200 tonnes of sand having been put down which will provide her with a softer surface for her to walk on. Keepers have also put up another tree trunk in there, which she is taking great delight in trying to knock over with a small amount of success.
The plans for her grass paddock have been finalised and work is very advanced on the fabrication of this, so hopefully this will be getting put up very soon. Also the steel work is moving on for her new shelter in her yard.
As always everyone concerned with Anne’s welfare at Longleat are working continually to ensure she gets the best possible care.
For more information on Anne and how she arrived at Longleat please click here…
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Santa Puts Finishing Touches To Britain’s Biggest Singing Christmas Tree
23rd November 2011
Britain’s biggest singing Christmas Tree has gone on display at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park in Wiltshire.
The tree is so big that even Father Christmas had to enlist the help of a cherry picker to put on the final giant bauble in preparation for its first show.
The giant festive tree is the only one of its kind in Britain and has been specially made for the Wiltshire attraction as part of their Christmas celebrations.
At more than 50 foot tall it was so large that it had to be transported in 18 sections and assembled on site by a team of 15 workmen.
Almost one million multi-coloured lights make up the singing tree, which change colour and create spectacular patterns of light in time with traditional Christmas music and carols.
The tree has more than six miles of lighting cable, 216 twinkling star flashes, over 3,000 bauble decorations and 24 huge snowflakes with a giant illuminated star on top.
Longleat’s Steve Mytton said: “It's been an incredible job. It took six months to develop and build and four days for the guys to put it together on site.
“With so many lights, so much cable and decorations to check it has been a massive undertaking but to see the tree finally in place and working is amazing.”“
Running from November 18th until January 2nd ‘Christmas at Longleat’ brings together the magic of the festive season in a spectacular new event.
Visitors will have the chance to enjoy the experience of skating on real ice on a huge outdoor ice rink in front of Longleat House, watch favourite fairy-tale characters come to life in the enchanted surroundings of Longleat House as well as the giant singing Christmas tree which dances in time to festive tunes.
Plus there's the opportunity to take an unforgettable train journey deep into the woods to meet Santa Claus himself in his snowy log cabin home.
For more information on Christmas at Longleat and for opening dates and times please click here
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McFly Bring Added Sparkle to Longleat Fireworks
9th November 2011
Top British pop rock band McFly were on hand to officially launch the Fireworks Extravaganza at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park last Friday (4th November).
The boys spent the day at Longleat experiencing the attractions which included tours through new attractions Jungle Kingdom, Monkey Temple and Animal Adventure.
Band members Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter were all on hand to meet a variety of the park’s residents and were certainly not shy when handling Snakes, Spiders and other creepy crawlies!
A VIP Tour of the Safari Park followed where they were lucky enough to see some of the lion cubs recently born before going on a Ghost Tour of Longleat House.
McFly were without drummer Harry Judd who was on dance rehearsals as he is currently starring in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
They finished the day by meeting fans who had turned up to see them at the fireworks before giving a countdown to get the display underway for the many spectators who had turned up.
Longleat's Steve Mytton said “It was great to have the boys down here to start the fireworks and also for them to see the great attractions we have to offer here. I don’t think they expected to be getting so close to some of our animals!”
“It’s the first time we’ve had a dedicated fireworks display at Longleat and the addition of Mcfly coming to help start them really was an added treat for visitors who were here for the performance. It was great to see the band meeting and spending time with fans before the display got started too”
Although the fireworks brought an end to the main open season at Longleat it will soon be the venue for a Christmas Spectacular for the first time ever. Running from November 18th until January 2nd Christmas at Longleat brings together the magic of the festive season in a spectacular new event.
Visitors will have the chance to enjoy the experience of skating on real ice on a huge outdoor ice rink in front of Longleat House, watch favourite fairy-tale characters come to life in the enchanted surroundings of Longleat House and marvel at the giant musical Christmas tree with hundreds of lights dancing in time to festive tunes.
Plus there's the opportunity to take an unforgettable train journey deep into the woods to meet Santa Claus himself in his snowy log cabin home.
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McFly Set to Make A Bang at Longleat Fireworks Show
2nd November 2011
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Top British pop rock band McFly are to officially launch the Fireworks Extravaganza at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park on Friday, November 4th.
The boys will be spending the day at Longleat before setting off the fireworks from an open-top bus at a special evening display which starts at 6.30pm.
Although they won’t be performing, the band are planning to enjoy some hands-on animal encounters with a variety of creepy crawlies and also want to meet up with Longleat’s resident family of meerkats in their walkthrough enclosure.
Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter will be without drummer Harry Judd who is currently starring in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Longleat’s Melissa Burns said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have the boys from McFly here to spend the day with us and it’s already caused quite a stir among our staff.
“For them to be on hand to officially set off our fireworks show in the evening will make it a really special event for everyone,” she added.
Designed by internationally renowned pyrotechnic firm Dragonfire, Fireworks Go Wild (November 4th-5th) features a spectacular fireworks display set to classic animal-related music to mark the official Bonfire Night celebrations and, on November 5th itself, there will also be a real bonfire for visitors to enjoy.
Special Twilight Tickets are available for the November displays which allow entry to Longleat after 4pm for just £5 per person (Nov 4th display starts at 6.30pm, Nov 5th display starts at 6pm).
Dragonfire is one of the UK’s leading firework and pyrotechnic display companies committed to producing safe, spectacular and innovative firework entertainment. It is internationally renowned for its displays and special events and has been behind many of the UK’s most prestigious displays in recent years.
For more information on the fireworks or to book please click here
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ROAR Returns for Brand New Series this Autumn
28th October 2011
New series starts 7.45am Monday 31st October on CBBC
ROAR is back for another series of fun, fast and fabulous animal action. Presented by Johny Pitts and Rani Price, CBBC’s currently longest running animal series is filmed down at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park which is home to over a hundred different species of animal, many of whom are endangered in the wild.
This series sees lots of new arrivals at the park - from elephants to cheetahs. We meet Anne, the last circus elephant in Britain, who came to live at Longleat earlier this year after suffering abuse. We chart her rehabilitation from the moment she arrives and follow her progress as she settles in. Is she now the most pampered elephant in Britain?
Yendi the lioness gives birth to four lion cubs – we follow them as they grow up and become part of the pride. Six Cheetah arrive at the safari park from South Africa as part of an international breeding programme and the summer months bring a baby bonanza for the keepers to cope with – everything from baby meerkats, sealions, zebras, giraffes and even tortoises!
Children are at the heart of the series with ROAR rangers becoming keepers for the day, the Killer question returns when children try and catch out the keeper’s animal knowledge and the world’s worst animal jokes are back in ROAR fun!
The new series will continue to build on the hugely popular online ROAR game where children run their own interactive animal parks. Each day a different cheat code is broadcast on the show which unlocks new game features at www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/roar
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Anne the Elephant Takes a Muddy Dip!
7th October 2011
Annes the Elephant who arrived at Longleat back in April is now well and truly settling into life at Longleat.
Walks are going well if not a little short, she is an old lady after all. In these photos she is undergoing her morning bath!
Her recent weigh in came in at 3690kg back to where she started, but after all the excercise she's now getting it's not surprising. As the old excuse goes... Muscle weighs more than fat!
Anne's keepers have recieved many messages of support since she arrived and would like to thank all the people out there who have taken the time to acknowledge what they are trying to do for her.
For more information on Anne and how she arrived at Longleat please click here...
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Introducing Newborn Lion Cub ‘Simba’ and his Siblings at Longleat Safari Park
6th October 2011
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To celebrate the release of the Pride of Disney, The Lion King 3D, in cinemas on Friday 7th October, two new African Lion Cubs, born at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park on 10 September, have been named “Simba” and “Nala” after the much loved characters in Disney’s animated epic. Disney will help these loveable siblings into the “Circle of Life” by helping to feed them over their first year as they grow into full-grown healthy lions.
Simba and Nala are two of four cubs born at Longleat last month to first-time mum Malaika (meaning ‘Angel’ in Swahili) who was also born at Longleat back in 2005. The other two cubs were named by Daybreak viewers this morning. Daybreak viewer Margaret White named one “Enzi” which means ‘Powerful’ in Swahili, Sharon Paterson another Daybreak viewer named the other “Nyota” which means ‘Star’ in Swahili.
The cubs will be found within the second lion reserve at Longleat where they will join an existing pride of twelve lions, headed up by the male lion, Nibalo who arrived at Longleat back in November 2010. The four cubs recently born are the second litter in 2011, prior to this year Longleat’s last lion cubs were born back in August 2007.
Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Scar, Timon and Pumbaa are back and better than ever as one of Disney’s best loved animations, The Lion King,roars into theatres nationwide in breathtaking Disney Digital 3D™. A special four week theatrical extravaganza kicks off on 7th October, showcasing the Oscar® and Golden Globe® winning film on the big screen in 3D for the first time ever.
From the moment The Lion King was first released in 1994, it became an instant Disney classic, with audiences the world over falling in love with the characters, story and amazing animation. The film was joined by an award-winning soundtrack that introduced us all to the magic of the Circle of Life and taught us about Timon, Pumbaa and Simba’s Problem Free Philosophy, “Hakuna Matata”.
The Lion King 3D continues to go from strength to strength in the US and has now taken pride of place as one of the all time top grossing films at the American box office. After only 3 weeks in cinemas across the US, the total gross stands at an astonishing $79.7 million. The Lion King already holds pride of place as the third highest grossing animated film of all time, the highest grossing traditional hand-drawn animated film of all time and the highest grossing film for Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Bob Trollope, Big Cat Keeper in the Safari Park commented:
“We are delighted to introduce our new lion cubs to the world and especially happy that they can be a part of Disney history and help to celebrate such a beloved animation. Simba, Nala and their siblings look forward to meeting you all.”
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Fruit Ice Lolly Treat For Safari Animals As Summer Finally Arrives!
30th September 2011
Safari park animals are finally enjoying a taste of summer - after they were given special ice lollies that have been sat in a freezer during the wet holiday season.
Wardens at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire spent five days making a batch of the iced fruit cocktails in June to give to the giraffes and monkeys over the warm summer months.
But the hot weather failed to arrive and was replaced by a wet July and one of the coldest August's on record.
Staff had expected to keep the giant lollies that contain frozen bananas, apples and oranges in the freezer until next year.
But as Britain basks in an unseasonal, autumnal heatwave they decided to bring them out now and give the animals a treat.
With 18 inch long tongues the Rothchild giraffes at Longleat had no problem lapping up the frozen snacks.
Deputy head keeper Ian Turner said they hung the lollies on tree branches for the animals seek out.
He said: "The lollies were made way back in June and staff had given up hope of the weather warming up enough to hang out the treats.
"But due to the lovely warm weather we have had the animals have been queuing up to cool down.
"Although these animals wouldn't normally eat such a treat in the wild they would certainly have to work hard to get their food.
"The fruit ice lollies not only give our animals a late summer cooling treat but also challenges them to search for the food using their natural adaptations."
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Fairy Tale Role Up For Grabs At Longleat
1st September 2011
Bosses at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park are set to ensure someone definitely will be going to the ball this Christmas when they hold auditions for Cinderella this week.
The auditions are to find a member of Longleat staff to take on the role of the fairytale character as part of Christmas celebrations at Longleat which start on November 18th and run until January 2nd 2012.
The auditions, which are taking place in the Elizabethan splendour of Longleat House’s Great Hall, will be in front of a panel of X-factor style judges!
Among the panel will be existing staff who play the roles of Queen Elizabeth I, Scrooge, a Victorian house maid and a footman.
Longleat’s Rosamund Hannam said: “This will be the first time such a large and spectacular Christmas event has been held here at Longleat and it’s vital that we get the perfect fairy tale characters.
“We’re inviting staff to audition for the role of Cinderella and thought having some of our existing costume characters take on the role of judges would be the ideal way to discover the best candidates.
“I have to say the prospect of auditioning in front of Queen Elizabeth I and Scrooge is probably even more daunting than facing Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh and anyone who can impress such a tough audience deserves to get the role!” she added.
In addition to Cinderella auditions, the panel will also be putting would-be Prince Charmings through their paces.
Joining the fairy tale couple – who will be seen dancing in the Great Hall – will be other magical characters including Sleeping Beauty, Scrooge and Marley’s Ghost who will be making appearances in the house over the festive period.
As well as fairy tale scenes, there will also be a giant ice-skating rink located outside the front of Longleat House, a huge illuminated Christmas Tree and the chance to board the Santa Train to visit Father Christmas himself deep in the Longleat woods.
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(Big) Cat Stuck Up A Tree
26th August 2011
It’s a familiar problem for cat owners everywhere – what do you do when your moggy gets stuck up a tree?
However when the cat in question is a boisterous lion cub at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park it’s not really an option to call out the fire brigade.
In the end the overly-confident cub, named Klaus, was rescued by his sister Eva who climbed the tree and calmly showed her brother the safe way to get back down.
The pair are part of a quartet of lion cubs which were born at the Safari Park earlier in the year to experienced mum Yendi, who has successfully reared two previous litters, and first-time dad Nibilo.
Longleat lion keeper Bob Trollope said: “The cubs are just under five months old now and still extremely curious and quite mischievous.
“We’ve spotted them climbing all over parents, running around everywhere and they were even seen at the top of the scratching post the other day – so Klaus’ experiences getting stuck up the tree clearly haven’t had much of an effect,” he added.
Longleat is world renowned for its famous lions which have been an integral part of the Safari Park for more than 30 years.
There are actually two separate prides at Longleat made up of individuals originally brought here from many different zoological collections throughout Europe - thanks to a careful breeding programme over the years, the Longleat lion is now recognisable for its particularly fine black mane.
In order to keep them fit and healthy Longleat’s lions are encouraged to ‘hunt’ for their food - keepers will hide meat around their enclosure and also use a mobile meat wagon which the lions have to follow to get their meals.
The prides’ meat diet is supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure they are receiving the correct amounts of nutrition.
Large males can grow to over three metres in length and weigh more than 240kgs. Their life expectancy in the wild is approximately 12 years but they can expect to live to almost twice that age in captivity.
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Longleat Invests £5M In Major New Attractions
17th August 2011
Longleat has invested over £5m in a series of innovative new features, new animals plus new activities and events for the 2011 season and even more is planned for 2012 and beyond.
Among the new attractions introduced in 2011 include the UK’s first Meerkat Walkthrough enclosure in Jungle Kingdom, Monkey Temple - with its colony of free-roaming mischievous monkeys and the free-flying Rainbow Lorikeets which can be hand fed by visitors.
Launched for the summer holidays and open throughout the season, Hunters of the Sky is a spectacular new 30 minute aerial bird of prey display, starring some of the world’s top predators.
Run in partnership with the award-winning Hawk Conservancy Trust, visitors get up close to witness a falcon fly at over 100 miles an hour, feel a vulture’s wings swoop just above their heads, marvel at a carousel of kites and witness the sheer spectacle of the majestic eagle taking flight.
Longleat Safari Park has also welcomed a number of new arrivals in 2011 including two new white rhinoceros, a herd of wildebeest and a group of new male lions to add to their world-famous prides.
The hugely-popular Monkey Drive Thru has been re-opened by popular demand. New attractions still to open this year include Pedal Boats on the Longleat lakes and six Cheetah, which are due to arrive in the next few weeks in the Safari Park.
“We’re delighted with the positive response we have been getting from visitors about all the new attractions and events we have launched this year,” said David Bradley, CEO Longleat Enterprises Ltd.
“Visitor figures are holding up extremely well and we’re extremely happy with our performance compared to industry trends.
“We are particularly pleased with the significant increase in our online booking transactions and our mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means we are truly an all-weather visit.
“Everyone here is confident both for the remainder of this season and for next year where we have a series of ground-breaking new attractions and features already planned,” he added.
New attractions for 2012 include a new Gorilla Island, the new Watering Hole in the Safari Park where visitors can hand feed the giraffes and work will continue on the ‘Anne the Elephant Sanctuary’.
As well as the new summer features and activities this year, Longleat has also announced a series of major new events aimed at attracting new visitors throughout the rest of 2011.
First time ever events for Longleat include a week-long Halloween Spookfest (22nd – 31st October) and fantastic fireworks displays (28th - 29th October, 4th – 5th November).
A magical new ‘Christmas at Longleat’ event (selected dates between 18th November - 2nd January – see www.longleat.co.uk for details) which includes a giant real ice-skating rink, unique 40ft musical Christmas tree, enchanted fairy tales and Christmas stories which will be brought to life in Longleat House and the Special Santa Train, plus a traditional Christmas market with festive food and fayre.
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Europes Oldest Silverback Gorilla Celebrates his 50th Birthday
16th August 2011
Nico the western lowland gorilla celebrated his 50th birthday at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park this month.
It's believed the landmark birthday means Nico is now the oldest silverback gorilla in Europe and the second oldest male gorilla in the world.
Nico's centrally-heated island already features his classical-style home complete with satellite television and Sky Plus.
The special occasion posed something of a problem for his keepers who were tasked to come up with the perfect gift.
"It's difficult to think of new present ideas for him as he's pretty much got everything already," said keeper Mark Tye.
"Although he is now a very old man, Nico's is still extremely active and in amazingly good condition considering his age.
"We came up with a selection of presents for him; some of which were more warmly received than others.
"Someone came up with the idea of a bouquet of flowers and although I'm sure he appreciated the sentiment he couldn't really disguise his lack of enthusiasm for them!"
Fortunately the 200kgs silverback was inundated with other gifts to mark his special day including a banana-shaped cake which was much more appreciated.
Keepers are unsure of Nico's exact age as he arrived at Longleat soon after the safari park opened in 1966 from a zoo in Switzerland and the likelihood is that he is actually somewhat more than 50 years old.
The oldest male gorilla in the world lives in the USA and was born in 1961 while the oldest female, who also lives in America was born in 1956.
At over half an acre in size Nico's island home also includes plenty of space for natural foraging as well as outdoor facilities for play and relaxation.
Built in 1804 by leading landscape gardener Humphry Repton, the island was part of major alterations made at Longleat by the second Lord Bath.
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Rucksack Refuge For Abandoned Wallaby
9th August 2011
A baby wallaby is being hand reared in a rucksack by her keepers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park in Wiltshire after being found abandoned.
The baby, who is thought to be around six months old, has been adopted by three keepers, Beverley Evans, Polly Yeo and Liz Grigg, who take it in turns to carry him around in a substitute pouch made from a specially adapted rucksack.
The youngster - a red-necked wallaby - was rescued from certain death after being found cold and alone in the park.
"When we found him he was cold and very still and may well have spent the night out of the pouch, no one is sure why his mother abandoned him, but without our intervention he would definitely have died," said keeper Beverley Evans.
"Initially we had to feed him every two hours but now he feeds at four-hourly intervals and he's starting to take solids.
"At first it felt a little strange to be carrying this rucksack around wherever I went but after a while you do get used to it and I hardly notice the extra weight now - although in recent weeks he is beginning to get a lot more boisterous," she added.
At birth he weighed just 20 grams and was little larger than a baked bean. He would have had to crawl through his mother's fur from the birth canal into the pouch where he began to suckle.
Volunteering to take over as surrogate mums has been a real labour of love for the keepers - especially with feeds every four hours day and night.
What's more Beverley and her colleagues will have to keep up their role as adopted parent for up to 10 months until the youngster is fully weaned and ready to return to the rest of the 30-strong wallaby group.
"We fed him on a mixture of very rich milk substitute which is normally used for orphaned puppies and special vitamin supplements," said Beverley.
"As well as feeds we also have to ensure that he is kept clean and warm at all times and use a collection of pillow cases and babies nappies to line the inside of the rucksack to make it as comfortable as possible for him," she added.
Originally from Tasmania and Eastern Australia, the Red Necked Wallaby is a hardy species and very capable of surviving in the harsh British weather conditions. There are a number of small groups living wild in Derbyshire and Sussex which originated from animals which escaped from zoos in the 1930s.
Images courtesy of http://www.bnps.co.uk
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Hunters of the Sky Cleared For Take-off At Longleat
29th July 2011
Image courtesy of http://www.warminsterpeople.co.uk
Created in partnership with the award-winning Hawk Conservancy Trust, ‘Hunters of the Sky’ was officially opened this week. Showcasing birds of prey with amazing flying skills including vultures, eagles, hawks, kites, owls and falcons. Longleat Safari & Adventure Park Chief Executive, David Bradley and Hawk Conservancy Trust Curator, Andy Hinton were on hand to cut the ribbon and welcome the first visitors.
Taking place in a purpose-built 500-seater outdoor arena, the new show features a powerful musical accompaniment and culminates in an extraordinary finale; recreating a dramatic African savannah scene.
Visitors experience the thrill as a falcon stoops at over 100 miles an hour, feel a vulture’s wings swoop just above your head, marvel at a carousel of kites and witness the sheer spectacle of the majestic eagle taking flight.
Longleat’s Steve Mytton said: “This is definitely unlike any birds of prey display that anyone will have seen before. To have these awesome birds literally flying just above your head is extraordinary.
“It’s a truly stunning mixture of drama and high excitement and we’re delighted to be working with the Hawk Conservancy Trust who are renowned for their expertise and commitment to conservation.
“As well as providing an unforgettable thrill for the whole family, the shows also offer a fascinating insight into some of the planet's most incredible hunters and highlights the vital need to help conserve them in the wild,” he added.
Each show features a different cast of birds with every performance highlighting specific aspects of their behaviour.
Andy Hinton, Curator for the Hawk Conservancy Trust, explains: “All the birds in the display will be flying free and this is definitely a show visitors to Longleat won’t have seen before.
“Each bird has his or her own character and personality which is what makes every show unique.
“There is Sirius our caracara bird. He’s a problem-solving raptor who likes to pick washing from a line, Pacardi the African white back vulture who is nature’s answer to a dustbin and Cavalli our Verreux eagle who likes to scare our audience by swooping so low over them they can feel the downdraft from his wings!”
- ‘Hunters of the Sky’ will be taking place up to three times daily throughout the summer holidays. Click here for further information
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Cheeky Sea Lion Pup Chases Jungle Cruise Boats
22nd July 2011
A cheeky, month-old sea lion pup has amazed its keepers at Longleat after being spotted chasing after boats filled with visitors.
Despite still being dependent on its mother, the tiny pup, who has been named Rene, has been seen regularly swimming alone around the lake as well as following after the Jungle Cruise boats.
Sea lion pups normally spend much of their first few months on land and staying close to mum.
“It’s highly unusual for small pups to leave the safety of their mothers at such an early stage and Rene is certainly not lacking in confidence,” said head of section Mark Tye.
“Her mum Jo-Jo is a very experienced parent; Rene is her sixth pup and she was herself born here at Longleat, so maybe she has passed on some of her confidence to her baby.
“I’ve seen many sea lion pups born here at Longleat over the years and you can already tell that Rene is going to be a real character. We’re all looking forward to see how she develops over the coming months and years,” he added.
Longleat’s sea lions were first introduced into Half Mile Lake in the 1970s and are believed to be the only colony of California sea lions anywhere in the world to live in freshwater.
Keepers supplement their fish diet - each sea lion eats around three-and-a-half kilos of mackerel a day - with salt tablets to mimic a seawater habitat.
The sea lions share their home with a pair of hippos called Spot and Sonia and Nico the gorilla who lives on an island in the centre of the lake.
Keepers are also celebrating after the arrival of a new zebra foal this month. The tiny Grant’s zebra foal, which was born earlier this month after an 11-month pregnancy, weighed just over 30kgs at birth.
She is the third foal for mum Jinga and keepers are delighted with her progress so far. Grant’s zebra are a subspecies of plains zebra and there are thought to be approximately 300,000 left in the wild.
At Longleat they share their 60-acre East African enclosure with giraffes and ostriches.
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Nettle Eating Monkey Gets A Surprise Sting!
12th July 2011
This inquisitive monkey bit off more than she could chew when she ate a nettle - and got stung.
The baby rhesus monkey tentatively grabbed the stinging nettle while exploring her enclosure at Longleat Safari Park & Adventure Park, Wilts.
At first she appeared unsure about what to do with the leaf before she put it in her mouth.
Seconds later her face grimaced in shock as the nettle gave her a nasty nip before she spat it out in her hand and looked at it puzzlingly.
The amusing moment was caught on camera by Longleat's deputy head warden Ian Turner who had noticed the two-month-old monkey acting curiously around the nettles.
Ian said: “I had only hoped to get a quick close-up snap of the baby looking towards me. I didn’t quite expect her to begin eating the stinging nettle!
“The monkeys here are normally preoccupied with visitor cars but this young monkey obviously found something which appeared more interesting.
“Most animals don’t generally react in the same way humans do to stinging nettles. I was quite surprised at the reaction this little one had towards it!
“She’s probably no more than a couple of months old but clearly has no fear.
“We normally feed the monkeys a special primate diet as well as a mix of fruit to feed on but obviously on this occasion the temptation of a stinging nettle seemed irresistible!”
The monkey is one of more than 100 Rhesus Macaques at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park who normally spend their days leaping from car to car, hitching free rides on the thousands of vehicles that pass through their enclosure each day.
The sting this young monkey had from the nettle appeared to be short-lived though as it was not too long before she was soon seen with the rest of the troop hunting out the next unsuspecting visitor car.
Rhesus macaque monkeys are found throughout south east Asia and across the Indian sub-continent.
In some parts of India they are believed to be sacred and have lived in close contact with humans for centuries.
They are extremely intelligent, naturally inquisitive animals which can learn to manipulate simple tools and distinguish colours and shapes.
They live in family troops of 20 or more and are led by a dominant male.
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Chris Evans Ferrari Extravaganza Roars Into Longleat
1st July 2011
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Chris Evans roared into Longleat yesterday as part of the ‘Children in Need Drive and Dine extravaganza’ with seven lucky couples who had the chance to drive seven Ferraris.
The convoy of cars set off from Chris' home in Berkshire, stopping off at various locations along the way including Longleat Safari & Adventure Park before winding up at a luxury hotel in the New Forest.
Last November, seven generous souls (and their co-drivers) donated over half a million pounds to Children in Need, in exchange for the ride of their lives in seven magnificent Ferrari's. The intrepid travellers set off in convoy from chez Evans - and went on to drive around some of the most picturesque country lanes in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset.
First official stop of the day was at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park where Chris Evans along with his 7 auction-winning drivers parked up outside the front steps of Longleat House for a short picnic and a chance to take in the beauty of the 900-acre estate. The Radio 2 breakfast host was the first to pull up at Longleat House in his £12 million 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO and was greeted at the steps of the house by Lord Bath.
Queen Elizabeth I who regularly welcomes visitors and visited Longleat House herself back in 1574 was also on hand to pose for photos alongside the famous cars as well as talking with the guests.
Among the convoy of cars which turned up at Longleat were five Ferraris from Chris Evan’s own collection including a 1969 365 GTC, a 1992 F40, a 2010 599 GTO and a 2011 SA Aperta.
Three other cars – a 1963 250 GT Lusso, a 1966 275 GTB 4 Cam and the back up car a 1964 250 Lusso had been loaned especially for the event.
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Anne the Elephant - Latest Updates
28th June 2011
28th June 2011
Anne has been quite busy over the past few days. She has had a visit from her Osteopath, who feels she has made progress from his last visit, she has another session booked soon. Earlier in the week she was visited by Sir David Attenborough who was here to do some filming. She was her usual polite and calm self around him, unlike her keepers who were rather overexcited. She also has had a visit from Lady Bath. Anne really has friends in high places!
24th June 2011
Anne is doing well and we have finally got the scales up and running and have a weight from her: she is an ample 3690kg. This is extremely useful as we can now titrate the medical therapy and monitor weight as part of her longer time arthritis management. The scales were purpose built and gave our fabricators a challenge to make sure that they could hold her weight. Many thanks to Malcolm and Mark Ingram for making the scales.
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Anne the Elephant - Rehabilitation Update
20th June 2011
In the past three months since Anne has been at Longleat we have spent in excess of £50,000 in making sure Anne gets the best possible care at Longleat. This includes vital veterinary and homeopathic care as well as new features and facilities within her house and paddock. We have installed a scratch post, a hayrack for her to feed from while indoors and special weighing scales. In addition to this we are soon going to be adding new features to her outdoor area including water pool, shade cover and extending her paddock so she has a choice of different natural substrates.
As always we will continue to expand and invest in Anne’s care and we are currently in the stages of developing the elephant sanctuary and have already been consulting with experts and welfare bodies to come up with a suitable plan. Over the coming months Longleat will be looking at other sanctuaries across the world to come up with a more detailed plan to house Anne as well as other elephants like her. It is not a quick process setting up a sanctuary and all options need to be considered before we invest, design and build such an important facility so that we meet the needs of the elephants living within it.
Whilst we are in this early rehabilitation process Anne is being assessed and it is felt that is not suitable to introduce any other elephants to Anne at this stage. However this is something we are looking at in the longer term as an essential part of her rehabilitation.
We’re pleased with Anne’s progression here at Longleat during the short period of time she has been here. We must remember though she has a long way to go before we can consider her fully rehabilitated both physically and mentally. Anne’s rehabilitation team consists of four vets – two of which are elephant specialists, an osteopath, reiki healer, animal communicator and Longleat’s team of experienced elephant consultants. On top of this we are working in conjunction with several international animal welfare charities. Here at Longleat we believe it is important to explore every avenue that may benefit Anne’s future.
In the past week Anne has had her Vet come and see her for his regular weekly visit. He was very happy with the progress on her skin and feet.
The cooler wet weather has been a worry to the keepers this week, as we all know a bit of damp weather increases aches and pains... but not for Anne, who on an extremely wet Sunday last week had a great time playing in the rain and didn't really want to come in.
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Human Feet Prove To Be Main Attraction For Longleat Meerkats
27th May 2011
These adorable meerkats might not be quite as sweet and innocent as they look - after developing a keen interest in human feet.
Their new enclosure in Jungle Kingdom at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, is the first place in the UK where visitors can mingle with these cute critters.
Made famous by the Compare the Market adverts on TV they are delighted with the arrangement because they love nothing more than running amongst visitors.
They love playing around people's feet, larking about, making mischief and would probably sneak into visitors handbags if they were allowed.
It's not just the adult meerkats who have been attracted to wriggly toes though.
Among the more inquisitive meerkats are six babies which have recently been venturing into the walk-through enclosure for the first time. The meerkat babies may only be six weeks old but seem quite happy wandering amongst the visitors.
Keepers have had be on alert over the past week watching out for the adventurous youngsters as keeper, Catriona Carr explains:
"The babies seem to be settling really well into their new environment and are certainly not lacking in confidence!
"As keepers we've had to keep an eye on anybody wearing sandals or flip-flops, especially if they have painted toenails
"They seem to be more attracted to reds and blues for some reason
"We're not entirely sure what it is about the feet. It might be the bright colours of the footwear and toenails, the movement of the toes or even the smell!
"As keepers it certainly keeps us on our toes to make sure the cheeky critters don't nibble any visitor feet!"
The new path through the enclosure in Jungle Kingdom enables people to interact with the animals, which are among the favourites at the park.
But staff didn't think the meerkats would enjoy the humans as much as the humans enjoyed them.
The six baby meerkats are now part of a group of nineteen living in Jungle Kingdom at Longleat with the majority all successful births from previous years.
Groups of meerkat are known as mob and originate from parts of Southern Africa, Namibia and the Kalahari.
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Quartet of Lion Cubs Take Their First Steps Outside
19th May 2011
Longleat Safari & Adventure Park welcomed some of it’s newest arrivals this week as four nine-week-old lion cubs took their first tentative steps outside.
Weighing about 1 kilo and no bigger than the size of a young Labrador puppy the cubs made their first public appearance into their outdoor paddock. They were joined for the first time by mum, Yendi and Dad, Nibalo.
The baby lions, three females and a male were born in March and have been closely monitored by keepers over the past few weeks to ensure they settle in safely.
Head of Section Brian Kent said: “We’re delighted with the progress the cubs have made so far. We’ll continue to keep an eye on them over the next couple of months as they begin to grow into life at Longleat.”
“All four cubs are in a very playful mood at the moment running about chasing tails, chewing ears and jumping all over their parents.”
It’s the first cubs born to dad Nibalo after he arrived at Longleat from Germany back at the end of October and the youngsters appeared to be a bit of a handful to begin with.
As Brian explained, “The first time the cubs were out in the paddock he was quite grumpy and I don’t think he was expecting to be chased around by four energetic cubs. Lions are fairly lazy by nature and Nibalo is no different!
“As with any parents having to look after newborns the first few weeks are always going to be energy sapping but I’m sure he’ll soon settle into a routine!”
Mum, Yendi who is now nine years old and one of the more experienced parents in the pride at Longleat is already showing good signs of being a caring mother to the four excitable cubs.
Brian concluded, “Despite the cubs creating all sorts of mischief out in the paddock Yendi has been amazing and making sure the cubs are well looked after by their bad tempered father as well as being on hand to sort out any day-to-day rough and tumble!”
The cubs will continue to be let out into their paddock over the next week or so before having the complete freedom of the main lion reserve with the rest of the pride later in the month.
Lions are very sociable animals. They hunt together, share their prey and help rear each other’s cubs. Adult lions can weigh up to 200kgs and can sleep for up to 20 hours a day!
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Elephant Sanctuary donations reach £340,000
16th May 2011
Please Keep Donating!
Make a direct donation to the Longleat Elephant Sanctuary in the following ways:
1. Donate Online with JustGiving
2. Call our dedicated donations line on 01985 845 430
Thank you for your generous support.
Longleat would like to thank the public for the incredible support and generosity which they have shown Anne over recent weeks. So far donations for the "Longleat Elephant Sanctuary" have almost reached a staggering £340,000. This is just the beginning of a major campaign to help reach an ultimate goal of providing a safe haven for elephants like Anne.
The first concept drawing for the sanctuary has now been drawn up with the aim of accommodating up to five elephants including Anne. Over the coming months Longleat will be looking at other sanctuaries across the world as well as consulting with animal welfare bodies to come up with a more detailed plan.
Thank you for your support
Longleat are very appreciative of the support that people have shown from donations of pocket money and birthday money to lump sums from as far a-field as Dubai!
In addition to the donations Longleat has been delighted and somewhat taken aback by the number of Get Well Soon, Happy Retirement and homemade cards received.
Feel free to show your support by making a direct donation to the Longleat Elephant Sanctuary.
We (and we're sure Anne) thank you for your generous support.
Other Anne Stories
- Anne the elephant enjoys a walk - video and news
- Anne arrives at Longleat - video and news
- The plight of Anne the elephant
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Anne the Elephant Enjoys a Walk
10th May 2011
Please Donate!
Make a direct donation to the Longleat Elephant Sanctuary in the following ways:
1. Donate Online with JustGiving
2. Call our dedicated donations line on 01985 845 430
Thank you for your generous support.
Keepers at Longleat Safari Park have been delighted with Anne the Elephant's progress since she arrived at the park at the beginning of April. As her health has improved we have been able to take her out for longer walks out into the woods and park.
On arrival Anne suffered with crippling arthritis but with continuous veterinary and holistic care and day-to-day monitoring has improved Anne's mobility. Longleat keepers are now taking Anne on regular walks within the Safari and the relationship between her and two keepers Andy Hayton and Ryan Hockley is also beginning to blossom.
As Andy Hayton explained "We're delighted that Anne is settling in so well and is now trusting us to do more with her. Although rehabilitation is a slow process, we're really happy with the progress she has made so far and to the way that she has adjusted to her new life at Longleat."
"She's been here for over one month now and the signs are already good. For a 57-year-old she is surprisingly sprightly and is at times acting more like an elephant half her age!
In addition to her walks into the park Anne also has the freedom of her paddock on a daily basis where she has access to a paddling pool, scratching posts, logs and a 20-tonne pile of sand.
"It is very much down to Anne how long she wants to spend outdoors. Sadly we cannot guarantee there will always be an opportunity for visitors to see her when passing through the Safari Park. We just hope that visitors understand that Anne's welfare come first and we're taking every day as it comes at the moment" added Andy.
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Eye to Eye of the Tiger
28th April 2011
One of Longleat’s newest residents, a male tiger has been taking his first steps in his new home at the safari park - to gaze lovingly at his adoring female friend.
The hulking beast, called Turlough, has been recently introduced to Longleat Safari Park having come over from Dublin Zoo.
Having spent a 90 day period in isolation Turlough, a 15-year-old male is now sharing the tiger enclosure with the three existing females Soundari, Shouri and Svetli, all aged five.
Turlough initially proved to be a bit timid and apprehensive of his new environment and park mates for a few days having not wanted to venture outside.
He has, however, now plucked up the courage to come out and play and is quite content to share the enclosure with his three new tiger friends, particularly Soundari.
The two tigers spent a few tender moments staring affectionately into one another's eyes before rubbing noses.
The unusually loving moment was captured on camera at Longleat by photographer Richard Meston, 34.
Dad-of-three Richard, from Bournemouth, Dorset, said: "It was amazing to see and quite unusual.
"We were just having a family day out at Longleat and were in our car looking at the tigers.
"All of a sudden the male started gently padding around. He looked very playful and was behaving just like a big kitten.
"He started walking around the cars and pouncing on things - including one of the females.
"He got on her back before going face to face with her. It looked very affectionate - they touched noses and looked into each other's eyes.
"It was really lovely to see."
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Tractor Ted’s Farmwatch is Back
28th April 2011
Tractor Ted’s Farmwatch will be back at Longleat between Friday 29th April and Monday 2nd May due to popular demand.
It will be an exciting way for young children to get familiar with a host of farm animals and machinery and learn lots about farming and the countryside by getting up close to a host of farm experiences. There will be tractor and trailer rides around the Longleat estate whilst playing Look & Find along the way to spot farm machines and animals en route.
The ride finishes at the tented barn where children will be able to see all sorts of young farm animals such as lambs, chicks, calves, pygmy goats, rabbits, ponies and miniature donkeys. There will be demonstrations of animals husbandry and the chance to watch lambs being bottle fed.
Tractor Ted's real life farming films will be played in the cinema area and other activities will include making animal hats and playing 'Guess Whose Poo?'.
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Baby Camel Born At Longleat Safari Park
13th April 2011
A baby camel has been born at the Safari Park.
Named Lemmy, the male Bactrian is one of the newest Bactrian camels to be born at Longleat Safari Park, to mum Bhali, 13, and dad Khan, nine.
He was born weighing a hefty 4.7 stone (30kg) after a gestation period of 13 months, and is now busy exploring his large enclosure at the park.
Now one month old, Lemmy is one of eight Bactrian camels at the park - and is the first to be born at Longleat in two years.
Andy Hayton, from Longleat, said: "To see this young healthy calf out in the park with mum and the rest of the group is a real pleasure.
"The recent warm weather has been a welcome treat for Lemmy and is vital for his wellbeing."
Bactrian camels, known in Latin as Camelus ferus, are native to China and Mongolia.
Wild Bactrian camels are classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, numbering less than 1,000.
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Anne Arrives at Longleat
8th April 2011
Please Donate!
Make a direct donation to the Longleat Elephant Sanctuary in the following ways:
1. Donate Online with JustGiving
2. Call our dedicated donations line on 01985 845 430
Thank you for your generous support.
Anne the elephant is settling very well into her new surroundings at Longleat and has been having a great time these last few days dust bathing in the 20-tonne pile of sand, scratching on logs and more.
She is still under veterinary care and her programme of rehabilitation is being monitored on a day-by-day basis. We would like to thank visitors and concerned public for their questions and support at this time.
There have been some comments and concerns with regard to chaining. This is only done during Anne’s veterinary treatment - for a maximum of 30 minutes per day – and is on health and safety grounds for Longleat staff and external vets. Longleat is adhering to the current elephant husbandry guidelines as set by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium (BIAZA) which ensure the highest standard of care and welfare possible.
Might we thank everyone for their support at this time. As you will see from the photos, Anne is having a wonderful time settling into her new home. We have also taken some video footage of Anne in the last few days and hope to be releasing this onto the website as soon as feasible.
5th April 2011
With the successful arrival of Anne, Longleat has set up the "Longleat Elephant Sanctuary" to support the physical and behavioural care of Anne and other elephants in a similar position. Our plan is to build a modern facility that meets the elephants rehabilitation requirements. If you are interested in helping this cause please make a donation.
3rd April 2011
We are absolutely delighted that Anne the elephant was on Sunday 3 April successfully moved to Longleat Safari Park.
Anne coped with the journey admirably well, is safe, well and beginning to settle into her new surroundings.
In the coming days and weeks a team of three dedicated keepers will provide her with the tender loving care she needs around the clock. She will also receive a full health check and be provided with the best possible veterinary treatment. A decision will then be made on where she will be cared for long-term.
Anne is an elderly elephant and has been through a huge ordeal. We ask everyone to now leave her in peace so she has the best chance of recovering from her ordeal and settling into her new surroundings.
Animal Defenders International (ADI), British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), Born Free Foundation, Longleat, RSPCA and Specialist Wildlife Services thank the public for their concern for Anne. She is now in a place where she can feel safe and secure.
Mrs and Mrs Roberts who also assisted with Anne’s move have passed on their own thanks to everyone involved for their help and support.
All the groups will continue to liaise in the coming days and weeks to ensure Anne receives the highest and most appropriate level of care available, both in the short and long-term.
Photos courtesy of Bruce Adams / Daily Mail
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The Plight of Anne the Elephant
31st March 2011
Please Donate!
Make a direct donation to the Longleat Elephant Sanctuary in the following ways:
1. Donate Online with JustGiving
2. Call our dedicated donations line on 01985 845 430
Thank you for your generous support.
The plight of Anne the elephant has captured the heart of the public. We are delighted to announce that Mr Roberts has agreed that Anne can be rehomed to a place where she will feel safe and secure.
Animal protection groups and Mr Roberts have agreed that Anne will be handed over to Longleat Safari Park as an immediate place of safety, where her condition can be assessed and she will receive veterinary attention. Longleat has facilities to house Anne and provide her with a secure environment with the best possible veterinary care.
At a meeting today Animal Defenders International (ADI), British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), Born Free Foundation, Longleat, RSPCA and Specialist Wildlife Services, discussed the best options for this elderly elephant who has endured so much.
It was agreed that steps should be taken to move Anne as soon as possible, with the priority being Anne’s welfare, safety and freedom from stress. Therefore the move will be carried out away from the public view.
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Spring Cleaning At Longleat House
30th March 2011
Staff at a stately home avoided a Del Boy moment when they successfully lowered a 200-year old chandelier to the ground so it could be cleaned.
The ornate 36 bulb light fixture that hangs above the grand staircase at Longleat House, Wilts, was last given a spruce up nearly 10 years ago.
So when the time came for its latest spring clean, employees went about the task of lowering the chandelier with some trepidation.
Dr Kate Harris, curator of historic collections at Longleat House – the home of Lord Bath – said: “I have to admit that the classic chandelier episode of Only Fools and Horses was at the back of our minds during the whole cleaning operation. I’m just delighted that the lowering of our chandelier was somewhat more successful than Del Boy and Rodney’s.
“The chandelier was last cleaned about nine years ago so it was about time it had a spruce up. A specially adapted low suction vacuum cleaner was used and I dread to think how much dust was collected. It took several hours to thoroughly clean.”
The chandelier at Longleat is suspended from the ceiling by a chain covered in a velvet sleeve and staff used a crank to gently winch it 40ft onto the stairs.
As the wrought iron chandelier was lowered two more workers hold open a large dust sheet beneath it in case any fragile parts fell off.
A successful clean later and the chandelier was gently winched back into position.
The magnificent country house dates back to the 16th century and the chandelier, that is decorated with ornamental foliage, was hung above the grand staircase in the early 19th century.
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Monkey Mayhem Returns To Longleat!
18th March 2011
This troop of over-excited monkeys thought that their birthdays had all come at once when a car, complete with suitcases, was left in their enclosure.
Normally the madcap primates spend their days leaping from car to car, hitching free rides on the thousands of vehicles that pass through their enclosure each day. It was decided to give the monkeys a full test drive to ensure that they are nicely limbered up for the new season!
The new toy was delivered last week and the 100 Rhesus monkeys soon set about tearing it apart with gusto.
The cheeky monkeys jumped on the bonnet, ran off with their very own wing mirror and rolled hubcaps gleefully away to play with.
They even rifled through luggage strapped to the top of the car, and tried on human clothes for size.
The little terrors admired their own reflections in the mirror, and even tried to pull off the Mercedes badge on the bonnet as a souvenir of their day!
Their antics were perfect preparation for the reopening of their enclosure, which will see hoards of delighted tourists flocking to see them in the up and coming months.
Deputy head warden, Ian Turner said: "The Longleat monkeys are one of the key attractions of the Safari Park creating fond memories for many thousands if not millions of kids over the years and probably the same number of frustrating memories for dads!
“We decided to give them their very own car to get them back in training for the new season. It’s clear to see from our test run however, that monkey mischief is still very much front of mind and they plainly haven’t forgotten their fondness for cars!”
Found throughout south east Asia and across the Indian subcontinent rhesus monkeys thrive in a wide variety of habitats and climates.
In some parts of India they are believed to be sacred with the result that they have lived in close contact with humans for countless centuries - particularly in and around Buddhist and Hindu temples.
Rhesus monkeys are extremely intelligent, naturally inquisitive animals which can learn to manipulate simple tools and distinguish colours and shapes.
Highly sociable they live in family troops of 20 or more led by a dominant male.
Food is gathered as a group - one monkey acting as "look-out" for danger, while the others fill their cheek pouches with as much food as they can.
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Longleat…Back On TV!
27th February 2011
Longleat will be back in our living rooms from Monday 28th February as the popular CBBC programme, ROAR, commences a run of thirty-five programmes.
Produced by Remarkable Television, an Endemol company, this is the seventh series of ROAR but is the first to be set from this world famous Wiltshire safari park.
In this series, presenters Johny Pitts and Rani Price have an ‘access all areas’ pass giving viewers a unique ringside seat as they follow the everyday dramas and dangers facing keepers and vets as they care for some of the world’s most endangered animals.
Ian Turner, Deputy Head Warden advised “It was wonderful to have the film crews back in to give a real behind the scenes look at what goes on here at Longleat. Life in a safari park is never going to be your normal 9 to 5 job from working with dangerous animals to mucking out tonnes of dung!
“Every day is different and it was great to welcome Johny and Rani into the fold and to see them really getting their hands dirty!”
The series covers a whole range of animal stories from Riley, a baby sea lion who at just 3 days old, attempts his first deep water swim. There’s life-and-death drama as the keepers try and rescue new-born baby otters and must hand rear them if they are to survive whilst Imogen, the giraffe, is expecting a baby, but the vet fears complications could threaten her life and that of her unborn calf.
The Roar Rangers don’t get off lightly either. Their hands get very dirty as they become trainee keepers and learn to scoop one thing that the park is never short of, poo!
CBBC Roar will commence at 0800hrs on Monday 28th February and will be aired from Monday to Friday for 7-weeks.