The weather may be cool, grey and damp but many of our feathered friends around the Park bring us colour and brightness all year round, even on the dullest of days! I’ve included just a few images to share with you:
Above: Peach-Faced Lovebirds
Above: Ring-Necked Parakeets
Above: Moluccan Cockatoo
Above left: Caribbean Flamingo Above right: Lesser Flamingo
Above Left: Crowned Crane Above right: Peacock
Four or five months ago we introduced a new female Harvest Mouse to our collection - a new bloodline to add genetic diversity to our existing stock. On arrival at the Park the newcomer was really tiny and obviously very young. We selected a male from our collection at random and placed the two of them in our breeding tank with high hopes for a successful pairing. After eight weeks there was no evidence of any intimacy and definitely no patter of baby mice feet - however as the new female was still quite small we decided to leave the pair together for a while longer and hoped that future warmer spring weather might be the catalyst for new life ……
Nature, of course, has its own plans and own perfect agenda …. so we were surprised but delighted to discover four new mid-winter babies! These tiny creatures really are very endearing …..
Some Interesting Harvest Mouse Facts:
Latin Name: Micromys minutus
Appearance: Britain and Europe’s smallest mammal - other than the Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
Size: length: 50-70mm.
Weight: 4-6 grams
Lifespan: In the wild a maximum of 18 months. In captivity 2 years or more.
Distribution: They range across Europe (although not in most of Scandinavia) E. Russia, Korea, S. China and N. Korea. In Britain they are found from Yorkshire southwards and parts of Wales.
Habitat: Hedgerows, reed-beds, and other areas of tall, dense vegetation.
Diet: In the wild they mainly eat a mixture of seeds, berries and insects; moss and roots are occasionally eaten.
Breeding: Two or three litters a year in the wild, between late May and October. Litters of 4-6 young. The only British mammal to build nests of woven grass well above ground.
Conservation: Harvest mice are listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) Species because they have become much scarcer in recent years (they are now extinct on the the Isle of Wight). Modern farming methods have caused a reduction in hedgerows, and combine harvesters leave harvest mice in grain fields with little chance of escape.
Predators: Weasels, stoats, foxes, cats, owls, hawks, crows and sometimes pheasants.
| JUNIOR WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE - FOR AGES 6 - 15 | |
 | Due to popular demand this unique treat has been created for our younger guests. Little animal lovers can experience a behind the scenes ' mini zookeeper adventure' learning all about our fabulous wildlife and how to care for them. Book early to avoid disappointment using our online form.  |
| Ages: Duration: Availability: | 6 - 15 years (inclusive) Choice of two sessions morning or afternoon: 10.15am to 12.15pm or 2.00pm to 4.00pm 7 days a week (excluding bank holidays). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost: £60 per child - maximum 3 children per session (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult whose admission is free, any additional adults admitted at special voucher rate). You may download information sheets and a written application form here (pdf format). More information, including programme, on the Junior Wildlife Experience page on our website.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hello from South Africa!
Last Monday I left chilly England behind, and after an eleven hour flight I finally arrived in Cape Town, South Africa. Once out of the airport I was greeted with some spectacular views of Table Mountain and of course, the sunshine!
My first two weeks here have been spent visiting one of my friends who I met when I went to university in Plymouth a few years ago. Knowing someone who lives here is definitely an advantage, as we have been able to visit some of the sights that are not quite as easily accessed by most tourists.
Cape Town really is an incredible city with a rich history and diverse culture. Offering everything from wine tasting and delicious open food markets to scenic drives along the coast and some amazing wildlife.
Within five minutes of arriving at one of the bays we discovered a family of cape fur seals splashing about in the harbour (less than two metres away from us), and large kelp gulls, cape cormorants and rare oyster catchers flying overhead.
Tomorrow we are going to visit Cape Point and the surrounding nature reserve and on Saturday we will be attempting to climb Table Mountain (weather and fitness depending!). See image above of Table Mountain.
Next week I start work at SANCCOB, which I’m really looking forward to.
Best wishes to everyone at the park and back in the UK.
Charlotte
We met with Liam Thom this morning (from Island Webservices) to discuss some exciting new website opportunities …. stirring, stimulating stuff ….!
It was such a mild morning that after our meeting we decided to get out there for a quick tour of the Park. I had my camera at the ready and took advantage of not having winter-wet or frost-bitten fingers! Here are a few of the images:
We look forward to the website wizard weaving some magic with us …..
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join the dynamic Animal Care Team at the Island's largest, multi-award winning wildlife attraction - this is a seasonal position from March to November 2012.
The position involves all animal husbandry duties and giving daily talks to the public. The successful incumbent will be an exceptional 'people person' who has the ability to lead promotional events such as 'Keeper for a Day', Junior Wildlife Experience', One-on-One Wildlife Encounters' and Wildest Place for a Special Date'.
A mature, friendly, outgoing person is required with a very hands-on approach. Applicants should be well spoken, team-orientated and physically fit, able to roll up their sleeves and willing to get involved.
This is a demanding, outdoor role, five days a week including weekends and bank holidays. Previous hands-on animal care experience is essential and a relevant qualification is preferred.
Working hours: 8am - 4.30/5.00pm
Closing Date: 31st January, 2012. Interviews to take place early February
Applicants should live locally as accommodation is not provided.
Please send a current CV and covering letter to Jules Brittan, General Manager, either by email to: info@seaviewwildlife.com or by post to Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Oakhill Road, Seaview, Isle Of Wight. PO34 5AP.
Labels: Animal Keeper vacancy at Seaview Wildlife Isle of Wight
Our extra large stud wallaby has been a little ‘ off colour ‘ the past few days so we have brought him into a separate area and the Keepers are giving him lots of TLC.
He started to wobble a little on his legs so he is on a course of antibiotics – as you can see from the image above Fern is syringing the medicine into him and feeding him up on all of his favourite foods – special wallaby pellets and lots of hay with fresh fruit and vegetables ~ he is totally spoilt but so worth it.
He is so ‘laid back’ in true Aussie style (these marsupials originate from Australia and Tasmania) and he is a gentle giant, so passive and calm. He seems to like all the fuss and extra attention! Lets hope he is back on his feet soon and hopping around with the rest of the wallaby mob!
First of all we would like to wish everyone a very happy new year from all the staff and furry, feathery and scaly residents here at the Park!
Although 2012 didn’t get off to a very welcoming sunny start, come rain or shine 
As it turns out Augustus and Garnet don’t have to worry about getting their wool wet as due to their thick fibrous wool the rain doesn’t even penetrate to their skin!
Others however have got more important things on their mind, like making sure they have a comfy sty to keep dry in…….
Yes you guessed it, I’m talking about Alfie and Willis our Miniature Pigs!
The boys just love to busy themselves arranging the straw just how they like it in order to make a comfy bed……
Well at least it’s one less job for the Keepers to do!
