Mr and Mr Rattie off to the Vets…..

Our resident rats Templeton and Rizzo are off to see ‘ Doc Green’ our Vet this morning as all is not harmonious in the rat camp here at Seaview!
If you remember our blog from last year a little young rat appeared in our mealworm delivery box!  We decided to keep Rizzo and sourced a mate that we named Templeton.  So… all has been well for many months with the little critters blending together in perfect, peaceful harmony!  Not any more… hormones have kicked in, male dominance resides and the bickering has begun! 

Immediate action has been sanctioned and after much deliberating (sorry boys) castration is calling…… A mild sedative will be given and hopefully after a month separated a 70% chance of  the pair resuming a healthy, heart warming, harmonious reconciliation will reconvene….. will keep you posted!

STUCK ON A UNIQUE GIFT IDEA FOR EASTER?

Snowy Flamingos….

It’s snowing on the Isle Of Wight and the Park looks beautiful… We are getting out and about with the camera and snapping away.  Just when we thought the cold winter weather was a distant memory it turns around and surprises us all over again.  The poor Keepers enduring the incessant icy cold days really makes it quite challenging working conditions but they are all wrapped up in multiple layers to keep out the cold!  Roll on the summer…..

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY……

I hope all you lovely Mums out there are relaxing and being spoilt on your special day. 
We are expecting and anticipating many new Mums this Spring of the  feathered and furry kind within our wonderful animal kingdom  here at Seaview Wildlife!  Spring has Sprung  and love is in the air!  Come and visit us soon – Park opens March 23rd…..

New Flickr Account up and running!

Check our amazing  new Flickr account to see some fantastic pictures of the park with some glorious weather! Keep checking for more updates. New pictures coming soon!!!! 

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dippyseaview/ 

A Discovery in the Harvest Mice Enclosure!

When cleaning one of our Harvest Mice enclosures this week, the keepers were delighted to find some incredibly cute baby mice hidden inside the nest!
The adult mice build their nests from materials they collect up such as the hay and leaves provided for them inside the enclosure.
The baby mice are born pink after a gestation of between 18 - 21 days. They will then start venturing out of the nest to start exploring at approximately 10 -12 days of age. Once the youngsters are around 8 weeks old they'll be fully weaned and independent!
Once at this stage, they will be moved into a nursery enclosure where they will stay for around 3 - 4 weeks before being housed into same-sex groups in the main enclosures. By separating the males and females we are able to control any indiscriminate breeding.
The adult harvest mice are only around 3-4cm in size so you can imagine how tiny their babies are!

Animal Keeper/Presenter vacancy at Seaview Wildlife for 2013 season

 

A unique opportunity has arisen to join the dynamic Animal Care Team at Seaview Wildlife - the Island's most interactive  Award Winning Wildlife Attraction.   This is a seasonal position from March to September/October, 2013.  The Park leads the way in interactive animal experiences for all ages and is looking for a candidate that will be self-motivated with excellent customer care skills, attention to detail  a priority together with a positive aptitude is essential for this demanding role .


The position involves all animal husbandry duties and giving daily presentations to our visitors plus, supervising and organising our extremely popular V.I.P. Wildlife Encounters. (See our link for an outline of these Encounters http://www.seaviewwildlife.com/summary/wildlife_encounters/ ).  The job requires a mature, friendly, outgoing person 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.
Hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm (flexible)

Animal care/zoo management qualification preferred or similar hands-on, animal care experience  essential. Will need to live locally as accommodation is not provided.
Please send a current CV with a covering letter to Lorraine Adams Director either by email to: info@seaviewwildlife.com or by post to Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Oakhill Road, Seaview, Isle Of Wight. PO34 5AP. CLOSING DATE 10th March, 2013