Find your pot of gold and celebrate a Monkey’s wedding!

Somewhere over the rainbow …. I took this image a couple of days ago from the Park when sunshine and showers showcased over the Solent …… having spent so many years of my life in South Africa I always think of a sunshower (and resultant rainbow) as a “Monkey’s Wedding”.

In South African English, a sunshower is referred to as a "monkey’s wedding", translated from the Zulu umshado wezinkawu, a wedding for monkeys. In Afrikaans it is referred to as jakkalstrou (Jackal’s wedding) or Jakkals trou met wolf se vrou as dit reën en die son skyn flou ("The Jackal marries the Wolf’s wife when it rains and the sun shines faintly").

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Legend has it that the Irish leprechaun's secret hiding place for his pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow.

All the Team at Seaview Wildlife hope you (our friends and fellow Bloggers) discover your own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow…… in whatever form it needs to be to bring you a special Christmas time …… and most of all to enrich the year ahead with good health, happiness and love.

PRESS RELEASE FROM BIAZA

David Cameron urged to befriend warthogs and wallabies to rekick the economy

ZOOS and aquariums can play an important role in kick starting the UK economy, the House of Commons was told today. (Dec 14)

This growing sector already contributes  £645m to the UK economy and helps generate over 11,000 jobs – and has huge potential for regional economic development.

MPs urged David Cameron’s government to do more to realise the potential for growth, which is clearly illustrated by Yorkshire Wildlife Park which has already generated £3.4m to its local community in only three years since opening.

At an adjournment debate on the role of zoos in regional economic development tabled by Andrew Rosindell MP at Westminster, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, was called on by MPs to recognise the importance of zoos and aquariums to the growth of the economy.

Gordon Marsden MP urged the government to ‘be a friend to the warthog, the wallaby and the ring-tailed lemur’.

Meanwhile Mr Rosindell spoke about the potential zoos and aquariums have which is  not being exploited by the government and urged the minister to recognise this potential.

He said:  “I would strongly suggest that, with the proper encouragement, aquaria, zoos and similar wildlife sites can become even more dynamic engines to help our economy in so many ways.”

A report commissioned by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), showed its member zoos and aquariums contribute £645 million to the UK economy and help generate about 11,000 jobs.

They not only boost local employment, but drive long term tourism growth, encourage inward investment, champion environmental technology, promote and protect native wildlife and our overall tourism landscape and support community activities.

Zoos and aquariums cover a number of departments including DCMS for tourism, DoE for education and DCLG for community activities, but Mr Rosindell’s main goal was to request a firm dialogue between DBIS (the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) and BIAZA.

He was supported by a number of MPs representing zoos and aquariums in their constituencies including David Tredinnick (Twycross Zoo), Jim Shannon (WWT Castle Espie), Nigel Dodds (Belfast Zoo), Mike Crockart (Edinburgh Zoo), Andrew Selous (Whipsnade Zoo), Oliver Colvile (National Marine Aquarium), Stephen Moseley (Chester Zoo), Simon Hart (Folly Farm and Manor House), Mark Garnier (West Midland Safari Park), and Gordon Marsden (Blackpool Zoo).

The MPs spoke highly of the zoos and aquariums in their constituencies, not only as businesses and tourism attractions with high visitor numbers, but as institutions that carry out important work in education, conservation and research and have strong links with universities to develop skills.

They all spoke of the positive impact zoos have, the potential for growth and the importance of DBIS taking this issue forward. Mike Crockart MP said: “We need to recognise them as institutions which can help us grow our economy and address skills gaps.”

Stephen Moseley MP called zoos a ‘real engine for growth’ . 

Minister, Mark Prisk concluded the debate by saying that he recognised zoos and aquariums as businesses and that DBIS needs to look at how zoos and aquariums can work more closely with government.

Following the debate, Miranda Stevenson, Executive Director of BIAZA, said: “We were delighted to see the support of MPs at the debate and look forward to constructive dialogue with the minister.”

To watch the full adjournment debate visit: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmfbusi/d01.htm

ANIMAL KEEPER/PRESENTER VACANCY

Animal Keeper/Presenter vacancy at Seaview Wildlife for 2012 season (March - November)

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.

Battery Rescue Hens progress report – and some upsetting facts

Regular followers of our Blog may remember that on 5th November we rescued five hens through The British Hen Welfare Trust based in Chulmleigh, Devon. This charity rescues Battery Hens that have outlived their most productive months as egg-layers and are destined to be slaughtered.

What follows are some shocking facts about the life we have helped our hens escape from – please don’t read on if you’re likely to find the realities too upsetting ….

In their previous lives as factory/battery egg-laying birds our five hens were packed into a cage of only 45 x 50cm (slightly bigger than an average microwave oven) and weren’t allowed out at any time.

It is instinctive and natural behaviour for hens to move about almost non-stop during daylight hours – scratching in the soil and pecking around. When restricted in tiny cages hens need to somehow substitute this behaviour. The only source of interest left to them is the feathers and flesh of their cage mates which they frequently peck - sometimes to death. Imagine if we were forced to live in a phone box (with no natural light or fresh air) squashed in with four other unknown people - we might also become aggressive after a few weeks …. or days ….. This could be stopped by providing hens with a decent amount of space - but instead of this many farmers practice beak trimming – using a red-hot blade to remove part of their beaks when the birds are young. Some die from bleeding or shock.

Public protest has led to a small victory for hens. The EU agreed in 1999 to phase-out barren battery cages. From 1st of January 2012 the use of conventional cages will be prohibited. Only 'enriched' cages will be permitted. This sounds like an improvement - but tragically "enriched cages" still mean hens being crammed together in small spaces, with only a tiny amount more space than they have in the current caging system.

The five ‘girls’ that we adopted have settled in well so far. They’re staying undercover in the safety of our ‘Pets Corner’ area for the winter months – allowing them time to adjust to being free to roam. They still look scruffy, with lots of bald patches, but new feathers are beginning to grow through. They’re becoming more confident, ‘chatting’ to the Keepers and following them around, and of course tucking into their food with relish! I’ve included a couple of photos taken earlier today – with Fern and Charlotte doing the cuddling!

If you can offer three or more hens a good home (they like to be in a small flock) please consider contacting The British Hen Welfare Trust.

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Revamp and Extension of Catering and Cafe facilities

Our Carpenter and Project Manager, Dean (of DTJ Decorations) is currently entrenched in a major winter project here at the Park. Whilst we’re closed to visitors during the winter months it’s an ideal time to embark on a variety of projects that would be too disruptive during our open season! One of the projects this year is a re-vamp and extension of our catering and cafe facilities. Dean has worked with us on-and-off off over a couple of years now - he competently turns his hand to a multitude of tasks and has become a trusted extension to our Team!

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We’re looking forward not only to the new-look cafe but to sharing our exciting new menu ideas with our visitors too!

Letter and image of the Week!

“Please find attached a photo of Dippy in his house as promised on his facebook page!

We came to visit during the October half term and had a lovely time, despite the down pours.

My 8 year old son loved Dippy the best and was very happy when he posed for us in his house.

Hopefully see you again sometime soon.

Kind regards,

Claire West (and Elliot aged 8.)”

Many thanks to Claire and Elliott for taking the time to send this cute image of Dippy standing at the entrance to his little house (whilst it’s pouring with rain outside!) x

Keeper Fern’s update on male Meerkat

We wanted to let you all know how our male Meerkat is settling in, after what felt to me like a long three weeks of excitement and nervousness, our male Meerkat has been introduced to the the two girls with great success.

To make sure the introduction went as smoothly as possible we had a safety enclosure added within the girls enclosure. This meant that the male and the two females were able to get used to one another through the safety of this enclosure. At first the girls were intent on getting in to see who this intruder was, and of course the male was a little nervous, but within the first few days the girls had got over the excitement and confusion of this male Meerkat in their territory and all seemed to calm down.

Over the next two weeks we saw them interacting with each other. The girls would sit closely to his enclosure and he would join in on sentry duty all the while pawing at each other through the cage. After a promising two weeks it was time to swap them over. The two females were put into the males safety enclosure and he was left to his own devices within the girls home. This was so he was able to get used to his new home without the stress of the females watching his every move. The first day he seemed a little overwhelmed by this new space, and the girls a little miffed, but as the days went on it was clear that he was quite content. Within that week their behaviour seemed much the same as before they were swapped over.

Finally, the time had come to introduce the Meerkats to one another. Head keeper Tara and myself, although a little nervous, removed the division between the two enclosures. After a little while the male decided to make the first move and made a quick dash into the females enclosure. Myself and Tara remained on standby in case of any signs of aggression, but to our relief the Meerkats got on like a house on fire! Observing the Meerkats now you would’ve never known they were from separate gangs.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

Stuck for a gift idea this Christmas? Why not choose something completely different and unusual for a loved one?

Treat your family and friends to a fantastic Wildlife Encounter – a truly unique present! We have four fabulous V.I.P. promotions to choose from:

http://www.seaviewwildlife.com/special-date.htm

http://www.seaviewwildlife.com/be-a-keeper.htm

http://www.seaviewwildlife.com/junior_experience.htm

http://www.seaviewwildlife.com/close-encounters.htm

Included in the price will be a voucher for the experience of your choice to give as a present this Christmas.

Sorry, we can’t gift wrap lovely Dippy our famous Humboldt Penguin !!

(Image: Dippy the penguin)

WINNERS OF OUR “WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF 2011” ANNOUNCED!

Congratulations to the winners of this year's "Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition" at Seaview Wildlife!

Prizes are on their way! Thank you to all of you who entered - there were some really great images and it was a tough choice! Look out for our exciting 2012 photographic competition - we hope you'll enter again next year!" – and for those who didn’t enter – dust down your lenses and come and enjoy a wildlife photographic adventure here at the Park – we’re open 1st April – 4th November 2012!

1st Prize - Adult Category – Derric Nimmo – Leaf Cutting Ants

2nd Prize – Adult Category – Shashi Shinde – Peacock Displaying

1st Prize – Junior Category – Joe Turner (age 13) – Penguin Swimming

2nd Prize – Junior Category – Olivia Garner (age 15) – Moorhen on Nest

VET VISITS THE PARK

One morning last week Dr Ian Green, our eminent, longstanding veterinarian, spent some time with us here at the Park. The reason for the visit was three-fold:

• This was one our scheduled bi-annual vet visits where health and husbandry topics are pro-actively discussed and reviewed.
• To consult and treat specific cases.
• To be a participant in one of our bi-annual Ethical Review Meetings.

It was a successful morning with all topics on the agenda being positively dealt with! The pro-active discussions related primarily to planning for the care of our livestock in the winter months ahead. This combined with a walk-around the Park so that Ian was able to observe and advise on various proposed Collection plans.

With regards the specific cases, Ian worked through a list of tasks with his usual speed and efficiency including:

• Vaccinating Rabbits against Myxomatosis

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• Trimming Pigs’ trotters and injecting against worms and external parasites

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• Clearing compacted food matter that had collected under the tongue (due to weakened soft tissue in the mouth floor) of one of the Domestic Geese .

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WINNER OF OUR GREAT 40TH BIRTHDAY QUIZ TRAIL

Congratulations… to Troy Wood from Altrincham, Cheshire who has won our 2011 Great 40th Birthday Quiz Trail.

We run this educational, fun quiz each season whereby, visitors can collect the free quiz forms upon arrival at our entrance and then can spend their time looking around the Park hunting for the hidden clues and filling in the form as they find the answers! Then after completing the tie-breaker and the question: the best thing about my visit today was…….. the judges then have the hard task of sorting through thousands upon thousands of fantastic answers and having a tough decision upon choosing a winner.

Lucky Troy who is about to receive some fantastic prizes said in his winning tie-breaker…

“The best thing about my visit was feeding and stroking the wallabies. My animal encounters were absolutely amazing – I will remember them forever – thank you”.

We use this form also as a market research questionnaire so we can find out how our visitors really feel about our Park asking how they heard about us, is the first visit, would they return and if they have any suggestions or feedback. Visitor details are then stored on our database and used for our marketing activities. Troy’s family fed back with….

“We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It was fantastic being able to interact with the animals and great opportunities to take wonderful photographs. The cleanliness of the Park was first class , all the enclosures were beautifully maintained with plenty of interesting animals. We would definitely recommend Seaview to others. It is fantastic for animal encounters”.

Thank you to Troy and his family for visiting the Park and for the wonderful comments – part of the prize is a family pass for four so we hope to welcome Troy and his family back again to the Park in the future.

Photographic Competition: Sorry to our entrants for the delay in judging. This is our Monday morning priority and winners in both Adult and Child categories will be announced this coming week so watch this space!!

GOOGLE ALERT!

Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Isle of Wight, One on One Wildlife Encounters
Seaview Wildlife Encounter logo, Seaview, Isle of Wight, SEAVIEW WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER, Penguin and Meerkat Close Encounters. Penguin & Meerkat Close ...
www.seaviewwildlife.com/close-encounters.htm

Another Google Alert just in…. Have a look at our ‘New for 2012’ One to One Wildlife Encounters with our Penguins and Meerkats – this would make a fantastic gift idea for a really unique christmas present!

UPDATE ON OUR NEW ARRIVAL – MALE MEERKAT

Great news! As you may remember from our previous blog the introduction of our new male Meerkat has gone extremely well. After some switching around we opened up the inside pen and let them all meet each other without the wire and things couldn’t have gone more smoothly!

No aggression, no fighting just calm so we are very happy this introduction has gone so well. Let’s hope that once the dominant alpha female role has been established, the future plan will involve the patter of tiny meerkat paws and the formation of a new family group here at Seaview!

GOOGLE ALERTS!

We received a ‘Google Alert’ yesterday with a link for tripadvisor with some fantastic feedback from some of our visitors – check it out!

Great place to visit - Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Seaview Traveller ...
Seaview Wildlife Encounter: great place to visit - See traveler reviews, 3 candid photos, and great deals for Seaview, UK, at TripAdvisor.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g503891-d187477...

FIVE RESCUED BATTERY HENS

Yesterday we rescued five rather thin, tatty, sad looking battery hens. The current barren cage system is coming to an end on the 31st December and all hens that are in this cage system will have to go to slaughter at that time.

The British Hen Welfare Trust based in Chulmleigh, Devon have been looking for homes across the UK – can you help?

The girls had been driven through the night yesterday from Devon – the farmer had no money for feed and we were told the chickens had not eaten for a week. They are very thin so upon arrival at the Park last night the ‘girls’ were put into the safety of our Pets Corner area with a large bowl of grain and fresh water. They are still hiding this morning – I think it will take some time for them to realise now they have so much freedom here at the Park to wander around, pecking at the grass and enjoying the fresh air and winter sun.

We will worm, de-flea and feed them up and will show you hopefully transformation pictures in a few weeks time of these sweet, docile birds enjoying their new home and a life without bars!

LETTER OF THE WEEK

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE

From the Hon Chairman of the Petersfield Link of CCLL

31st October, 2011

Dear Miss Adams,

It was extremely generous of you to admit our group of Chernobyl Children to your Park on 28th October.  It was a real thrill for them to see such a wonderful variety of different species, both birds and mammals.  They had of course seen pictures of these creatures back home, but never had the opportunity of getting up close to them.  Feeding them with corn was a particular delight and we have many photographs of them with big smiles on their faces doing just that.

They will be sent home with an album of photos to remind them of their time here and in particular their wonderful experience with your creatures.

We are very grateful to you and all your staff for being so helpful in what must be very difficult financial times for you.  Please pass on all our thanks to those involved.

With many thanks from all the children and from us in the Petersfield Link.

Yours sincerely,

D .B. Burstall, Hon Chairman

Trick or Treat?!

Well it looks like our cheeky Asian Short Clawed Otters were given a tasty, if not scary looking, treat by our Keepers….

and the trick…how to get into it! 

 

 

 

                  

It looks like Frank soon finds a way, he just needs to get past those juicy tomatoes….

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

…… then using his agile front paws he delves in to what else he can find!

 

 

Oops it looks like Dean has cottoned on…

 

 

 

and celebrates his glory with a bit of minced beef…yum!

 

Junior Wildlife Experience- Annabelle Dyer

Our last 2011 booking for a ‘Junior Wildlife Experience’ was enjoyed by ten year old Annabelle Taylor.

Annabelle had no idea what she was letting herself in for as the unique experience was left as a complete surprise until she was greeted at the entrance by Animal Keeper Charlotte. Judging by the great photos taken by Charlotte throughout the morning, it looks like the day was full of surprises for ‘wannabe’ Vet Annabelle!

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We Shortly received a very kind letter from Annabelle’s Mother Lisa to express her thanks, especially to Charlotte, for a “wonderful wildlife experience” and said that Annabelle “really enjoyed her day and learnt so much”.

On behalf of all the Animal Care Team, thank you Lisa for taking the time to write to us, it’s great to get such positive feedback and we hope to welcome you and your family back to the Park next season!

If you would like to surprise someone special with one of our many ‘Unique 2012 Wildlife Experiences’ then don’t hesitate to contact us or check out our website for further details…… but remember book soon to avoid disappointment!!

The last Keeper for the Day of 2011- Moira Lee

Today was the last booking that we have had for our unique ‘ Keeper for the Day’ experience of 2011. After visiting the Park over the last 40 years of opening, Moira lee was treated by partner George to become a ‘Keeper for the Day’.

Moira spends much of her time feeding all the wild birds that flock into her garden and therefore fancied a turn at feeding and caring for some more exotic species that we home here at the Park….

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Judging by Moira’s gentle nature with all the animals, it’s clear to see where all our free flying Ducks and Geese will be heading this winter!

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Hi Jules.

Many thanks for the photos!  It was great to meet you too and we both felt privileged to be your first ‘ Penguin Encounter’ guests.  On a personal note, I’d just like to thank you specifically and the other keeper (many apologies for forgetting her name?) You were so friendly from the start with our phone call, through to the day itself.  We couldn’t believe how much time we got to spend with the penguins and you were great with answering all our questions.  Getting to name a penguin was totally unexpected and such a lovely surprise!  Maybe you should introduce that at a cost, in order to bring some extra money into your Park?  I remember Dippy, Humphrey, Pippa etc.. but for the other ones of the 31 that are not named?  Although, I think you do an adopt-a-penguin scheme already and this may interfere with that etc…

We’d both love to monitor the progress of Danielle.  She was very sweet and friendly and I loved it she took a shine to me.  It was so cute when she kept standing on my feet and following me around!  Please let me know if she needs anything and I will send on a little bit of money to help.  We loved them all really and so funny how they all have different personalities and I didn’t mind when they bit us a bit!  I have just seen the blog link on facebook and will be sure to write some feedback on there asap.

We will definitely return in the spring.  My Mum is a huge fan of Meerkats (& penguins incidentally!) so I know what I can do the Meerkat Encounter you mention next for her.  She’s rather unwell at the moment but hopefully will be back to 100% by then and I can surprise her as a good reason for a day out again! 

I’ll definitely be passing on info to friends and family.  Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get people aware etc.. and have already sent on the link to the blog to people as well as lots of texts last night saying what a great day it was.  As your Park is not as big as some of the larger national and more corporate Zoos and Parks, we really appreciated the personal touch.  The other penguin encounters etc… were in London or further away, so it was great to keep things slightly more local and support your ‘hidden gem’.  Please do not be shy to let us know if there is any other way we can help you guys out, as you were so good to us….

Thanks again SO much and just to let you know Danielle said last night it was one, if not the, best day of her life.  I kept it a complete surprise until we got to the Park itself.

Stay in touch, warmest regards,

David.

 

Junior Wildlife Experience- Kameron Taylor

Today Head Keeper Tara, had the pleasure of spending the morning with seven year old Kameron Taylor and mum Rosslyn. Kameron, who will turn eight in November, was treated to an early birthday present by Mum. Kameron loves all animals but was particularly thrilled to be able to spend time with the Penguins and Meerkats and even did something that he had never done before which was to touch and hold a Snake!

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Although some of the animals mis-behaved and unfortunately gave Kameron a few nips and bruises to show off to his friends, he assured me that this was the “best time of his life” and would love to do it again next year…..

I wonder if the large slice of chocolate cake had anything to do with it ?!

Keeper for a day… or two- Holly Hinds

We were privileged to spend not one but two days with former ‘Keeper for a day’ Holly Hinds from Kent. Last year Holly joined the Keepers here at the Park for a day of feeding, cleaning and of course cuddling some of our well loved animals. It turns out that she loved the experience so much that her Gran booked her to do it all over again, TWICE!!

Jules captured some images of Holly on her first day of her experience when the weather was on our side……

 

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Holly is very keen to work with animals when she leaves school, so the experience provided her with an insight as to what being an Animal Keeper is really like and how we all got here….

We wish Holly all the best in fulfilling her ambition and you never know we may even see her again next year!

Two friends enjoy Junior Wildlife Experience together!

 

Two young Island ladies shared their Junior Wildlife Experience with us yesterday!  Nancy Green(aged 10) and Thea Sandell (aged 9) (along with their Mums) spent the afternoon enjoying close-up time with a wide range of creatures including feeding the Ducks, Geese and Swans at the lower lake, spending time with and feeding the Wallabies, Miniature Pigs, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Meerkats, Reptiles (Snake and Bearded Dragon) and of course the Penguins (including Dippy!)  Despite the intermittent showers we had a great time altogether!  We’re looking forward to welcoming the girls and their families back to the Park again soon!

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HOT OFF THE PPRESS – PPPENGUIN ENCOUNTERS!!

 

We are very pleased and proud to announce that due to huge public demand over the last few months, Seaview Wildlife will be offering Penguin Encounters, Meerkat Encounters (and the option of a combo Penguin & Meerkat Encounter) for 2012!!

As a one-off to mark the last week of our 2011 season, we agreed to one lucky couple experiencing the very first of the Penguin Encounters.  Yesterday, David Snell treated himself and his Penguin-enthusiast girlfriend, Danielle, to this hands-on wildlife experience.  They seemed to really love it!  Coming over from Bournemouth just for this experience, David was keen for the occasion to  be a memorable one for Danielle.  During the encounter Danielle was excited at being able to name one of our younger Penguins – now named Danielle! 

On leaving, both David and Danielle were bursting with enthusiasm and said they’d be telling their friends about the Park and would be back again in the Spring – possibly to embark on a “Wildest Date” with us!   We look forward to seeing you again David and Danielle – and in the meantime hope you’ll stay in contact via the Blog and via Dippy’s Facebook page (just enter Dippy Seaview in the search box).  Here are a few of photos of the Penguin encounter:

 

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Amber Robins – Keeper for a Day

 

Amber from Reading, Berkshire, was a “Keeper for a Day” with us here at Seaview Wildlife on Monday.  Amber, aged 12, is hoping to pursue Animal/Zoo Keeping as her career and has plans to further her studies once she has left school.  Amber loved her interaction with the animals – and particularly enjoyed the gentle Wallabies!  We were able to give Amber a DVD packed full of images as memories of her day with us (I’ve included a few photos below)  Hope to see you again soon Amber!

 

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Angelic Junior Wildlife Participants!

 

Madeline and Rosina Reed

We’ve had the pleasure of three young ladies joining us as “Junior Wildlife Experience” participants this week – on Monday it was the turn of sisters Madeline (9) and Rosina (6) from just outside Chichester.  The girls were here on holiday with Mum (Charlotte) and Grandma Wright who treated them to this wonderful wildlife experience.  This was the family’s first visit to Seaview Wildlife – they saw the Junior Wildlife Experience on our website and decided it would be just what both Madeline and Rosina would enjoy – and it seemed they weren’t disappointed – both girls said that they loved their day and the close interaction with the animals.  They went off with a complimentary DVD of over 120 images of their animal encounters – and hopefully a lifetime of memories in their hearts.  We hope the family will be back again next year!  I’ve included a few images below: 

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Brooke Fleming

Yesterday six year old Brooke (who is just like a little Angel) was treated to a Junior Wildlife Experience by her Nan – Sue.  The family have been regular visitors to the Park over many years and Sue is a seasonal member of staff with us.  Joined by Mum, Tammy we had a lovely time during Brooke’s animal encounters; an absolute natural with the animals, Brooke is calm, gentle and quietly confident – instilling confidence and positive responses all round!  Although only six years old, Brooke already has plans to become ‘an underwater vet’ – she envisages getting a pilots license to allow her to fly into remote places to treat marine animals in out-of-the-way locations.  What a fantastic vision to have at such a young age – good luck to you Brooke – and we look forward to seeing lots more of you and your two equally lovely sisters in 2012 and the years ahead.  Here’s a sample of images:

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Keeper for a Day – Robert Usher

On Saturday just passed, Robert Usher was a Keeper for a Day with us here at the Park. Robert lives in Salisbury, Hampshire and attended Sparsholt College. He said he really enjoyed his day as a Keeper and had a particular soft spot for the Meerkats and Penguins. Animal Keeper Charlotte Goswell hosted Robert and took some great photos – I’ve selected a few to share with you (below) – just look at that cornflower blue sky! Hopefully Robert has taken memories with him that will last a lifetime ….

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