School Visit update!

Fluffy has been a very busy bunny! Along with Tara ( Education Officer), Fern and Holly (Animal Keepers) and even Alison (work experience student) we have managed to visit all corners of the Isle of Wight including All Saints Primary in Freshwater, Brighstone Primary, Oakfield Primary in Ryde and Wroxall Primary, with more still to come!

Fluffy our New Zealand Giant Rabbit, as well as Colin and Cassandra our Hissing Cockroaches AND of course Cornelius our Corn Snake (pictured above) have become quite accustomed to all the inquisitive and eager eyed children we have visited so far.

If you would like more information about organising a school visit from Tara, Fluffy, Cornelius and Colin and Cassandra then please visit our NEW improved website for more details!

24 hours later ... the little guy is still with us!

Is it a bird, is it a rat, is it an alien .... eghad ..... no it's a Bennetts Wallaby Joey! The little guy is doing well so far - being syringe-fed every two hours - and already proving to be a great attraction with anyone involved with the Park. We all hope he continues to go from strength to strength.

Tiny Joey found abandoned in freezing temperatures

This tiny youngster was found earlier today in 'Wallaby Walkabout' at the Park - apparently abandoned by its young mother. The Wallaby Joey, thought to be approximately 4 months old, has no hair and is completely vulnerable - at this age it would normally be totally reliant on its mother, suckling and in the pouch on a full-time basis until approximately 6 months of age - only then would it start to venture out for short periods of time. The Animal Care Team will be taking up the challenge of being surrogate parents. The Joey has been wrapped up warmly and is snuggled in a fleece, inside an incubator; it's being syringe fed a milk substitute combined with an organic fruit baby food. At this early stage its difficult to know what the outcome might be.... we'll keep you posted.

BBC1's "Cash in the Attic" filmshoot at Seaview Wildlife's Penguin Pool

The image above shows Ben Strivens from Leopard Films (making BBC1's "Cash in the Attic") with Sandy and Ellie Plowright. (Photo taken this morning at Seaview Wildlife's Penguin Pool). The photo below is Sandy with Dippy (any chance of being in the limelight and he's there!)
We hope to hear from Sandy after she returns from her winning trip to Antarctica ......

We recently received a call from Ben Strivens of Leopard Films (filming for BBC1'S "Cash in the Attic"). Ben was hoping for footage of our Penguins - along with the lucky programme participant, Sandy Plowright. Through 'Cash in the Attic' Sandy successfully auctioned off a heap of 'treasures' that were previously stashed in her attic - and with the income is planning a once-in-a-lifetime-trip to Antarctica! Sandy has a particular passion for Penguins and, having visited Seaview Wildlife many times before, made a special request for the pre-trip photo shoot to take place here at the Park. The exciting event took place this morning (Monday 8 March) - the weather was fantastic - blue skies and sunshine! Dippy and all the gang were happy to be the focus of attention; they enjoyed an extra feast of tasty sprats and Dippy had his tummy tickled whilst blinking contentedly in the spring sunshine!

We'll let you know once Ben confirms the date that this episode of 'Cash in the Attic' will be televised.

DIPPY THE PENGUIN'S LAUNCH ONTO FACEBOOK!

Just a reminder for those who missed the initial announcement, Dippy, our head honcho Humboldt Penguin has launched himself into being the first real penguin ever to join Facebook. Making use of this modern communication platform Dippy decided to take the plunge! This is a ground-breaking adventure where the main objective is to have some fun! Whilst he is making new friends and enjoying some light-hearted banter, Dippy is hoping to be able to participate in a wide spectrum of discussions with his new Facebook friends - anything from frivolous flutters to focused forums! Conservation is always on his mind but laughter never leaves his heart.

Two new kidds on the block - Holly and Olly!!

All of us at Seaview Wildlife Encounter extend a very warm welcome to the newest member of our Animal Care Team, Holly Cluitt. Pictured above earlier today, Holly can be seen clearly getting to grips with the job of Animal Keeper - with Olly, the young Pygmy Goat, tucked firmly under her arm! We wish Holly a long, happy and fun career with us here at the Park (and Olly too!)

Count-down to Park Opening on 27th March!

It's been all hands to the pumps at Seaview Wildlife today as we all start preparing for the re-opening of the Park on 27th March! The next three and a half weeks will be an absolute hive of activity as we countdown the days to lift off!

I captured a few team members multi-tasking and turning their hand to whatever needed doing earlier today. The photo above shows Roger on the dumper, whilst below Tracy tucks herself in next to some of the fluffy creatures she's re-arranging in the new Activity Den.

William -showing off his more artistic side

Mark making a difference with the power-washer in the Big Flight aviary.

This fun shot of Sally and Doreen (above) shows them making light (and fun) work of Springcleaning the Giftshop!