Beale Wildlife Park
Beale Wildlife Park is a non-profit charitable trust located in Berkshire, England, established on 350 acres by the River Thames. It offers a diverse range of attractions, including collections of exotic and farm animals, landscaped gardens, woodlands, and extensive children's play areas, making it a significant recreational and educational destination.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1956 by Gilbert Beale.
- ›Covers 350 acres of Thames-side parkland.
- ›Operates as a non-profit, charitable trust.
- ›Features collections of exotic animals, farm animals, and birds.
- ›Includes landscaped gardens, woodlands, and children's play areas.
- ›Home to a 1-mile narrow gauge railway, the Beale Railway.
Beale Railway, Regional Aviaries, Walkthrough Aviary, Owlery, Madagascan Aviary
Green Peafowl, Mountain Peacock Pheasant, Bali Starling, Lemurs, Meerkats, Tamarins, Wallabies, Arapawa Goats
Breeding Programs For Threatened Bird Species
About Beale Wildlife Park
Beale Wildlife Park is a significant zoological attraction and charitable trust situated by the River Thames in Berkshire, England. Established in 1956 by Gilbert Beale, the park was conceived as a gift to the public, transforming 350 acres of private farmland into a non-profit organization dedicated to education and recreation.
Attractions and Collections
The park is divided into three main areas of attraction. It features diverse collections of small exotic animals, farm animals, and a wide array of bird species, many of which are threatened with extinction. Notable bird species include the green peafowl, mountain peacock pheasant, and Bali starling. The park also boasts themed aviaries, such as regional aviaries for African, Asian, and Australian birds, a walkthrough aviary, an owlery, and a Madagascan aviary.
In recent years, Beale Wildlife Park has expanded its zoological offerings to include species like lemurs, owls, meerkats, prairie dogs, and tamarins, as well as a New Zealand exhibit featuring wallabies and Arapawa goats. These additions enhance the park's appeal as a zoological collection.
Family and Recreational Facilities
Beyond its animal collections, Beale Wildlife Park is renowned for its extensive facilities catering to families and children. These include landscaped gardens, woodlands, and numerous play areas such as a Roplay area, pets area, sand pits, paddling pools, and a Little Tikes Play Area. A unique feature is the Beale Railway, a 1-mile section of narrow gauge railway that operates a diesel locomotive. For older visitors, there are also gardens, lakes, and a model boat exhibition.
Operations and Conservation
Operating as a non-profit, charitable trust, Beale Wildlife Park is committed to conservation efforts. The park has a successful breeding program for several bird species, with some individuals released back into the wild. Visitor amenities include a gift shop, an education centre, and a restaurant, supporting the park's mission and operations. The park's location by the River Thames between Pangbourne and Lower Basildon makes it an accessible and popular destination.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Beale Wildlife Park located?
Beale Wildlife Park is situated by the River Thames, between the villages of Pangbourne and Lower Basildon in Berkshire, England.
When was Beale Wildlife Park founded and by whom?
The park was formed in 1956 by Gilbert Beale, who converted his private farmland into a non-profit charitable trust.
What are the main attractions at Beale Wildlife Park?
The park features collections of small exotic animals, farm animals, and birds, alongside landscaped gardens, woodlands, and children's play areas, including a narrow gauge railway.
Does Beale Wildlife Park have any special bird collections?
Yes, Beale Park's aviaries house a variety of bird species threatened with extinction, such as green peafowl, mountain peacock pheasants, and Bali starlings. They also have themed aviaries and a successful breeding program.
What kind of animals can be found at Beale Wildlife Park?
The park houses a growing zoological collection, including lemurs, owls, meerkats, prairie dogs, tamarins, wallabies, and Arapawa goats. It also features farm animals and a variety of bird species.
What facilities are available for visitors at Beale Wildlife Park?
Visitors can find a gift shop, an education centre, and a restaurant on site. For children, there are various play areas, sand pits, and paddling pools.
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