Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts Wild Animal Park, established in 1957 by John Aspinall, is a private zoo located near Canterbury in Kent, England. It is known for its unorthodox approach to animal care, fostering close relationships between staff and animals, and its success in breeding rare and endangered species. The park opened to the public in 1975 and is now managed by the John Aspinall Foundation, a charity focused on conservation.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1957 by John Aspinall.
- ›Opened to the public in 1975.
- ›Operates as a private zoo, now managed by the John Aspinall Foundation.
- ›Known for large family groups of western lowland gorillas and the largest breeding herd of African elephants in the UK.
- ›Features an open-topped enclosure for black and white colobus monkeys.
- ›Has been featured on the CBBC television programme 'Roar'.
- Open-topped enclosure for black and white colobus
Western Lowland Gorillas, African Elephants, Lion-Tailed Macaques, Black and White Colobus
Releasing Black Rhinos Into the Wild, Releasing Gorillas Into the Wild
About Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts Wild Animal Park, formerly known as Howletts Zoo, is a significant wildlife attraction located in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury in Kent, England. Established in 1957 by John Aspinall, it began as a private zoo and was opened to the public in 1975. The park is distinguished by its unorthodox approach to animal husbandry, which emphasizes fostering close personal relationships between staff and animals, and its notable success in breeding rare and endangered species.
Animal Collection and Conservation
The park is particularly renowned for housing some of the largest family groups of western lowland gorillas in the world. It also boasts the largest breeding herd of African elephants in the United Kingdom and one of the largest breeding groups of lion-tailed macaques globally. These impressive collections are managed under the umbrella of the John Aspinall Foundation, a charity that has owned both Howletts and its sister park, Port Lympne, since 1984. The foundation actively engages in animal conservation programmes, with documented successes including the release of black rhinos and gorillas back into the wild.
Historical Context and Public Engagement
Howletts House, the historic manor on the estate, dates back to 1787 and has been a Grade II* listed building since 1967. The animal collection's expansion led to the purchase of another estate at Port Lympne in 1973, which opened as a zoo in 1976, allowing for more space for the animals. The unique environment and inhabitants of both Howletts and Port Lympne have been showcased in the CBBC television programme 'Roar', which has aired multiple series since its first filming in 2006.
Legacy of John Aspinall
John Aspinall, the visionary founder, is buried on the Howletts estate near the bison enclosure, with a memorial located next to his grave. His philosophy of close interaction between humans and animals, coupled with a strong commitment to conservation breeding, continues to shape the ethos of Howletts Wild Animal Park and the broader work of the John Aspinall Foundation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Howletts Wild Animal Park open to the public?
Howletts Wild Animal Park first opened its animal collection to the public in 1975. This allowed visitors to see the animals and the unique environment created for them.
What is Howletts Wild Animal Park known for?
The park is recognized for its unconventional approach to animal management, encouraging close bonds between keepers and animals. It has also achieved significant success in breeding rare and endangered species.
What notable animal groups are housed at Howletts?
Howletts boasts some of the world's largest family groups of western lowland gorillas. It also houses the United Kingdom's largest breeding herd of African elephants and one of the largest breeding groups of lion-tailed macaques globally.
Who owns Howletts Wild Animal Park?
Since 1984, both Howletts and its sister park, Port Lympne, have been owned by the John Aspinall Foundation. This charity is dedicated to animal conservation and breeding programs.
Has Howletts been featured on television?
Yes, Howletts and Port Lympne have been featured on the CBBC television programme 'Roar'. The show documented the lives of the animals and the work of the keepers at the parks.
Related Zoos
Bowmanville Zoo
Bowmanville Zoo was a private zoo located in Clarington, Ontario, Canada, which operated from 1919 until its closure in 2016. At the time of its closing, it held the distinction of being the oldest private zoo in North America and was a significant supplier of animals to the U.S. film industry.
Africa Alive!
Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve, formerly known as Suffolk Wildlife Park, is an African-themed zoo located in Kessingland, Suffolk, UK. As part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, it is a registered charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
Marwell Wildlife
Marwell Wildlife is a 140-acre zoo located near Winchester, England, owned and operated by the registered charity Marwell Wildlife. It is home to over 500 animals across 145 species and is recognized for its significant focus on conservation, particularly concerning African wildlife and species at risk of extinction.