Manor House Wildlife Park
Manor House Wildlife Park, also known as Manor Wildlife Park, is a 52-acre zoological facility in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Purchased in 2008 by television presenter Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin Macdougall, the park houses a diverse range of animals, with a notable focus on endangered species and conservation efforts.
Key Facts
- ›The park spans 52 acres.
- ›It was purchased by Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin Macdougall in 2008.
- ›The zoo is home to endangered species such as Sumatran tigers, Siamang gibbons, and red pandas.
- ›It features a Southern white rhino named Zamba, the first to be bred from artificial insemination in the UK.
- ›The park has been involved in supporting the European Endangered Species Programme.
- ›A TV film titled 'Chaos at the Zoo' documented the park's redevelopment.
Zamba
European Endangered Species Programme
About Manor House Wildlife Park
What is Manor House Wildlife Park?
Manor House Wildlife Park, also known by its more recent name Manor Wildlife Park, is a 52-acre zoological facility situated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, near the village of St Florence. The park was acquired in 2008 by television presenter Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin MacDougall, who have since overseen its redevelopment and operation.
Animal Collection and Conservation Focus
The park is home to a diverse array of animals, ranging from large mammals to smaller species and birds. Among its large animal inhabitants are Southern white rhinos, oryxes, Damara zebras, tapirs, camels, llamas, and Sumatran tigers. Smaller residents include red pandas, meerkats, wallabies, and three types of lemurs: Black-and-white ruffed, Red-bellied, and Ring-tailed. Birdlife is represented by ostriches, emus, rheas, and guinea fowl.
Manor House Wildlife Park places a significant emphasis on conservation, particularly for endangered species. It houses critically endangered Sumatran tigers and Siamang gibbons, as well as critically endangered red ruffed lemurs. The park is also home to a Southern white rhino named Zamba, notable for being the first of its species to be bred from artificial insemination in the United Kingdom. The zoo actively participates in supporting the European Endangered Species Programme and has received endangered red panda sisters from Odense Zoo in Denmark to bolster its conservation efforts.
History and Cultural Impact
Previously known as Manor House Wild Animal Park in 2002, the facility at that time included a museum, souvenir shop, and restaurant in addition to its animal exhibits. The acquisition by Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin MacDougall in 2008 marked a new chapter for the park. The redevelopment process undertaken by Richardson was documented in a television film titled 'Chaos at the Zoo', which provided viewers with an inside look at the park's transformation and featured animals such as the endangered Siamang gibbons. In 2012, the park and its owners faced legal proceedings related to health and safety legislation following an incident where a mother and child were injured by a falling branch. While charges against Richardson were dropped, her husband and the zoo pleaded guilty to several charges and were fined.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manor House Wildlife Park?
Manor House Wildlife Park is a 52-acre zoo located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is also known as Manor Wildlife Park and was purchased by TV presenter Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin MacDougall in 2008.
What animals can be seen at Manor House Wildlife Park?
The park features a variety of animals including large species like Southern white rhinos, oryxes, zebras, tapirs, camels, llamas, and Sumatran tigers. Smaller animals include red pandas, meerkats, wallabies, and three species of lemurs.
Does the park house endangered species?
Yes, Manor House Wildlife Park is home to several endangered species. These include Sumatran tigers, Siamang gibbons, Ring-tailed lemurs, and critically endangered red ruffed lemurs. The park also supports the European Endangered Species Programme.
What is notable about the white rhinos at the park?
The park has a Southern white rhino named Zamba, who is one of three at the park. Zamba is significant as the first Southern white rhino to be bred from artificial insemination in the UK.
Has the park been featured on television?
Yes, Anna Ryder Richardson documented the redevelopment of the zoo in a video diary which became the TV film 'Chaos at the Zoo'. This film featured animals such as endangered Siamang gibbons.
Related Zoos
Folly Farm
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a major visitor attraction that has evolved from a dairy farm into a comprehensive entertainment and zoological facility. It draws around half a million visitors annually and is renowned for its diverse attractions, including an indoor vintage funfair, extensive play areas, and a zoo housing over 200 species.
Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden situated near Colwyn Bay in Wales, established on May 18, 1963. It has developed significantly over the years, introducing various themed enclosures and attractions, and is managed by the Zoological Society of Wales.
Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park (AWCP) is a small wildlife park located within the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens. Established in 1994, it primarily houses animals confiscated from illegal traders and serves as an important educational resource for local schools, raising awareness about illegal wildlife trade and local conservation efforts.