Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is a 100-acre zoological park situated on a working farm in Wraxall, North Somerset, England. Located approximately six miles west of Bristol, it is recognized for housing the largest elephant facility in northern Europe. The zoo's development began in the late 1990s, with a trial run in August 1998 and a permanent opening in 1999. It was conceived by Anthony Bush, who transitioned the family farm from dairy to arable land and sheep raising before establishing the zoo.

History and Development

Anthony Bush, the son of a farm manager, leased Moat House Farm in 1960 and married Christina James in 1962. He was involved in agricultural committees and promoted wildlife conservation among farmers. In 1995, the Bushes purchased the farm, and by 1997, Anthony began considering the creation of a zoo. The park initially displayed farm and domestic animals alongside exotic species like alpacas and llamas. Over time, the collection expanded to include significant animals such as tigers, African lions, white rhinos, siamang gibbons, and ring-tailed lemurs. A notable event was the live birth of a Brazilian tapir, captured by a zoo webcam in April 2009.

The zoo features a 3.38-kilometer long hedge maze, which holds the distinction of being the longest in the UK. While Anthony Bush promoted his belief in creationism, which was met with criticism from scientific educational bodies and organizations like the British Humanist Association, the zoo later focused on achieving charitable status. This transition was spearheaded by his son, Larry Bush, who became managing director in 2019, with the zoo officially becoming a charity on April 5, 2023.

Conservation and Sustainability

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is committed to conservation and became a participant in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) in 2015. Its conservation efforts include managing and conserving protected species, with active involvement in EEPs for African Elephants, Spectacled Bears, Siamang Gibbons, and White-Headed Vultures. The zoo also contributes to European Studbooks for the Cotton-Top Tamarin and the Asian Box Turtle. The elephant sanctuary, established in 2012 and opened in 2014, is a significant development, designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating solar power, biomass heating, and rainwater harvesting.

The zoo also holds 'Approved Associate' status from BIAZA for its Rare Breeds accreditation for farm species. It promotes itself as a "sustainable zoo," generating over half of its energy needs through renewable sources like wind turbines, biomass boilers, and solar panels. Initiatives like a Christmas tree recycling service demonstrate its commitment to environmental enrichment for the animals and community engagement.

Animal Exhibits

The zoo's animal collection is organized into sections such as Africa, Asia, Primates, and Reptiles. The African section, established in 2005, includes white rhinos, giraffes, African lions, African elephants, zebras, and meerkats. The Asian section houses Bengal tigers, yaks, water buffalo, and Bactrian camels. The Primate section is home to five species, including Siamang Gibbons and Cotton-Top Tamarins, some of which are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN red list. The Reptile section features Aldabra giant tortoises, with their enclosure having received an award from BIAZA for its design.