www.marwell.org.uk
In 1969 John Knowles bought
Marwell Hall and estate where he planned to create a zoological park
dedicated to the conservation of endangered species. The park opened to
the public in 1972 with endangered species such as Siberian tigers,
Przewalski horses and scimitar-horned oryx on view. In 1977 Victor the
giraffe did the splits and the resulting publicity put Marwell on the map.
In the 1980s Marwell opened an Education service, where the staff in
Marwells Conservation Education Centre teach over 30,000 children each
year, ranging from primary school classes to A-level students. The
education service provided by Marwell has become one of the best zoo
education centres in the UK. Five pairs of scimitar-horned oryx were
re-introduced to a national park in Tunisia and two golden lion tamarins
went to the Poco das Antas reserve in Brazil Five pairs of scimitar-horned
oryx were re-introduced to a national park in Tunisia and two golden lion
tamarins went to the Poco das Antas reserve in Brazil.
In the 1990s new enclosures included the World of Lemurs, Encounter
Village, Penguin World, Tropical World and Forest Herbivores complex. John
Knowles was awarded the OBE for services to conservation. Further oryx
re-introductions were made in Tunisia. A purpose-built Conservation
Education Centre was built. The Marwell Zimbabwe Trust was set up for
conservation study of black rhino, duiker and other species at Dambari.
At the beginning of the 21st Century, HRH The Princess Royal opened the
newest house, Into Africa. Foot and Mouth in the UK caused a six-week
closure of the zoo. The tiger enclosure was redesigned and rebuilt. Other
new exhibits included the Bat House, Aridlands and Desert Carnivores.
Marwells aim is to help people increase their awareness of the natural
world and to encourage an informed reaction to conservation issue. We aim
to offer educational opportunities for ALL their visitors, whether in
school groups or on a family day out.
Please visit the Marwell website for further general information,
directions, prices etc. The site including live web cams, so you may view
the meerkats, Penguins, Giraffes and Tigers. Along with fun activities and
an Animal Encyclopaedia .
www.marwell.org.uk
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