MARWELL’S AMUR LEOPARD CUB NAME IS PURE RUSSIAN!
Marwell Zoological Park received a staggering 10,000 votes on its online poll to name its Amur leopard cub and the winning name is…Kiska. Pronounced ‘Keys-ka’, Kiska is a Russian girl’s name meaning pure. The name was extremely popular and received a whopping 45% of the votes.
The beautiful cub is 4 months and 1 day old today (Wednesday 19th March) and every day her confidence grows as she explores her new home. Kiska is already practising her hunting skills and loves to bite her mum’s tail!
Less than 35 Amur leopards remain in the wild, making them one of the rarest big cats in the world. Kiska was born part of a European conservation breeding programme to help save the species from extinction. Kiska’s Mum Ascha and her Dad Akin both live at Marwell.
If you can’t see Kiska in person you don’t need to miss out as Marwell is offering a special Kiska adoption package. The exciting package contains a certificate with a picture of an Amur leopard, a fact sheet all about Amur leopards, an admission ticket to the Park and a copy of Marwell’s newsletter ‘Marwell News’. The adopters name will also feature on the Park’s adoptions 'Thank You' board for everyone to see! For more details visit Marwell’s website: www.marwell.org.uk or call the Adoptions office on 01962 777407
Amur leopards used to live in the forests and mountains of Russia, Korea and China but they are now only found in the Far East of Russia. They are endangered because they are killed for their beautiful fur coats and their bones are also passed off as tiger bones in the illegal tiger bone trade. Other reasons include loss of habitat and depletion of their prey species.
FLY INTO YOUR VALENTINE’S HEART WITH MARWELL’S INSEPARABLE LOVEBIRDS
Looking for an unusual alternative to chocolates and roses this Valentine’s Day, well Marwell Zoological Park is offering the perfect gift for a loved one this Valentine’s Day – a pair of lovebirds!
Lovebirds are one of the most romantic birds in the world. They spend most of the day grooming each other and even display affection whilst sleeping as they snuggle together and turn their faces into each other.
Marwell’s Peach-faced lovebirds, just like those that live in their native habitat of southwestern Africa, are very loyal to each other – so much so that they, unusually for the animal world, will pair for life and be forever companions.
Marwell’s special Valentine adoption package includes two admission tickets to Marwell – to use at any time during 2008 – however a romantic stroll round the Park on Valentine’s Day is the perfect way to use those tickets up!
The adoption costs £50 and unlike other Valentine gifts it lasts a whole year. It also includes an adoption certificate, the adopters names (as a couple) displayed on a plaque outside the lovebird aviary, a Valentine’s card, a fact sheet about Peach-faced lovebirds and a welcome letter.
Rachael Fehrenbach, Marwell’s Adoption Officer, believes that these romantic birds are the perfect gift for someone special: “lovebirds are known for their ‘inseparable’ quality and like nothing better than to be showered with love and affection – just like us humans!”
To adopt Marwell’s lovebirds online simply go to www.marwell.org.uk or alternatively phone 01962 777988 for an application form.
The closing date to guarantee delivery in time for Valentine’s Day is Monday 11th February.
SKATE UNDER THE STARS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AT MARWELL ZOOLOGICAL PARK
TV Presenter and Wildlife Champion, Chris Packham took to the ice today (Saturday 1 December) at Marwell Zoological Park as he officially opened the Park’s festive ‘Magical Winter’ event.
Chris was joined on the Park’s first ever ice rink by children dressed in animal costumes as well as the British Ice Skating Champions showing off their impressive dance skills.
Marwell’s Magical Winter experience starts as soon as visitors arrive at the Park. After travelling through the Park’s extensive grounds in spectacular style aboard the Snowflake Express, visitors disembark at the ice rink located in the centre of the Zoological Park. Children can also meet Santa in his Grotto for special stories and lots of surprises and then make presents to take home with Mrs Claus in her Christmas Kitchen.
Activities to celebrate the opening included performances from the British Novice Ice Dance Champions 2007. The duo showed off their award winning skills and the British Synchronized Ice Skating Champions team 'Storm' wowed spectators with their impressive dance moves. Children added a touch of fun to the opening with their wildlife inspired routines. 
Chris Packham was delighted to be involved: “Marwell has always held a special place in my heart and it is a tremendous pleasure to be here to open Magical Winter. By coming along everyone can help Marwell to achieve its conservation goals.”
Marwell’s Chief Executive, James Cretney, added: “Families looking for an extra special day out will not be disappointed. From spotting animals whilst on the journey aboard the Snowflake Express to skating under the stars and meeting Santa, there’s loads of fun for all the family. At just £5* for children the activities are great value for money.”
Marwell’s Magical Winter is open everyday up to Sunday 13th January (excluding Christmas day). Santa returns to Lapland on Christmas Day and from Boxing Day onwards join the Ugly Sisters and a host of other characters for stories, madness and mayhem in The Cinderella Experience
Entry to Marwell Zoological Park is required so why not make a day of it and see the animals too? Spot the Amur leopards with their beautiful fur and long thick tails. Watch the Penguins splashing by the pool or see a Red Panda relaxing in the trees. Marwell is also offering special 'after dark’ tickets for evening admission (from 4.00pm) when the main zoo is closed.
For prices and to book online visit: www.magicalwinter.co.uk or call 08714 720 419
DOUBLE DELIGHT AS MARWELL ZOOLOGICAL PARK CELEBRATES TWO RARE SOMALI WILD ASS BIRTHS
Jahzara, Marwell Zoological Park’s youngest Somali Wild Ass is shown round her new home by her mum, Tikva
Marwell Zoological Park is delighted to announce the recent birth of two rare female Somali Wild Asses. ‘Nadifa’ (Somali for ‘in-between seasons’) was born on 6th September and ‘Jahzara’ (Ethiopian for Blessed Princess) was born on 25th September.
The Somali Wild Ass is critically endangered and with just a few hundred left in the wild the species faces an uncertain future. It is generally believed that less than 300 now remain in their native territory in north-east Africa and none now live in Somalia, the country that they are named after.
Born as part of a breeding programme to increase the world-wide population, the addition of two females bringing Marwell’s herd to seven is extremely important, as Head Keeper for the Somali Wild Asses Simon Hawker explains: “Due to recent droughts and political turmoil it is very difficult to asses the current wild populations. With this uncertainty it is vital that we increase the number of Somali Wild Asses born in captivity to help safeguard their future.”
The Somali Wild Ass is one of three subspecies of the African Wild Ass, one of which has already become extinct. The Somali’s main threats include: habitat destruction, poaching and hunting, competing with livestock for forage, and the threat of genetic dilution as a consequence of the Asses breeding with domestic donkeys.
Marwell Zoological Park has been extremely successful in breeding Somali Wild Asses, with ten foals born at the Park over 11 years. Nadifa and Jahzara can now be seen with their mums, Possa and Tikva, in their paddock.
Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. It is now easier than ever to buy tickets – simply log onto www.marwell.org.uk
HALLOWEEN FUN AT MARWELL ZOOLOGICAL PARK THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM
Children can join Marwell Zoological Park’s friendly witch for free story telling and Halloween fun this October half term (Saturday 20 – Sunday 28 October).
Children can listen to fun stories and ghostly tales including ‘The owl who was afraid of the dark’ whilst being surrounded by all sorts of Halloween delights, from cauldrons and broomsticks to toy spiders and owls.
As well as all the hair-raising activities with the friendly witch there will also be ghosts and goblin face painting as well as ghoulish food.
The spooky fun continues round the Park as Marwell is the perfect place to spot creepy crawlies and other spooky animals - from bats and owls to spiders and slippery snakes.
 
Suitable for children of all ages, the story telling sessions will take place at 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm daily during half term, including both weekends. Marwell’s friendly witch will be in the Marwell Ark Gift Shop.
Standard admission prices apply to gain entrance to the Park. Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. It is now easier than ever to buy tickets – simply log onto www.marwell.org.uk
MARWELL’S SIAMANG GIBBONS RECEIVE A ROYAL VISITOR
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal gave Marwell Zoological Park’s new exhibit ‘Life in the Trees’ the royal seal of approval when she formally opened it today (Monday 17 September).
The Princess Royal formally opens 'Life in the Trees at Marwell Zoological Park, by Paul Dawson-Plincke, Marwell Photographic Group
Home to Marwell’s family of Siamang Gibbons, ‘Life in the Trees’ is designed to represent the gibbons’ natural habitat. The family now have a large area to explore, trees and lianas (wooded vines) to swing from, as well as a specially created clearing to generally chill out and relax in.
The Princess received a guided tour of the new home and met Marwell staff which have been key to the exhibits development. After watching the gibbons investigating their new lush and green environment - which includes a 40ft tree to hundreds of native Asian plants, including ferns, grasses and bamboos - the Princess unveiled a plaque to the exhibit’s entrance.
The Princess Royal and John Adams, Marwell Zoological Park Clerk of Works, take a look at the Siamang Gibbons in their new home
James Cretney, Marwell Zoological Park Chief Executive commented: “At Marwell Zoological Park we are committed to providing habitats for our animals which reflect the area of the world in which they are found. Therefore the opening of Life in the Trees, with its South East Asian living environment, is particularly pleasing. Having The Princess Royal here today makes this opening extra special for everyone at Marwell - including our committed volunteers who have worked tirelessly to generate funds towards the cost of the exhibit.”
The Siamang Gibbon family consists of Mum (Simone), Dad (Luang) and their sons, Hale Bop, 10, and Rosh, 5. The family share ‘Life in the Trees’ with several other species which are naturally found together in Asia including: the endangered Lowland Anoa (the world’s smallest wild cattle), the beautiful Prevost’s squirrel, the curious looking Tree shrew and Asian small clawed otters.
‘Life in the Trees’ is the fourth exhibit which Her Royal Highness has officially opened at Marwell Zoological Park. On the previous occasions the Princess opened Penguin World, Into Africa and World of Lemurs.
Visitors to the Park, Marwell volunteers, and members of the public donated £417,000 towards the cost of the new home. The money was raised through a variety of fundraising events as well as a 10% donation on admission prices.
A third of the world's primate species now face extinction. The Siamangs, like all apes, are threatened in the wild due to the deforestation of their natural habitat. Humans have also devastated the world’s population by killing adult gibbons and selling the young into the illegal pet trade or for use by photographers as ‘beach props’.
In celebration of the opening of ‘Life in the Trees’ Marwell is offering an exclusive adoption package. Support an individual gibbon for just £50 or for £250 adopt the whole family. Packages include: a certificate, entry ticket to the Park, adopters name displayed on an adopters board, and family adoptions also include an opportunity to meet a keeper. For more information call Marwell on 01962 777988 or email: adoptions@marwell.org.uk
Can’t make it to the Zoo? Then watch the gibbons on Marwell’s live webcam – www.marwell.org.uk
Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. It is now easier than ever to buy tickets – simply log onto www.marwell.org.uk
MARWELL ZOOLOGICAL PARK’S GIBBONS SWING INTO THEIR NEW HOME
Marwell Zoological Park is opening a new exciting home for its family of Siamang Gibbons. Open for August Bank Holiday (Monday 27 August), ‘Life in the Trees’ allows visitors to get breathtakingly close to Marwell’s energetic apes.
The Siamang Gibbon family consists of Mum (Simone), Dad (Luang) and sons, ten year old Hale Bop and 5 year old Rosh. The family have never before had so much room to explore and visitors will be totally enthralled as the gibbons swing from vines and scale up trees.
Visitors can share the gibbons’ environment by wandering along the walkway before entering the native longhouse. With stunning views across a moat to the gibbons’ clearing, the longhouse provides an excellent viewing platform to watch the family explore their lush new surroundings.
Luang, the group’s dominant male and Marwell’s noisiest animal, can now display his authority by singing his distinctive songs from the top of a large tree. Whilst the rest of the family are more likely to be found relaxing in the clearing below or using their long arms to swing in the trees.
Bringing South East Asia to Hampshire, the 5,000 sq mtr exhibit also includes many plants from ferns and grasses to bamboo which the gibbons can explore and eat as they would in their natural environment.
The area is home to several other animals which originate from Asia including the endangered Lowland Anoa (the world’s smallest wild cattle), the beautiful Prevost’s squirrel and the curious looking Tree shrews. Asian small clawed otters can also be spotted swimming in around the moat and waterfalls.
The Siamang Gibbon is the largest of the 12 gibbon species. Like many of the gibbon species, the Siamangs are threatened in the wild because their habitat is being destroyed by man as we increasingly encroach into their native rainforests. With the adults often killed, young gibbons are also sometimes taken from the wild to be used as photographers ‘beach props’.
Siamang Gibbon – By Bryan Thompson, www.pbase.com
Visitors to the Park and members of the public donated £417,000 towards the cost of the new home. The money was raised through a variety of fundraising events as well as a 10% donation on admission prices.
Marwell Zoological Park is open daily from 10am. It is now easier than ever to buy tickets – simply log onto www.marwell.org.uk |
