2020 WILD

TALKwww.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

New baby White Rhino Stella cuddles up to her mum Ruby Photo: Rory Carnegie Rory Photo: A Stella Year The Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2020. We hope to continue to inspire future Ruby and Stella walked out of the stall, giving generations to appreciate the beauty of the lucky visitors a glimpse of a baby White Rhino natural world. 2019 was a great year with Soon after the birth, Ruby and her new calf record visitor numbers, TV appearances, lots walked out of the stall into the sunshine of the of baby animals and a new Rhino calf. yard, giving a few lucky visitors a glimpse of a baby White Rhino less than two hours old. ighlights of the year included the Stella is doing well and Ruby has proved once Park featuring on BBC’s Springwatch again to be an exceptional mother. Having Hprogramme, with our part in the White another female calf is really important for the Storks’ UK re-introduction project. Then in European Breeding Programme of this iconic Astrid October, BBC Gardeners’ World featured the but endangered species. Park and presenter Adam Frost sang the praises OUR 6 RHINO CALVES of our gardens. To top off the year, Ruby gave White Rhinos have always been an important 1. Astrid born 1st July 2013, birth to our sixth Rhino calf in as many years, species at the Park, which was founded by John moved to Colchester Zoo. named “Stella”! Heyworth (1925-2012) in 1970. He had a soft spot 2. Ian born 27th March 2015, for these great creatures and would have been moved to Torino Zoo, Italy. The Park’s Director Reggie Heyworth and delighted at the birth of our sixth baby Rhino in 3. John born 18th August 2015, Head Keeper Mark Godwin witnessed Stella’s time for the Park’s 50th Anniversary in 2020. moved (with half-brother Ian) birth on 7th September 2019. After just fifteen to Torino Zoo, Italy. minutes of labour, a new baby joined the crash Our previous calves born in late 2017, Alan and 4. Alan born 13th September (the collective noun for a group of Rhinos). Belle, are now independent of their mums Ruby 2017. Mark caught the birth on film, along with Stella and Nancy and will probably leave us at the 5. Belle born 2nd October 2017. tentatively taking her first steps within forty end of 2020 to join unrelated Rhinos in other 6. Stella born 7th September minutes of being born. The video can be seen on zoos, as part of the European captive breeding 2019. our You Tube channel. programme for this species.

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 1 2019 Being a farmer at heart, John Heyworth would have been delighted at all the breeding successes at Baby Boom! the Park in 2019.

Bill and Corky hatched on Two Emu chicks 21st and 23rd June (pictured with Keeper Issy Wright). Their young parents had laid two eggs randomly in their enclosure near the car park, but showed no interest in sitting. Keepers decided to take the eggs for Lightning artificial incubation. After hatching, Stripes the chicks were successfully The Park welcomed an hand-reared by the Bird team. energetic female Zebra foal who attracted the attention of visitors with Boulder her incredible speed. When she was Our Africanand Porcupine Shrimpy Hannah just a few days old, the newborn was gave birth to twin boys named Boulder galloping around the paddock. Keepers and Shrimpy in February 2019. Hannah usually name newborns, but pop royalty had only recently arrived at the Park and – Spice Girl Geri Horner (née Halliwell), was paired with the Park’s breeding male – a visited the Park in the summer and Porcupine called Prickle. Keeper Estelle Morgan was given the rare honour of takes up the story:

Photo: Rebecca Farrow Rebecca Photo: introduced into the enclosure, they immediately Snap, naming the foal. She decided “As soon as Hannah was to call her Geri! began grooming each other and establishing Crackle and Pop their monogamous pair-bond. They were This was our first litter sleeping side by side from day one and were from our new pair of Dwarf seen mating not long after. Hannah gave Mongoose, natives of East birth overnight and I found the babies Africa. The triplets have been named Snap, running and squeaking at each Crackle and Pop by other in the morning.” their keepers.

2 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP Ripley and Newt The Park welcomed two Penguin chicks. Ripley is pictured left with mum Polly and has a purple/pink/ white identification band, visible at the base of the left flipper. Newt has a purple/turquoise/ white identification band (right).

Best Friends Diablo and Fig Later in 2019 Keeper Estelle hand- reared a baby Porcupine named Diablo. He was rejected by his mum Hannah, because he was born too soon after her previous duo of Boulder and Shrimpy. When Diablo was just a few Boulder More days old, Estelle introduced him to her Sausage dog and Shrimpy Our African Porcupine Hannah 2019 Babies puppy Fig for some company and for some essential gave birth to twin boys named Boulder Other births included social interactions to help“When his Diablodevelopment; gets excited, the pair he soonwill do and Shrimpy in February 2019. Hannah two Northern White- became best friends. had only recently arrived at the Park and a buckaroo-style run, where he thrashes his head around was paired with the Park’s breeding male – a faced Owlets and a litter of Naked and jumps up in the air. They ran around the garden Porcupine called Prickle. Keeper Estelle Morgan Mole Rats. together and Fig was very gentle and patient takes up the story: with Diablo.” commented Estelle. Diablo would introduced into the enclosure, they immediately “As soon as Hannah was follow Estelle around her kitchen and come to began grooming each other and establishing her for reassurance. Diablo has now moved their monogamous pair-bond. They were to a new collection when he was sleeping side by side from day one and were weaned, to make porcupine friends. seen mating not long after. Hannah gave birth overnight and I found the babies running and squeaking at each other in the morning.”

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 3 Skulls, skeletons and scats Emily Craig, the Park’s Veterinarian, introduces our new museum located in what was the old Brass Rubbing room.

ast year, 2019, saw the opening of our new on- aiming to showcase in the museum. It is my hope that site museum which has been several years in the by displaying these items to our visitors it will help to Lmaking. This is a project that I first thought about fuel their interest and passion for the animal kingdom doing when I took on the role of full-time veterinary and its amazing diversity. Alongside conservation, one surgeon at the Park back in 2014. It is a requirement of the key roles of a modern-day zoo is education and of the zoo licensing inspections that every animal that we all hope that this museum will be an important addition to the educational resources already available to visitors of the Park. The museum is going to be Having a taxidermy animal right next staffed by volunteers and overseen by the education department who will develop activity trails and learning to its skeleton works well and really sessions within this fantastic space. helps to bring the skeletons to life in There are a variety of skulls and fully articulated the visitor’s eyes skeletons on display in the museum, as well as some taxidermy pieces. Having a taxidermy animal right next dies should undergo a post-mortem examination to to its skeleton works well and really helps to bring the establish the cause of death. It occurred to me what a skeletons to life in the visitor’s eyes. There is also a shame it was that some of the fascinating creatures that “Whose Poo” display where visitors are encouraged to we keep at the Park couldn’t continue their vital role try and match animal species to examples of their poo! of education and raising awareness after their death. In addition to display items in cases there will also be For this reason, I decided to start preparing skulls of lots of items that visitors can handle and interact with animals after I had performed the post-mortems, with under the supervision of the volunteers. the hope that one day I would build up enough of a Top left: collection that we could put them on display. See how a As the opening of the museum will rely upon volunteers Sloth’s bones to oversee it, it will have limited opening hours and allow it to hang So many of the animals that we keep have fascinating and climb will not be open every day. We recommend checking and unique adaptations to their individual ecological before you visit if you are particularly hoping to see it. Top right: niches. Many of these adaptations are obvious in life, Have a go at our We look forward to welcoming you to the museum soon some can only really be appreciated when looking at “Whose Poo” and hope that you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed the skeletons and the dentition. This is what we are game creating it!

4 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP White Storks take flight Jamie Craig, the Park’s General Manager, shares the latest developments in the White Stork project.

ince 2015, the Park has been involved in an In 2019 almost all our pairs began nestbuilding. Top: exciting project to “rewild” White Storks into Although some adults were still too young to breed Release day Southern England. Working together with successfully, we raised 24 chicks ready for release. Above left: S Feeding chicks landowners in West Sussex, the Durrell Wildlife Once fully fledged and separated from the adults, the Preservation Trust and the Roy Dennis Foundation, the birds were weighed, sexed and microchipped. They Above right: project aims to release captive bred birds from netted were also fitted with highly visible leg rings (with the Stork keeper pens in Sussex in the hope they will once again become obligatory British Trust for Ornithology identifiers) to Richard Wardle “assist” feeding a breeding bird in the UK. make them easily identifiable after release. Eight of these birds were also fitted with GPS trackers to allow Below: Storks on At the Park, our focus is on breeding birds we have us to follow their movements further afield. the nest received from rehabilitation centres in Poland. Working with Warsaw Zoo, we have so far imported over 150 August 2019 was a momentous month. These 24 storks. These birds are generally not fully fit for release, youngsters were transferred to a temporary pen at so the birds we breed here from these rehabilitated Knepp Castle Estate in West Sussex to familiarise adults will form the basis of the release programme. At themselves with their surroundings and 2 weeks later the Park, we keep 25 pairs in a large netted pen where the moment came to open the netting and watch the birds are given the highest standards of care to these young birds take their first steps into the wild. facilitate successful breeding. 2018 saw us produce At the time of writing, many of these birds have left eight chicks – quite a surprise bearing in mind these Knepp and have been regularly sighted and appear storks are generally very young and most of the pairs to be doing well. One bird in particular, nicknamed formed were inexperienced. Storks can take a while to “Marge”, has even made its way to Africa, enjoying settle and select mates, so the signs for the future of the warmer climes this project were good. of Morocco! This For more was a triumphant information and To maximise chick survival, we “assist” fed the chicks moment for updates: on the nest, placing small food items within easy reach the Park and all whitestork of the chicks to ensure all received the correct amount, involved in this project.org whilst still being fed by the adult storks. Care was fantastic project. We taken not to desensitise the chicks to the presence of eagerly wait to see what humans, something that would be vital to their long- the future holds for these term survival in the wild. Once fledged, these young birds and we look forward to “bonus” birds joined other rehabilitated storks in the more progress

Photos: Nick Upton Nick Photos: Sussex pens awaiting release. in 2020.

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 5 Last year’s Wild Talk featured us planting tulip bulbs – and this is the result! In the Beginning… We are celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2020. The Park was the brainchild of one man, John Heyworth, who wanted to rescue the decaying Manor House he grew up in. With the help of gardeners and keepers he turned a bramble-strewn wilderness into a beautiful zoological collection. Over the past five decades millions of visitors have enjoyed the beauty of nature at the Park. John’s son Reggie now runs the Park and continues his father’s work. Tul i p fever On a bright November day in 2018, garden designer and TV presenter James Alexander Sinclair helped us plant 1000 pink Tulip “Caresse” bulbs, in aid of the charity UCARE, for which he is an Ambassador. UCARE is an Oxford based charity dedicated to urology cancer research and education. The pink tulip is the emblem of the charity Above: and by buying and planting these bulbs the Park is helping to support The Manor House on the Bradwell and raise awareness of UCARE’s work. Grove Estate was John Heyworth’s family home The results of the gardening team’s hard work were spectacular. The Right: Manor House Terrace was a sea of pink tulips and many visitors were A clipping from the Witney heard to gasp when they came through the yew hedge and spotted Gazette, 22 May 1969. Pictured are the tulips, underplanted by forget-me-nots. During April this spot John Heyworth and Sid Simpson – one of the estate retirees clearing became the most photographed in the Park, with too many selfies on the land in preparation for the social media to count! We planted another 1,000 bulbs in November creation of the Park 2019, ready for another sea of tulips in April 2020. Above right: www.ucareoxford.org Ann Sinfield, wife of first curator, in the Walled Garden before it became a home for wild animals Rhinos on BBC Gardeners’ World John Heyworth remembers It’s not every day you see Rhinos on Gardeners’ World! We were thrilled to be featured on BBC Gardeners’ World on 18th October the early days, in an article for 2019 in their series finale. Catch up on BBC iPlayer (until Oct 2020) the Witney Gazette in 1978... when Adam Frost finds out about some surprising planting schemes designed with animals in mind (episode 32). ood Friday in 1970 happened to be a fine day and large numbers Gof visitors, impelled by various motives of which the dominant one was doubtless curiosity, had decided to make it their big day out for the Easter Holiday.

Inevitably teething problems which could have been minor ones became major – ticket machines jammed, and our animal keepers found themselves selling tickets, their pockets bursting with loose change, and with ever lengthening queues of cars. The great British public took these setbacks in their stride and, apart from Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost with some of our complete exhaustion, the staff survived gardens team and grounds team in the Old Walled Garden Sandall Tim Photo: the long weekend.

6 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP In the Beginning…

Left: Top: “The success of this John and Sue Walled Garden Heyworth, at a Aviaries are up wildlife park has staff garden party and running, in the 1980s 1970 depended more than Below: Above: Portrait of John Pets’ Corner in anything on the Heyworth the 1970s goodwill and team spirit of all those who work here. Without their help, and their dedication, none of this would ever have been possible.” John Heyworth in an article for the Witney Gazette, 1978

Born and brought up at Bradwell, I contained cold frames full of Parma returned in 1947 after four years in violets and other delicate plants. the Royal Dragoons, a regiment commanded by my father who was In 1980 we built the Tropical House killed in action in North Africa in 1941. which used to be three adjoining Following the death of my grandfather greenhouses, the first for carnations, the private nine-hole golf course covering in 1948, death duties necessitated a second for rare hot-house plants and the Zebra paddock and adjoining area, move to a smaller house on the a fig tree, the third for nectarines and but in the 1920s some of the parkland estate, but it was not until 1969 that I peaches. The main water supply came had reverted to brambles inhabited by decided to start a Wildlife Park to pay from a central well now covered over as innumerable rabbits. for much needed roof repairs to the a central flower bed. Manor House. So many changes, but our visitors can There was a cricket pitch on what is now still see the Victorian gothic Manor When I was a child the Walled Garden the grass car park and there were two House sitting as it has done for over two was the kitchen garden, brimming grass tennis courts below the terrace centuries among the trees and lawns with fruit and vegetables. The Tamarin outside what used to be the drawing surrounding it, and picture country corner (by Madagascar enclosure) room. Many years ago, there was also a life as it used to be.”

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 7 50 YEARS YOUNG In 1969, John Heyworth borrowed £40,000 to start the Wildlife Park. All his friends Check out our logo from when the Park thought he was mad, but in spite of endless opened in 1970, setbacks in the early days, he stuck at it and compared to the these are some of the happy moments! one we use today. 1980 1979 1978 1976 1975 1977 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 On 16th January 1980 the Park issued a First Day Pheasant aviaries Our male Red Panda Iconic tree house Meerkats and Waterbuck arrive. Butterfly Cover to commemorate the tenth anniversary of opened in co- ‘Radar’ was adopted and slide installed on and Insect Exhibition opened next to the its opening in 1970. A special cancelling stamp operation with the as official mascot of the remaining trunk gift shop – leaf-cutter ants, giant spiders, showing the Red Panda, the emblem World Pheasant Cotswold Radar RAF, of an ancient Cedar scorpions, stick insects, glass sided of the Park, Association. commissioned as of Lebanon tree beehive and living butterflies was prepared Pilot Officer ‘Radar’. that had been badly are the attractions. by the damaged in a storm. Post Office.

1981 1982 1985 1986 Bengal Tigers arrive, Sultan First breeding Children’s Farmyard The old cart barn, and Begum, remaining at the of Great Indian created. All animals which had been used Park until 1994. New Hornbills in from Pets’ Corner as a maintenance Tropical House the UK. were transferred to a workshop, was built on paddock by the converted into the site playground. the Bat House. TV of the old The Farmyard Entertainer Rod Victorian was opened Hull and “Emu” green- by local poet opened the Bat 1981 1987 1982 1985 Pam Ayres. House on 17th May.1986 houses. 1983 1984 2002 2004 2003 2008 2006 2005 2007 2001 2008 2007 2006 2004 2003 2002 2001 Ruby Wax opens our Railway circuit of Two Lion cubs Morelet’s Crocodiles Winter Garden Meerkats get a new Park’s first website new Madagascar the Park completed. born. Canadian arrive. Keepers created. enclosure and web created. Sculpture Enclosure. TV Series Barney the Timber Wolves undertake snake cam! by Olwen Gillmore “Park Life” filmed Reticulated Python arrive. Koi Carp measuring! of boy leap-frogging for ITV. appears on BBC’s and Lily ponds the world installed “Blue Peter”. created next to outside café. Hornbill enclosure in the Walled Garden.

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 “Monty” the male White Rhino The first Bridge Bear Grylls Astrid, the Park’s arrives from Knowsley Safari Giraffes over lake installed. opens Insect and first baby Rhino Park, and females “Nancy” and arrive on the BBC’s “Live and Deadly” Invertebrate House. born, to mum Nancy. “Ruby” arrive from South Africa. Park’s 40th filmed live at the Park The Park’s next Wolverines arrive. anniversary. with presenters Steve generation Backshall and Naomi of Asiatic Wilkinson. Lions, “Rana” and “Khana” 2011 2012 2010 2013 arrive. 2014 2009

8 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP 1970 1971 1972 Park opens Mississippi alligators Albert Rhinos Bella and Bull arrive from on 27th and Fiona arrive. Umfolozi Game Reserve, South March, Good Africa, followed by Paddy (a Friday on an female) from Dublin Zoo. early Easter weekend. We welcomed 17,000 visitors in the first 1971 1972 1970 weekend. 1973 1974 1975 1975 1974 1973 Miniature train Bactrian Red Pandas moved to enclosure by Manor House. opened by Dr Camels New Reptile House and Aquarium opened in old Desmond Morris on arrive. stables. A pair of Leopards were introduced into 27th April 1975. Café extension built onto new enclosure built from the Manor House. larch poles. Refreshment kiosk and gift shop near Walled Garden completed.

1988 1989 1991 1992 1993 First parent reared The Terrace and The last pony rides Farmyard Barn built. First “Wild Black Storks in lily pond on the were given in 1991. Talk” the UK. south front of the Before Newsletter Manor House were for visitors. constructed, Red thanks to a Pandas bequest to After first bred the Park from at the Miss Daisy Park. 1991 1987 1992 1988 1989 Louisa Eley. 1990 1993 1994 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 2001 1997 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1995 Park’s first website Siamangs arrive at Guide book from Walled Garden in Amur Leopard cubs The Park’s first created. Sculpture the Park. 1999. the 1990s. Ramu and Indigo Asiatic Lions, Sabu by Olwen Gillmore born. and Akela, arrive, of boy leap-frogging replacing the Tigers the world installed Sultan and Begum outside café. who had died of old age. Sharron Davies comes to the Park and meets our Tortoises.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Two more baby Asiatic Lion cub Our fourth and fifth Third year of the Sixth Rhino calf Rhinos! “Ian” born triplets. First Sifaka Rhino calves, “Alan” Park as a Royal “Stella” born on 7th on 27th March and born in GB, and “Belle” are Horticultural Society September. The “John” born 18th “Yousstwo”. born. “Little Africa” “Partner Garden”. Park featured on August. Acorn created on the site BBC’s “Gardeners’ sculpture of the former zebra World” with Adam unveiled by stables. Frost presenting, David Cameron. and on BBC “Springwatch” with our White Stork breeding and re-introduction 2017 2015 2016 2018 2019

2014 project with Knepp Castle in Sussex. 2020

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 9 Now & Then Curating the collection

The animal collection at the Park has changed dramatically over the past fifty years. Under the stewardship of six Curators, it has diversified and grown. The Curator oversees the entire collection and is responsible for the sourcing of animals and the breeding and conservation programmes. The Park’s first and current Curators share their experiences for this special 50th Anniversary edition of Wild Talk.

rian Sinfield was the first Curator nothing happened and then, as I walked at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Brian back, a car came up behind me, followed Bwas responsible, along with John by another and then another. I can’t Heyworth, for the creation of the animal remember how many came over that collection and was also instrumental in weekend, but it was a lot! I realised then the Park’s original layout. that we were going to be successful and that our vision and all the hard work was What was the first animal you paying off. It was in fact very poignant. remember working with at the Park? The first animals we got for the Park Can you tell us about the animal you were a group of Wallabies. I remember had the strongest bond with? driving up to Lancashire to buy them I loved the Red Pandas, but my from a collector but they were not favourites I suppose were the White penned up and we had a right old do Rhinos. At that time, the general feeling trying to catch them in a small paddock. was that White Rhino needed the They were the first animals we installed. stimulation of a group to allow them to breed. Well, it has taken a long time, What was your vision for the Park but they have now bred here. Also, in those early days? How does that more than ever, the breeding of captive Above: Right: compare with the Park today? animals for possible re-introduction The Park’s first Curator, The Park’s current The vision that John Heyworth, I and the into the wild is vital in a world that is Brian Sinfield, handling one Curator, Jamie Craig, first Head Gardener Les Scott had for destroying habitats and therefore the of the Park’s first breeding offers Crowned successes, Rainbow Boas the Park was that it would be the best, lives of wild animals worldwide. The Park Sifaka Youssou a Below: reward for being most interesting zoo park in the country, is at the forefront of this and doing an Brian making friends with the “poster boy” of with happy animals and happy staff. amazing job. the Park’s first Tapir Lemur conservation We set out to make it so. What also, we thought, would make it special was the What is your proudest idea that we could mix gardens with achievement during your time animals. Whenever we designed a cage, as Curator? pen or aviary Les Scott would surround My proudest achievement I it with lawns, shrubs or gardens. Other suppose was being given the zoos did this of course, but not to the opportunity to help to build, extent that we did. That I think was one set up, design and initially of the main reasons for its success. The run something that was very other was that we tried to emulate as close to my heart. Not many near as possible the animal’s natural people have that opportunity. environment. Today that ideal has been Together with John Heyworth realised a hundred-fold, and I think the and Les Scott, I helped lay gardens under Head Gardener Tim Miles the foundation of what was and his team are world class. to follow, now under the stewardship of John’s son What was the most memorable day of Reggie Heyworth. I couldn’t your curating life? be any prouder. There were many exciting days but the obvious one was the day we opened. Brian left the Park in 1975 None of us knew what was going to and went on to found a happen. On that morning, I walked up successful art gallery in the drive to open the main gate. At first Burford.

10 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP amie Craig has been the Park’s and our work with native species. I think From that day we just seemed to have Curator since 2008, having joined this is an area in which we can excel in the a connection. I also have to mention Jas Section Head of the Walled future. I think the future for us is to display Nimbus, a Clouded Leopard I hand- Garden in 2005. and breed species that suit the Park in reared – a beautiful, gentle and playful beautiful surroundings and develop our animal. When I had her at home as a What is the first animal you remember role in conservation even further. very young cub, watching her bond with working with at the Park? my children was something I will never The first thing I remember is working What has been the most memorable day forget, as well as her chasing them with the birds, most notably the hand- of your curating life at the Park so far? around the house! rearing of Black Stork chicks. I also The most memorable tend to be disasters have fond memories of bringing my first so I will leave them out! Probably the What is your proudest achievement animal in – the Cuscus who is actually sight of a newborn Rhino calf, six months during your time as Curator? still here despite his age! earlier than the experts predicted, Probably beating Bristol Zoo 5-0 in the wobbling around in the paddock when Zoological World Cup! I would have to What was your vision for the Park in we arrived at the Park for work – the first say there are many proudest moments: your early days and what are your rhino calf we had ever bred. Astrid is now the Madagascar exhibit, breeding Sifaka, plans for the future? an adult and living happily in her own Wolverine and Rhino, the launching I was mainly dealing with the section I was herd at Colchester Zoo. of the Park’s conservation charity, the running rather than the Park as a whole, team hand-rearing “Belle” the Rhino calf but I had a real plan in my head for the Can you tell us about the animal you after she was born with a damaged leg “Madagascar” exhibit and for some of the had the strongest bond with? and the first release back into the wild weirder species that I thought would suit There are a few but I would have to pick of European White Storks, which we the Park, such as Wolverine and Anteaters. Youssou the Crowned Sifaka, who was bred here. Most importantly I would say I felt very strongly that once we had our “poster boy” for Lemur conservation continuing to watch the Park develop completed the “Madagascar” area that we and a really laid-back character. I and I hope go from strength would be in an excellent position to work collected him from his former to strength. in Lemur conservation. Our conservation zoo and remember efforts have grown and we are now bringing involved in many projects. I am particularly him Jamie Craig with proud of the White Stork rewilding project back on Clouded Leopard the ferry. cub Nimbus

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 11 Memorable Animals at the Park

Gertie

Gertie the Spider Monkey (1970s–2008) She arrived at the Park on 1st August 1970 and had a habit of ‘chattering’ when someone she recognised was nearby. She was one of the Park’s most popular characters and a great favourite with staff and visitors.

Rocky (1977–1989) and Percy Cocky (1970s–1986) Two of the Park’s early media stars were ‘Rocky’, the hand-reared Rockhopper Penguin Percy the Humboldt Penguin (1989–1992) Youssou the Crowned Sifaka (2007–2017) and ‘Cocky’ the Citron- Percy was hatched at the Park on 14th April Youssou arrived at the Park in 2007 from Belfast crested Cockatoo who 1989, and it was not until much later we Zoo and quickly became a firm favourite in our regularly featured on discovered she was a female (after she had new Madagascar Walkthrough exhibit. He was an Johnny Morris’s BBC been named Percy). She was a weak chick extremely laid-back character and was hugely popular “Animal Magic” series and the dedication of keeping staff and her with visitors and keepers alike. He arrived with his in the 1970s. Rocky and fighting spirit kept her going. During 1989- companion “Ma” a female Ring-tailed Lemur, and their Cocky assisted Johnny 90 there was an outbreak of avian malaria enduring friendship lasted until he passed away in Morris in the studio causing the death of all our Penguins except 2017 from age related health problems (Ma now has a and commented on the Percy. She remained our only Penguin for new Sifaka friend!). Youssou was the catalyst for our other animals featured 6 months, during which time she became work with Sifaka conservation and when he died, many in the programme each extremely attached to her keepers (and vice- keepers felt they had lost an old friend. week. (Pictured, Johnny versa) and became a minor celebrity in the Morris opening our press. She lived until 26th November 1992, Insect House with the when despite all efforts her medical problems help of Cocky). overcame her.

Youssou Cocky with Johnny Morris

12 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP Over the past 50 years there have been many animal characters. Here are a few of Memorable Animals at the Park our Keepers’ favourites.

Akela the Asiatic Lion (1994–2014) She arrived at the Park from Helsinki Zoo in Finland in 1996 and instantly bonded with Sabu, a male from Chester Zoo. In 1999 she gave birth to two male cubs, Kashi and Thar, then in 2002 she gave birth to a male and female called Lucifer and Kalu. Akela may have had only four cubs, but they have gone on to produce over twenty grandchildren and many great grandchildren in zoos around Europe.

Akela

Bella Jara the Lar Gibbon (born 2004) Jara was born at the Park to parents Winston and Purdy on 29th October 2004. Unfortunately, when she was four years old, she lost both of her parents in the same year – they were both 30 years old, so a good age for a Lar Gibbon. Jara was a very timid, gentle Gibbon and would carefully take pieces of food from the keepers, and would happily allow them into her enclosure, even if she would swing down and knock their hat off! So that she wasn’t on her own, a ‘male’ was brought in from another zoo as a companion. Topof had a completely different personality and also Bella the White Rhino (1969–2003) turned out to be female! They lived happily together for Bella arrived at the Park in May 1972 from South Africa. She was around seven years, before relationships broke down. instantly recognisable because of her very long horn and lived with In 2016 we had the opportunity to send Jara to a zoo our other Rhino Bull, eventually succumbing to old age in 2003. The in South Africa, where she has settled well, and after a Park’s train is named in her memory. rocky introduction to a new male, she has had a baby of her own.

Barney

Barney (1997-2015) Jara Our 21-foot-long (6.4 metres) Reticulated Python Barney appeared on BBC’s “Blue Peter” in March 2007, as he was believed to be the biggest snake in any UK zoological collection. Barney lived in our Reptile House with his mate Tikki, who was a mere 18 feet long! Barney died in 2015 aged 18.

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 13 Interview with Tim Miles, Head Gardener

Visitors enjoy seeing the diversity of plant species we grow at the Park

Tim with Roy Lancaster and Adam Frost

What’s changed since 1970 in the bamboo in one of the satellite enclosures open spaces. As garden spaces have gardens department? of the Madagascar and then Bamboo become squeezed in recent years, people The climate has become a lot more Lemurs were introduced, which in spite enjoy getting out into the open and seeing friendly in the Cotswolds. The 1980s were of assurances they still managed to the diversity of the plant species here. It’s generally much colder during winter, so annihilate the bamboo! Jamie (the Park’s about reconnecting with nature. we have been able to grow plants that General Manager) and I often joke that it Les Scott the first Head Gardener (1970- will be fine, but it’s not always that simple. What grows like ‘wildflowers’ at the Park? 1998), wouldn’t have been able to grow. Wildflowers do! We have done very However, we came a cropper in 2009- Why did you decide to work here? well with our meadows allowing native 2010 when we had three hard winter Growing up in Cornwall I was used to species to grow and re-introduce spells, which did a lot of damage. seeing banana trees and palm trees in themselves, including several species of the local park, and I used to grow lots orchids, which has been quite a triumph. How big is the Garden Team? of wild and wonderful things. I then When I started in 1998 there were five worked at London Zoo in the 1980s Most commonly asked plant question? full-time gardeners and now, we have the and 1990s and enjoyed the concept of We get lots of questions about our cacti equivalent of 13 full time gardeners and planting for animals and using exotic and banana plants, which many people grounds staff. planting. When the job at the Park are amazed to see growing outdoors in came up, it was a good opportunity to the summer. We have to take them inside What’s the biggest challenge combine those two interests. in the winter and fortunately we have a gardening at the Park? good team that enjoys looking after our Gardening with the animals! We What do you think the gardens bring to exotic collection. work with the keepers to develop the the Park’s visitors? landscapes and planting in the enclosures A feel-good factor. With the enclosures If you were to choose one plant to which is always a fun challenge, then we can make them look natural, which represent the Park, what would you sometimes a decision is made to move makes the animals look and feel more at choose? an animal into an enclosure that will eat home. In between the enclosures we aim Jubaea chilensis, the Chilean Wine Palm – the plants that have just been established. to create pleasant natural experiences, its curvy deep green fronds, elegance and We once established a fantastic standard whether in small intimate spaces or big poise make it a year-round aristocrat.

14 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP Some of our Plants at gardening team pick their favourite James and the the Park plant at the Park. Giant George Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex James Headleand talks about our oldest resident here at the Park.

eorge the Giant Tortoise is approximately 85 years old. I have had the absolute pleasure of working alongside Ghim and his “crew” (Sheldon – 60 and Darwin – 30) for the last 6 years which really is only a fraction of George’s time on this earth.

Tetrapanax papyrifer Rex. There are few plants that George is an Aldabran Giant Tortoise, the second largest can go leaf-to-leaf with the power, presence and sheer Tortoise species on this planet. George’s records are few and drama of Tetrapanax. A semi-hardy exotic of truly far between. He supposedly arrived in the 1970’s and could gargantuan proportions! have been one of the Park’s earliest residents. He has moved Henry Lawrence house, previously being kept in the Reptile Courtyard where the Crocodile Monitor now resides. He now has a marvellous view The Ginkgo biloba tree. Its Ginkgo biloba of our listed Manor House and keeps a watchful eye over the distinctive leaves are the first Rhinos next door. George is a big lad, weighing almost 200kg clue that you’re looking at a and once fully grown could weigh almost 350kg. His favourite living fossil. Here’s a conifer summer pastime is using his mud wallow, which he will guard that’s adapted to our climate and fend off any Tortoise who dares steal his muddy throne. over 180 million years, with a lovely butter-yellow autumn George is our most inquisitive Giant Tortoise here at the Park colour – YUM! and is always first out in the morning, going for a stretch after Ellie Jones sleeping the night away in his heated home. Being the most inquisitive, he is often the first to come over to meet staff, as Daphne bohlua well as Keeper for a Day and Giant Tortoise Encounters – Daphne bohlua ‘Jacqueline Postill’. especially as he gets carrots, a real treat! ‘Jacqueline Postill’ The scent of the flower in late winter and early Aldabran Tortoises’ natural diet consists of grasses and spring is absolutely sedges, so George and his “creep” (the term for a group of stunning and never fails Tortoises) do a great job in chewing away any long grass in to lift the spirits. their paddock. I would recommend them as very efficient Christine Beausire lawnmowers and hedge trimmers (although we don’t tell the gardens team that!). During the summer, the Giant Tortoises Gunnera manicata or Giant benefit from a huge selection of freshly picked weeds, rhubarb. A large architectural favourites being dandelions, dock leaves and plantain. tender perennial originating from Brazil. Seeing it growing George, Darwin and Sheldon are real characters on our section in Cornish gardens inspired and we hope they will be welcoming visitors for many, many me to become a horticulturist. more years to come! This stunning plant instantly transforms any garden into a Jurassic world. Hilary Hepburn George the Giant Gunnera manicata Tortoise is about 85 years old

All the different types of Dahlia, with their varied shapes, heights and colours, providing lots of opportunities to grow them Dahlia throughout the garden. Dan Bint

50 YEARS • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk • 1970-2020 15

Dawn Ware Dawn Angela Pyzer Angela

ReggieHeyworth

Fifty Years On Cox Gill

Alex Price Alex 2019 was our fiftieth year of being open to the visiting public and none of us, my father included, would have predicted in 1970 that 2019 would see over half a

Selena Baker Selena million people coming to the Park (including freebies, such as under 3’s), of whom 440,000 were paying visitors, a record for us.

I remember giving an interview on our 25th

anniversary, at the end of which the question was Maria Nugent Maria sprung on me: “What’s your ambition for the Park in the next 25 years?” I hadn’t really ever thought about it much, so I just found myself saying “I want us to be the best Wildlife Park in the world

that no-one has ever heard of.” Erin Semark Erin I still think, 25 years on, that that is a good ambition for us to aim for, although I’m not sure who is judge and jury of what is the best Wildlife Park! Most importantly, we want it to be best for all the animals in our care. Also, perhaps because many of us actually

Demi and Orrin Pryse-Jones Orrin and Demi live here, I want this place to be the most beautiful Wildlife Park in the world. That too is a subjective judgement and it ought to be so simple, but I’m always amazed at how not-beautiful some attractions Ella are. So perhaps it’s not so simple after all.

25 years on we can’t pretend that no-one has heard about us but we remain low-key and in an important sense very locally grounded, which I hope won’t change. We’ll continue to evolve, perhaps remembering always a favourite saying of my father’s: “Don’t do what’s new, do what’s never old”. Reggie Heyworth Managing Director

H a y l e y O a k m a n

Chris Pollard Kim Bull Kim

Gwen Jenkins Gwen SelenaBaker

Kelly Uppington

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP % +44 (0)1993 823 006 • [email protected] • www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk @CotsWildTweets www.facebook.com/cotswoldwildlifepark @CotswoldWildlifePark

16 Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens • Burford • Oxfordshire • OX18 4JP