Some places you can visit to see captive British animals


ENGLAND

Bentley Wildfowl & Motor Museum
Description: The wildfowl collection was started at Bentley in 1962, and today around 125 species of wildfowl can be seen there. Over 1000 swans, geese and ducks roam freely in this 23 acre parkland. Address: Halland, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5AF. Tel: 01825 840573

Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Description: See exotic butterflies from around the world flying free in a tropical landscaped garden. Enjoy three species of otter including our own native British otter in large landscaped enclosures with underwater viewing.

The Tamar Otter Sanctuary
Description: Here you can see four enclosures with British otters, as well as fallow and muntjac deer, some British owls, and numbers of British and European waterfowl. Address: North Petherwin, Nr Launceston, Cornwall, PLI5 8LW, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1566 785646.

Hawk Conservancy
Description: This is the biggest collection of birds of prey in the south, and includes eagles, hawks, owls and falcons as well as other exotic species. There are also flying demonstrations and a chance to meet the birds. Address: Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY. Tel: 01264 773850.

National Bird of Prey Centre
Description: The centre is world famous for its programme of captive breeding. Housing approximately 300 birds of over 80 species, the centre leads the world in the number of species bred in captivity. To date 60 species have been bred here. It is one of the largest and best known specialist collection of birds of prey in the world. Address: Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1JJ. Tel: 01531 820286.

National Seal Sanctuary
Description: Britain's largest seal rescue, rehabilitation and release centre located on the upper reaches of the Helford River. Home to many adult seals and sea lions. Address: Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG. Tel: 01326 221361.

Screech Owl Sanctuary
Description: The sanctuary provides care and rehabilitation for wild sick and injured owls within Cornwall. It is open to the public daily with a unique education programme, guided tours and talks. Address: Goss Moor, St. Columb, Cornwall, England, TR9 6HP. Tel: 01726 860182.

Wildwood Trust
Description: A unique woodland discovery park occupying 30 acres of ancient woodland. From owls to otters, bees to beavers, and wild boar to wolves, you can experience close encounters with native wildlife in an environment that is close to nature. Situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 near Herne Bay in Kent.

The Otter Trust at Earsham
Description: The largest and oldest otter conservation organisation in the world. In 1975 they purchased River Farm at Earsham to set up the Trust's headquarters. It is home to the largest collection of otters in the world. Address: Earsham, Bungay, Suffolk, NR35 2AF, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1986 893470.

London Aquarium
Description: The £25 million London Aquarium is the first attraction of its kind in the capital and one of Europe's largest exhibits of Aquatic life. It combines education, relaxation and entertainment through a multi-sensory experience.

Cotswold Falconry Centre
Description: The centre is situated in Batsford Park, in the north Cotswold Hills. Its primary aim is to educate people about birds of prey, in order to promote a greater understanding. Address: Batsford Park, Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9QB. Tel: (01386) 701043.

Eagle Heights
Description: Established to further the awareness of British birds of prey and show the importance of conservation, the centre offers outdoor and indoor displays. Address: Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent. Tel: 01322 866466.

The Otter Trust's North Pennines Reserve
Description: The reserve is set in a wild upland landscape featuring three large breeding enclosures for British Otters. The visitor centre explains the conservation work the Trust is carrying out on the reserve. Address: Vale House Farm, Bowes, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9RH, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1833 628339.

The National Marine Aquarium
Description: A state of the art facility providing a window on the oceans. It's about as close as you can get to this mysterious world without getting your feet wet. As well as being a landmark in the City of Plymouth, it has also taken its place as a leader in the world of aquariums but remains above all a source of wonder and entertainment for its visitors.

Sealife
Description: A nice flash site featuring information about all the Sealife centres which feature fascinating displays of marine life.



WALES

Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
Description: The farm park is located on a headland, next to the nature reserve of Cardigan Island, where you may see choughs and other seabirds. Atlantic grey seals breed in the caves below the park and can be seen every day. Cardigan Bay is home to a resident population of bottle-nosed Dolphins. They frequently swim close to the shore, especially during calm weather. Address: Gwbert, Cardigan, Ceredigion. Tel: 01239 612196



SCOTLAND

Deep Sea World
Description: Enjoy a virtual tour of the National Aquarium of Scotland. Find out about the British marine environment, as well as tropical and sub tropical exhibits.

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre
Description: As well as being home to many exotic species this wildlife centre near Comrie in Perthshire also has many native species including; Deer, Wildcats, Polecats and Mink.

Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Description: One of the region's most popular attractions, CWC has one hundred species of native Scottish and European wildlife. There are the impressive brown bears, elegant lynx, amazing arctic foxes, and other more unusual species, such as Britain's rarest mammal the Pine Marten. Address: Coupar Angus Road, Dundee, DD2 4TF. Tel: +44 (0)1382 432661.



NORTHERN IRELAND

TACT Wildlife Centre
Description: A voluntarily run wildlife centre which cares for and rehabilitates sick, injured and abandoned wild birds and mammals. Animals that cannot be returned to the wild are given a home at the centre and looked after for the rest of their natural lives. T.A.C.T currently has around 350 animals in its long term care including; gannets, swans, kestrels, sparrowhawks, owls, foxes and hedgehogs. Open daily. Address: 2 Crumlin Road, Crumlin, County Antrim, N.I. BT29 4AD. Tel: (028) 9442 2900.