This is an
updated description of the whole Howletts operations
that has just been sent to me (1998) by a senior member of
their staff which I think will interest readers of these pages.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to the largest captive breeding colony of western lowland gorillas in the world with over 60 births to date. All are housed in family groups in large, spacious enclosures. The park breeds only rare and endangered species of wildlife as it is our aim to breed and protect rare and endangered wildlife with the aim of returning them to the wild when it is safe to do so. At Howletts we also have the largest breeding herd of African elephant in the UK including Osh who was the first bull calf to be born in the UK, along with Siberian and Indian tigers, wolves, bongos, honey badgers and many other species. The park is set in 70 acres of ancient Kent woodland.At both Howletts and Port Lympne a policy of 'bonding' is encouraged between keepers and their animals - hence visitors could be rewarded by the sight of a keeper playing with the tigers or gorillas! This interaction improves the emotional well-being of the animals and has lead tp the park's incredibly successful breeding programmes.
The park has many overseas conservation projects including the 'Congo Gorilla Rescue Project'. John Aspinall has a gorilla orphanage in Brazzaville, Congo where rescued baby gorillas (whose mothers have been killed by poachers)are nursed back to health. The Lefini Reserve (Congo) has been set aside and protected for their gradual re-introduction to the wild. So far 9 gorillas have been successfully returned to the wild.
The park has also returned Przwalski horses to China, Burmese pythons to Indonesia, Ocelots to Mexico and a black rhino to South Africa. All were born at the parks.
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Mansion and Gardens:
Set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside overlooking the Romney Marshes in Kent. Home to many of the world's endangered wildlife species (same mission as Howletts as this is our sister park). Largest black rhino herd in Europe (12 animals) including 2 new babies born at the end of 1996. New 2 acre outdoor moated gorilla enclosure enables visitors to see gorilla behaviour at its most natural. Largest in the world. Also Przwalski horses, bison, water buffalos, Indian elephants and many other endangered animals. Also an historic mansion and 15 acres of terraced gardens. There is a courtesy Safari Shuttle Service (tractor drawn trailers) that visitors can hop-on and hop-off to get around this vast park.
The parks are open every day from 10am to dusk (except Xmas Day). A 24 hr Visitor Information Line is 0891 - 800 605.
