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Marwell, situated in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, is a world class zoo which plays a vital role in the international effort to conserve endangered species. The one hundred-acre (40-hectare) park provides a beautiful setting for over 200 species of rare animals with large paddocks and enclosures. Notable species include Amur Tigers, Snow Leopards, Rhino, Jaguar, Red Panda, Hippo, Fossa, Lemurs, Tamarins and Zebra. Marwell is dedicated to the conservation of endangered animals and has had significant success with Amur Tigers, Dama Gazelle, Nyala, Somali Wild Ass, White Rhino, Cheetah, Przewalski’s Horses, Scimitar-horned Oryx and Grevy’s Zebra.Outstanding exhibits in the zoo are the World of Lemurs, Encounter Village, Tropical World, Penguin World and Into Africa which houses giraffe, primates, gazelles and hyrax. A Bat House has Rodrigues and Seba’s Fruit Bats. New exhibits during 2002 will include Sand Cats and an Aridlands area for desert antelope. Many events are held during the year. These range from educational events spotlighting green issues or which focus on a particular species to fun activity days for children and exhibitions. Most Marwell events promote the cause of endangered wildlife. Creature Close-ups sessions are held to introduce visitors to conservation via contact with small animals. Marwell has a presence in Africa. The Marwell Zimbabwe Trust in partnership with the Whiteley Wildlife Conservation Trust (Paignton Zoo), manages a field station at Dambari that specialises in the breeding and study of duiker and black rhino and undertakes research into cheetah populations. Marwell also supports many conservation groups overseas and raises money for them. Nearly 400,000 visitors come to Marwell every year. The zoo provides an education service and 30,000 schoolchildren use the Conservation Education Centre each year. Sustainability is a key theme of education programmes. The zoo has a staff of one hundred people, which includes 30 keeping staff. Marwell has a Zoological Society with over 11,000 members and a junior branch called the Oryx Club. The Society, which has regular meetings, supports Marwell with fund-raising and provides over a hundred and fifty volunteer helpers for the zoo. Marwell has a thriving wildlife art society, the second largest society of its kind in the UK. A major exhibition of wildlife art is held each year and workshops are held within the Park. The zoo has a formal link with the University of Southampton. Many undergraduate and post-graduate students from Southampton and other universities use Marwell as a study resource. Marwell produces a quarterly magazine for its members and animal adopters, an Annual Report and a Scientific Report. Marwell is now a very successful conference and seminar venue, hosting meetings in Marwell Hall, a splendid mansion at the centre of the Park. The zoo also has a state-of-the-art lecture theatre in its Conservation Education Centre. Marwell is a very popular destination for day-out visits with emphasis on the pleasure of seeing animals in an environment that emphasises their natural behaviour. Marwell Zoological Park
Colden Common
Winchester
Hampshire S021 1JH
Open daily (except 25th December) from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (summer), 4 p.m. (winter)
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