Isle of Wight Zoo

Isle of Wight Zoo
Isle of Wight Zoo logo.jpg
Isle of Wight Zoo logo
Isle of Wight Zoo Front.jpg
LocationSandown, Isle of Wight, England
Coordinates50°39′39″N 1°08′22″W / 50.6609°N 1.1394°W / 50.6609; -1.1394Coordinates: 50°39′39″N 1°08′22″W / 50.6609°N 1.1394°W / 50.6609; -1.1394
Major exhibitsTigers, Lions, Lemurs, Monkeys and other exotic animals
Websitehttp://www.isleofwightzoo.com/

The Isle of Wight Zoo, previously known as the Sandown Zoo, is a sanctuary inside the former Sandown Fort on the coastline of Sandown, Isle of Wight. The zoo was privately owned but became a charitable trust in 2017. The collection focuses principally on big cats and Madagascan animals.

As part of the European Endangered Species Programme, the zoo has had success breeding several species of Madagascan animals including the critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur.

History

Originally known as Sandown Zoo, the zoo was established in the 1950s. By the 1970s it had fallen into disrepair, and was dubbed "The Slum Zoo of Britain" by The Sunday Times. However, in 1976 the zoo was taken over by a new owner Jack Corney, and over the following years it was rebuilt as a sanctuary for big cats and primates. Since Corney died in 2003 the zoo has been run by his daughter Charlotte.[1]

Main species

Big cats

The zoo is currently home to six tigers and four African lions. The zoo has recently rescued five tigers from a circus in southern Spain[2]

Tiger at the zoo

In recent years, three Indian themed enclosures have opened featuring glass viewing panels, ponds, natural planting and themed statues and temples. These enclosures were designed and built with the assistance of Ecclestone George Public Artists.[3]

Primates

The zoo also has a Madagascan theme, and the primate section reflects this by specialising in lemurs. It houses ring-tailed, black-and-white ruffed, red ruffed, black, white-fronted brown and mongoose lemurs, several of which have bred in recent years as part of European breeding programmes.

The primate section is also home to spider monkeys and capuchins.

Conservation

The zoo currently funds two conservation projects, both related to its areas of special interest.

The principal project is 'Local Advocacy for Tiger Conservation in Bhadra-Kudremukh Tiger Landscape'. This project us administered by charity Global Tiger Patrol, and funded wholly by the zoo. Over the year 2010/11 the zoo's contribution was £10800.[4] In November 2011 this project won the BIAZA award for Best Conservation Project (Small Collection).[5]

The second project focuses on Madagascar, and is administered by the Madagascar Fauna Group. As a sponsoring member, the Isle of Wight Zoo contributes $5000 annually.[6] The zoo sponsors and agroforestry station aimed at teaching alternative farming methods to the destructive slash-and-burn techniques commonly used.

Filming

The zoo was the subject and main filming location for the ITV Meridian television programme Tiger Island. Two series were filmed, showing different aspects of zoo life including making enrichment toys and designing new enclosures. A film was in production giving a behind-the-scenes view of the zoo and was to be ready in August 2013.

References

  1. ^ Della-Ragione, Joanna (2014-01-02). "My animal family: Walking with tigers, playing with bear cubs, caring for cobras". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  2. ^ "Rescued tigers now at Isle of Wight Zoo". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 2018-07-17.
  3. ^ "Ecclestone George Exhibit Construction". Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  4. ^ "Tiger Conservation at the Isle of Wight Zoo". Isle of Wight Zoo. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  5. ^ "Conservation award for Isle of Wight Zoo". Isle of Wight County Press. 14 December 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  6. ^ "MFG Institutional Members". Madagascar Fauna Group. Archived from the original on 19 October 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2012.

External links


This page was last updated at 2019-11-12 23:24 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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