News

April 2010

New Arrivals!

In the last few months a number of new animals have arrived at the zoo.

Earlier this year the arrival of a new litter of meerkat pups had everyone in a frenzy. They have been kept in the Sandy Hollow hut to stop Kalahari, the proud mother, from taking them underground and out of sight. Kalahari knows that they would be safe there away from prying eyes or predators. To ensure keepers can keep an eye on the young pups they have been kept indoors. The public are delighted with this because they can see the pups through the window of the hut.

In the Tropical House our sunbirds have become proud parents and are now feeding their chick in the nest. At the moment the chicks head can be seen when parents return with food. Everyone awaits the special day when this new member of the Tropical house birds take flight for the first time.

Last week was really busy with the arrival of a hairy armadillo called tank, three rare breed Mangalitsa pigs, turkeys, baby giant rabbits and raven chicks.

The three not so little pigs, Margo, Portia and Buddy all have curly coats earning them the reputation of being ‘a pig in sheep’s clothing’. With their playful nature and big floppy ears hanging over their eyes, the public have found them adorable. They certainly keep the keepers on their toes at feeding time.

Tank and the baby giant rabbits are being kept in quarantine for a short period before being put out in their new enclosures. Keep returning to this page for updates on his progress.

The most recent arrival to the zoo are raven chicks. Our resident couple have become proud parents and all the staff are very proud of their breeding success here at the zoo.

September 2009

We Won!!!

On the evening of Thursday 10th September, proud Reception Manager, Ray Kirkham attended the awards' dinner at the Cliff's Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea to collect an Essex Tourism Award, in the category of 'Best Tourism Experience' for Junior Keeper for the Day. 

We’re all so pleased to have been awarded this prestigious accolade, particularly as we had such strong competition. We feel the Junior Keeper for the Day experience is a real chance in a lifetime for children who love animals and are delighted that this unique opportunity has received the recognition it deserves.

August 2009

Great News!

Congratulations to Kalahari, our dominant female meerkat, who has just given birth to 5 pups. They're absolutely adorable and while they're not on show yet (as they need privacy in the first few weeks), April's litter is still causing a stir with summer visitors. 

Tropical Wings Zoo has been short-listed for Essex Tourism Award in the category of Best Tourism Experience for Junior Keeper for the Day. The experience enables youngsters between the ages of 8 and 15 to get a taster of what it's like to work in a wildlife park, allowing them to get up close to their favourite animals and go behind the scenes to feed, clean, groom and where appropriate stroke and/or hold animals. And best of all, it only costs £120! Competitors for this award are Rayleigh Windmill, Waltham Abbey Town Partnership and Southend Marine Activities Centre. Essex Tourism Awards' ceremony will take place on the 10th September, so let's keep our fingers crossed! 

July 2009

Summer's Here!

Back by popular demand will be the Parrot Show, although this year's 'Parrots and Friends' it will be a little different, as there will be a few special guests featuring alongside last year's stars.  Events for the summer will include visits from Safari Pete, who has a regular slot on the Paul O' Grady Show and never fails to wow visitors with his amazing animals (please keep an eye on our events' page to see the finalised dates) and Wild Wings' Day on Sunday 23rd August. 

The day will be dedicated to everything that flies, with additional falconry displays from guests, Owls R Us and the Southeast Falconry Group. Miss it, miss out!   

May 2009

Yet More Babies!

Keepers at Tropical Wings were delighted to find two newborn baby mara in the wallaby paddock on Friday 1st May. Mara are rather peculiar-looking creatures native to parts of South America. They are a relative of the guinea pig and while in the facial features you can see the family resemblance, their bodies are more deer-like in appearance. The two little cuties are feeding well and are gaining in both strength and confidence by the day. 

Birthday Parties

From the beginning of May young animal lovers will have the opportunity to hold their birthday party at their favourite zoo! As part of the package, the birthday child gets to pick whether they'd like 'Furry Friends' or 'Big Bugs & Reptiles' to join the party. For more information please call 01245 425394 or email enquiries@tropicalwings.co.uk 

April 2009

Babies at Tropical Wings

Already this year we have had lots of exciting births here at the zoo. New additions include 10 wallaby joeys, four otter pups, a marmoset baby, five raven chicks and we are expecting little owl chicks to hatch any day now.

To house hand-reared babies there will soon be an incubation room. This will have a viewing panel through which our visitors can see what happens behind the scenes.

Indoor Soft Play Centre

During the Easter holidays, local Essex FM DJ, Martin Day proudly cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the soft play centre to visitors. It is hoped that the new indoor area will add to the site's all weather entertainment and make it an even better value day out for families.

While the play area has now been completed, a cafe bar area will soon be added in the next couple of weeks, so parents can watch on while sipping a good quality cup of coffee!