Noah's Ark near Nailsea is open for new season

Noah's Ark zoo farm near Nailsea is open for a new season.

Home to hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates including several 'endangered' to 'vulnerable' species the award-winning zoo farm is currently fundraising to build a £1 million elephant complex.

Noah's Ark hope to open Elephant Eden bext year as the biggest elephant sanctuary in Europe.

While the zoo farm was close for the winter head keeper Chris Wilkinson went back to animal school to brush up his knowledge of the world's largest land mammal.

Mr Wilkinson travelled to Germany to study at the First European Elephant Management School in Hamburg.

Under expert guidance from experienced elephant keepers and industry specialists, Mr Wilkinson was given intense tuition in elephant husbandry, working closely with elephants in real-life scenarios.

From theoretical study of elephant biology and behaviour, through to hands-on practical health-checks including foot care and cleaning, the Elephant Management School based at Hagenbeck's Tierpark provides a comprehensive training program for zoo keepers from across the globe.

Mr Wilkinson, who has more than 12 years experience managing the current collection at Noah's Ark which includes rhinos, giraffes and lions, will work alongside a specialist new team of experienced elephant keepers to be employed at the zoo if the project is successful.

Elephant Eden will be set in 20 acres of roaming territory for Asian elephants, including rescue circus animals, who will benefit from a vast heated house, extensive sand yards and an indoor swimming pool.  

Mr Wilkinson said: "The teaching at Hagenbeck was of an extremely high standard and has equipped me with a foundational knowledge of elephant welfare and husbandry which we hope will come in useful here at Noah's Ark in the future. 

"Elephants are highly intelligent, specialist mammals which require professional care when in captivity. 

"It's crucial that any zoo keeping elephants has the right expertise at hand and learning from world renowned experts through the Elephant Management School is a great place to start."

The nine day course at Hagenbeck's Tierpark saw keepers from the UK, the US, India and Africa attending lectures, seminars and workshops together in tough, 12 hour working days. 

The school has a global reputation for its excellent teaching.

Noah's Ark Zoo which attracts more than 135,000 every year is open Monday-Saturday, from10.30am-5pm and closed on Sundays. 

It now has a new visitor entrance and enlarged cafe to improve the visitor experience.  

As well as the longest hedge maze in the world, visitors can enjoy huge indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds. For more information and for admission prices click HERE or phone 01275 852606.