West Midland Safari Park - 30/07/2008

Yes, I know that there are plenty of zoos, parks and especially circuses around the world that exploit wild animals purely to make money. I also know that many of today's zoos and parks that are running good conservation and educational schemes also started out this way. But it's also true that these places are another great way to get kids enthused and interested in wildlife.

We spent a great day at West Midland Safari Park, getting close to the many deer/antelope species, wild cats, wild cattle and open plain species. There are also excellent reptile, amphibian and small mammal enclosures. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the animals, and this place has the added attraction of a fairground to make it a full day.

Of course it's nothing like getting out to Kenya, but I can't see that happening for us for a long while! I felt obliged to stick the camera out of the window whilst driving around ....


Brindled Gnu (It had to be Gnu ..)


Burchell's Zebra


Blackbuck


Must be relaxing knowing the lions are fenced off.


Pere David's Deer - this stag was in full rutting psychotic mode


Addax


Red Lechwe


Common Eland


Bengal Tiger - They're great!


African Lion - and sheep?


Cheetah


White Bengal Tiger - WMSP seem to have a thing about white animals, with the white Lions and albino Wallabies aswell.


Horned Viper


Llama - not from Leicester


Bactrian Camel


Dromedary Camel


Ankole Cattle - that's what I call a horn!


Asian Water Buffalo


Rook - not an exhibit, the local corvids have got this place sussed as an easy meal ticket