Native Wildlife

TREES

The field trees here at Noah's Ark are mainly Ash and Oak, with small numbers of Alder, Willow and Beech. Since becoming a Visitor Centre in 1998, we have also added many thousands of new trees. 15,000 Beech trees (green and copper) were planted for the maze, which we trim each year to make into silage for the giraffe and other browsing animals. We have also planted 12 acres of trees to help feed the Elephants, including Willow, Poplar, Ash and Hazel.

HEDGES

The hedges around the Zoo are a mix of Blackthorn, Whitethorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Elder, Bramble, Dog rose, Holly and Ash, some hedges go back centuries. Did you know you can tell the age of a hedge by counting how many different species there are in a 10-metre section?

FLOWERS

We have wildflower meadows, and flower boxes and beds around the site with a variety of species, all of which help to encourage wild birds and mammals and amphibians.

Fauna

Native Wildlife at the Zoo

Native Species

As well as caring for exotic animals, we are passionate about our native species too. From buzzards to badgers, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm provides a wonderful home to hundreds of species of native wildlife. 10 years ago an RSPB survey recorded 67 different species of bird on the farm and did you know we have 5 species of wild bats living here at the Zoo?

Conservation Area

We have a huge conservation area where native wildlife can thrive. This area is located just behind the Big Cat Sanctuary and incorporates our butterfly meadow and our large pond, as well as several acres of fields. This conservation area is sometimes open to the public on event days. Keep an eye on our events page for more information on upcoming native wildlife events.

We are aware of current issues concerning native wildlife in our area (badgers). Please read our statement for more info.

Read here