Around 1000 children and their families enjoyed a ‘Dreamnight’ of fun and entertainment on Friday 18 June.

Dreamnight is a special evening we run every year. By working closely with local hospices and hospitals, children can visit us who otherwise might not be able to enjoy the park.

From close encounters with stick insects to helping feed the giraffes, the children enjoyed getting up close and personal with our animals. There were lots of other fun activities too. From finger printing with Hampshire Constabulary to exploring a fire engine with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, plus mask making and face painting. Morris the Keeper and Jonathan the Jester plus various other costume characters were also on hand to say hello. The Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Marching Band provided the evening’s music whilst Heart Radio also helped keep children amused all evening long.

Keepers and staff stayed late to keep the park open, to ensure that as many children as possible can get close to their favourite animals. This is the seventh year in a row that we have staged Dreamnight. A big thank you also goes to all Marwell staff and volunteers who helped make the evening so successful.

The first Dreamnight was held at Rotterdam Zoo in 1996 and since then over 80 other zoos from 23 countries have taken part.

21 June 2010