Click on the links below to see all the latest news from Marwell.
2008
- From empty plot to perfect spot
18 November 2008
An insider’s unique opportunity to see and hear how we develop our enclosures. Thursday 20th November. - Pumpkin Festival this October half term
23 October 2008
Free Pumpkin workshops and fun Halloween activities will be taking place during our Pumpkin Festival this October half term (Saturday 25th October until Sunday 2nd November). - South Pacific snails fighting back
17 October 2008
Around 100 Partula snail species exist and they are all indigenous to just a few islands in the South Pacific. The snails have gone into precipitous decline in recent years as they have suffered massively from habitat loss and the introduction of a carnivorous snail. - Café graze - now open!
9 October 2008
You can now enjoy a wide variety of delicious hot meals, all freshly prepared with only the finest local ingredients in our new large café. - Rare Middle East birds spread their wings
29 September 2008
Four of the world’s most critically endangered bird species have recently hatched. The waldrapp ibis (also known as the northern bald ibis) has been declared the ‘rarest and most threatened animal of the Middle East’ and as such, these latest chicks are vital additions to helping save this rare species from extinction. - World's largest exhibition of wildlife art comes to Marwell
21 August 2008
Marwell International Wildlife Art Society (MIWAS) is celebrating its tenth anniversary in style by hosting the world’s largest display of wildlife art and sculptures in the Park. - Watch Marwell's babies in Michaela Strachan's Zoo Babies on TV
12 August 2008
TV wildlife presenter, Michaela Strachanis currently presenting a brand new wildlife series on channel 5 following little baby animals being born in zoos and wildlife parks across the UK. - Watch our first animal being born in our new online diary - a rare okapi
5 August 2008
Following a pregnancy which lasts for over a year we are delighted with our latest new arrival, a healthy female okapi calf. Born on Monday 2nd June 2008, we have named her Hazina which means valuable treasure in Swahili, the language spoken in the okapi’s native Congo. - Double celebrations as second baby giraffe is born
17 July 2008
We are celebrating the birth of two baby giraffes within a month. The latest arrival was born on Friday 6th June and is called Tiye after a beautiful queen of Ancient Egypt.Tiye, who is already over 6ft tall, is being looked after by her mum, Mary. The name also means beautiful and gorgeous. -
See the world's smallest monkey at Marwell
30th June 2008
A pygmy marmoset was born on the 23rd May. The youngster can now be seen living with the family group (which consists of mum, dad, twins born last year and another, older, sibling) opposite the entrance to the Lemur World complex. - Lucky Friday 13th!
17th June 2008
Marwell hosted Dreamnight on Friday 13th; a special event run every year to enable children with disabilities and their families to enjoy free entry to the Park. - Marabou Mansions receive two new guests
7th June 2008
Two Marabou stork have recently arrived and can now be seen in the bird enclosure (which keepers call Marabou Mansions) opposite the giraffe house. - Dwarf forest buffalos named after sports stars
30th May 2008
The first dwarf forest buffalo male arrived at Marwell in 1978 and was called Muhammad Ali, or Champ for short, after the acclaimed American boxer. All youngsters (from this species) born at Marwell have since been given names from the world of sport. - New giraffe calf is standing tall
23rd May 2008
We are celebrating the birth of a new baby giraffe. Born on the morning of Wednesday 14th May, the giraffe calf is already 6ft tall and has been named Christa after her dad, Christopher. - Hop along and enjoy free Australian storytelling this May half term
20th May 2008
We will be enthralling children this May half term (Monday 26 – Friday 30 April) with stories about the mysterious and bizarre animals from Australia. Capturing children’s attention as they listen to the dilemmas Australian animals face and their struggle for survival, the FREE story telling sessions will be brought to life by our intrepid animal experts and will also include fun colouring in activities. - See our new Kit kats!
16th May 2008
We are delighted to announce the recent birth of two meerkat kittens. Affectionately known as ‘kits’ by our keepers they made their appearance known on the 24th March when they first made calls and squeaks whilst still underground in their den. - Where the gordon bennett did you come from?
8th May 2008
Keepers were astonished recently to find an albino Bennett’s wallaby peering out of her mum’s pouch. It is not un-common for albinos to be born in captivity and they have been born at Marwell in the past. However, albino wallabies in the wild are rare with as few as one in 10,000. - With a winning time of 32 minutes it was a no snail pace
29th April 2008
Despite the thunderstorms and rain, nearly 1000 runners and 300 children gathered at the Park last Sunday (27th April) for the Marwell 10km Road Race and Fun Run. Luck was on our side and the weather cleared just in time for the race starts. - Will you sprint like a cheetah or be slow like a snail?
23rd April 2008
A stampede with a difference will be taking place this Sunday (27th April) as nearly 1000 people will run past some of the world’s most endangered animals in the Marwell 10km Road Race. - New faces, new strategies - conservation in Kenya
22nd April 2008
With three recently appointed positions, including a national Grevy’s Zebra Liason Officer, as well as Kenya’s first national Grevy’s zebra strategy in place, conservation efforts are going stronger than ever. - New baby douroucouli born
17th April 2008
We are proud to announce the successful birth of a baby douroucouli. Also known as owl monkeys, they are the world’s only nocturnal monkey. Native to South America, Keepers have called the new baby Curraray after a river in Ecuador.
- Join us for fun family activity sessions
28th March 2008
We are running animal activity sessions for all the family to enjoy during the Hampshire Easter school holiday period – starting Tuesday 8th April for two weeks. There are three different themed sessions to choose from: Amphibian Action, Animal Superheroes and Save YOUR Planet.
- The Amur leopard cub name is pure Russian!
19th March 2008
We received a staggering 10,000 votes on our online poll to name our Amur leopard cub, and the winning name is…Kiska. Pronounced ‘Keys-ka’, Kiska is a Russian girl’s name meaning pure. The name was extremely popular and received a whopping 45% of the votes.
- Rare leopard birth
28th February 2008
We are celebrating the birth of an endangered Amur leopard. With less than 35 remaining in the wild, Amur leopards are one of the rarest big cats in the world.
- Happy Birthday Khama!
22nd February 2008
Khama, our youngest giraffe celebrated his 1st birthday today (Friday 22nd February) with a special treat from his keeper Holly.
- Leap 4 Life and help stop a killer fungus
13th February 2008
Up to half of the world’s amphibian species are in danger of being wiped out and over 165 types of frogs, toads and salamanders have already been lost, never to be seen again. This equates to the largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs.
- Online poll puts Marwell pride of place
11th January 2008
Hampshire residents have voted Marwell as the place in the county they are most proud of The ‘Pride of Place’ poll was conducted online by Hampshire Council Council. Marwell was voted into Hampshire’s number one spot after gaining an impressive 30% of the votes cast.
- Meet Cindrella and Prince Charming at Marwell
4th January 2008
Dreams can come true this New Year as Cinderella invites you into the glorious Marwell Hall for a fairytale treat. The magical experience begins with a royal welcome from the handsome Prince Charming before meeting Cinderella herself. With lots of glitter and sparkles to use, children have plenty of fun helping the special couple create invitations to their forthcoming wedding.
2007
- Christmas fun at Marwell
17th December
Sitting in front of the beautifully lit Marwell Hall, the magical open air ice rink is perfect for both beginners and seasoned experts. With plenty of space for skaters of all experience, take to the ice and show off your skating skills or take a leisurely glide round the rink.
- Skate under the stars for the first time ever at Marwell
1st December
TV Presenter and Wildlife Champion, Chris Packham took to the ice today (Saturday 1 December) at Marwell Zoological Park as he officially opened the Park’s festive ‘Magical Winter’ event.
- UK's first ever female Takin born at Marwell
8th November
Mei-ling, a Mishmi Takin, was born on 30th September to mum Mulan and dad Mooshu. It is difficult to estimate how many are left in the wild which is why it's so important that a safety net of Takins is built up in collections such as Marwell.
- Double delight - two rare Somali Wild Ass births
5th October
We are delighted to announce the recent birth of two rare female Somali Wild Asses. ‘Nadifa’ (Somali for ‘in-between seasons’) was born on 6th September and ‘Jahzara’ (Ethiopian for Blessed Princess) was born on 25th September.
- Halloween fun this October half term
3rd October
Children can join our friendly witch for free story telling and Halloween fun this October half term. Children can listen to fun stories and ghostly tales including ‘The owl who was afraid of the dark’ whilst being surrounded by all sorts of Halloween delights.
- The Siamang Gibbons receive a royal visit
17th September
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal gave our new exhibit ‘Life in the Trees’ the royal seal of approval when she formally opened it today (Monday 17 September).
- Foot and Mouth Notice - Open as Usual
12th September
Following the confirmation of Foot and Mouth Disease in Surrey, on Wednesday 12th September, the Park is open with bio security in place as a precaution against the disease.
- The Siamang Gibbons are swinging into their new home
28th August
An exciting new home for our family of Siamang Gibbons is now open! Be one of the first to enter ‘Life in the Trees’ and get breathtakingly close our energetic apes.
- Babies Galore At The Park
27th July
We are currently experiencing a baby boom at the Park. Babies of all shapes and sizes are now exploring their surroundings so if you want to see them investigating their quarters for the first time then you need to visit soon.
- Celebrating Marwell's 35th Birthday
18th May
Happy Birthday to the Zoo! We are 35 years young this week and invite you to share the celebrations during May half term week with a week of special activities and birthday fun.
- Extended Official Opening of Marwell Zoological Park's latest Development marks a new direction for the Zoo
18th May
With the cutting of the Australian twine, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Chairman, Jim Brathwaite CBE, officially opened Marwell Zoological Park’s latest development, Encounter Village and the Australian Bush Walk, today.
- Extended talks this May Bank Holiday Weekend
4th May
The Zoo is offering specially created talks and events this May bank holiday weekend for children and adults alike to learn about the many animals at the park.
- 32 minutes to leg it for lemurs
1st May
Nearly 1000 runners, including 300 children, descended on Marwell this Sunday (29th April), to compete in the 10k road race and children’s fun run round the park.
- Marwell Zoo gets ready to leg it for lemurs
26th April
We are preparing for a stampede with a difference this Sunday (29th April) with over 1000 people descending on the park to take part in the 10k Marwell Road Race.
- Twin birth of endangered monkey species
20th April
We are delighted to announce the birth of twin Golden Lion Tamarins. With an estimated population of only around 1000 left in the wild, Golden Lion Tamarins are one of the most endangered monkey species in the world.
- 'You Beauty!' Australian Bush Walk is a winner
6th April
Over six thousand people visited the park on Good Friday, with many gaining close encounters with some of the world’s most bizarre animals in the new Australian Bush Walk and Encounter Village.
- Follow the Bush Walk and encounter the wierd and wonderful
5th April
Encounter Village and the Australian Bush Walk opens Good Friday - Friday 6 April.
- The animals are now out in their paddocks
28th March
Some of the animals were given an early Easter treat today (Wednesday 28 March) as they were let loose into their grass paddocks for the first time this year.
- Hop skip and jump...into our new Australian Bush Walk and Encounter Village
14th March
Our re-developed Encounter Village is looking amazing and is due to open - as planned - on Friday 6th April.
- Exciting New Website
5th March
Following several months of development and careful planning, our new site has finally gone live today (Monday 5 February). - Vital Boost for Cotton-Top Tamarin
28th February
Monkey species on verge of extinction receives a vital boost - Marwell celebrates with special Mother's Day Adoption Package. - Half Term Fun Activities
13th February
Marwell is supporting the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) annual conservation campaign, which this year is the island of Madagascar. - Nika Moves On
8th February
Nika, our female Amur Tiger has today (Thursday 8 February) left us for Howletts Zoo Park, Kent. - New Visitor Record Set
2nd February
The visitor numbers have been carefully scrutinized and we can announce that 2006 has been the most successful year ever with a record breaking 510,955 visitors to the Park. - Love is in the Air
31st January
Adopt our beautiful Red Panda couple with our special Valentines adoption package.
2006
- Christmas Day Arrival
25th December
Brian the Nyala is our special Christmas baby as he was born on Christmas morning. Named after the character in Monty Python’s film The Life of Brian, Brian is the latest addition to the 25 Nyalas here at Marwell Zoo.