Our re-developed Encounter Village is looking amazing and is due to open - as planned - on Friday 6th April. With a whole new Australian twist, you will soon be able to come face to face with some of the weird and wonderful animals from this island.

Upon entering the Australian Bush Walk, you can step (or hop!) in the footsteps of one of Australasia’s most popular mammals – the lovable wallaby. With ‘Aussie’ plants and eucalyptus trees simulating the Australian Out-Back, the Bush Walk provides an excellent setting from which to watch these inquisitive animals in their natural environment.

You will then be guided into a fantastic walk through aviary containing one of Australia’s most beautiful birds – the kookaburra. This Australian version of our very own kingfisher, is well known for its characteristic laughing sound and striking plumage. The natural setting provides excellent views of these stunning birds and is a great location to take photos, as once again there will be no barriers or netting between animals and visitors.

The animal encounter experience takes a twist into the realm of South America as you will then have the chance to meet the Golden Lion Tamarins - Brazil’s beautiful monkeys. These magnificent monkeys, with their fabulous golden fur and long silky manes, are highly intelligent and just as likely to be interested in visitors as the other way round! Golden Lion Tamarins are endangered in the wild (during the 1970s it was believed than less than 200 remained in the wild), and Marwell is proud to be involved in a European Breeding Programme to help secure the Tamarin’s future.  

It’s not just about the cute and cuddly animals though as you will be able to meet some of the more unusual cold blooded animals at the Village’s Animal Barn.  Designed with children in mind, the all new Animal Barn provides an excellent setting for children of all ages to learn about our reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. With regular zoo keeper talks, children will be able to ask questions and get closer than ever before to these fascinating creatures.

To support our long term strategic vision of creating a Park that reflects the world’s natural resources, Encounter Village and the Bush Walk are the setting for the new Australian Biome section of the Park. By using the principle of laying the zoo out in a series of ‘biomes’ (areas of distinct regional and biological communities) this will allow us to group and present its animal collection in an enhanced way.

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