Online poll puts Marwell in pride of place

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.

Dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, we participate in breeding programmes to help ensure the survival of some of the world’s most endangered animals. Last year two rare female Somali wild asses (right) were born at the Park, and with only around 300 now remaining in the wild every birth is vitally important.

We also manage populations of threatened species to help ensure their survival. Marwell recently co-ordinated an international programme to reintroduce several Scimitar-horned oryx, which are one of the world’s most threatened antelope species, back into their native habitats in Tunisia.

James Cretney, Marwell Chief Executive said: “We are thrilled to win this poll. It is fantastic that Hampshire residents have recognised our conservation work by voting us the place that they are most proud of. Throughout 2008 the Park will also see many new developments, from a fantastic new restaurant to a new African exhibit.”

Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Margaret Snaith said: “Marwell Zoological Park can now bask in the knowledge that they are one of Hampshire’s most popular attractions as voted by members of the public. It is a wonderful achievement for them.”

Several ‘Pride of Place polls’ were conducted by various county councils around England. The Hampshire vote was decided by visitors voting for one of ten Hampshire-nominated top spots on its website. Nearly 1000 people went online to vote for their favourite place in this first national council-led poll.

The Pride of Place poll is part of the Government’s ‘Connect to your Council’ campaign, which aims to encourage citizens to access their local authority services online - anytime, anywhere. People can now use council websites to find out anything from planning information to applying for school places.

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