West Midland Safari Park has opened the largest Lemur
walk-through facility in the country.
The new exhibit "Walking with Lemurs" consists of a natural
woodland walk now home to Ring Tailed Lemur, White-Fronted Brown
Lemur and Red Bellied Lemur - all native of Madagascar. Lemurs have
free range of the woodland, which is located in an area beside an
original lake in grounds landscaped by Capability Brown that date
back to the 1800's.
This is the first time that visitors to the Park will be able to
see and interact with this new species introduced for 2011.
Work started on the new complex in Summer 2010 when a former
Goat Park site was completely redeveloped and landscaped. The
facility now includes new purpose built animal housing, pathways
and natural log visitor seating. There is a programme of daily
talks and Lemur themed activities planned for throughout the year.
The new Lemur exhibit took seven months to complete and is part of
a £1m investment in new attractions that are being launched
during 2011.
Bob Lawrence, Director of Wildlife, said, "Lemur are fascinating
animals that often display unusual behaviour that is both
captivating and rather cheeky. They are habitual sunbathers and
enjoy nothing more than finding a nice perch to while away an hour
or so. When roused part of their communication process can become
somewhat theatrical too, particularly when they engage in "stink
fights" by waving their scent-marked tail at an opponent. This new
exhibit is just what was needed and utilizes an area of the Park
that is ideally suited to this kind of species".
West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is open daily, including
Bank Holidays, up to Friday 4th November 2011.
"Walking with Lemurs" is included as part of the standard
admission charge of £13.99 for adults, £11.99 for
children. A family saver ticket costs £46.76, which admits
two adults and two children and offers a 10% saving on standard
admission prices. Admission prices also include a free return
ticket. Amusement rides are charged extra in all cases. For further
information please call 01299 402114.