Wonderful Wildlife

Tiger Cubs Explore Their Enclosure At Norfolk Zoo

A pair of endangered tiger cubs have been exploring their enclosure as they grow in confidence. Their mother Mishka, aged seven, gave birth to the Amur tiger cubs at Banham Zoo in Norfolk on May 1. The cubs are a legacy to their father Kuzma, who was the zoo’s resident male Amur tiger and died in March aged 14. here are thought to be around 500 Amur tigers left in the wild, with the species classed as endangered. Mishka moved to Banham Zoo from Woburn Safari Park in 2021 as part of the European Breeding Programme for the species, intended to protect endangered animals from extinction.

zsea.org/banham

Record Number Of Seal Pups Counted On Norfolk Beaches

The seal population between Waxham and Winterton attracts thousands of visitors each winter as the young seals are weaned before re-entering the sea. As of January this year, a total of 3,796 seal pups had been born. The number is almost double the count in 2019/2020 when the total pup count was 2,069.

RED KNOTS AT SNETTISHAM, NORFOLK

Seeing any animal in large numbers is heart-stopping. Every summer and autumn, 100,000 knots gather on the mudflats at The Wash in Norfolk, proof spectacles on this scale do happen in the UK. Spring tides send them skyward, where they create patterns similar to the murmurations performed by starlings. Wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein arranges short weekend breaks timed to coincide with the phenomenon, with accommodation in a family-run riverside farmhouse. Exodus offers three days half-board from £579pp, own car required. Various departures in October.

National Trust rangers move into lifeboat house to monitor little tern colony

Three National Trust rangers have moved into a lifeboat house on a remote shingle spit to monitor a colony of one of the UK’s rarest seabirds through the breeding season. Rangers will live on site at Blakeney Point on the north Norfolk coast for eight months, from March to October, warding off predators to help threatened little terns. Assisted by around 30 volunteers, the trio will also count nests and fledglings, and speak to visitors to limit disturbance to the ground nesting birds. The population of little terns has dropped by 40% since the 1980s, according to the National Trust.

Beautiful Holiday Homes In The Norfolk Countryside

▼ STUBBS HOUSE sleeps 20

Surrounded by idyllic countryside and set on the Norfolk Broads. This property is perfect for walking, running or enjoying the wildlife. Large garden.

LYDNEY HOUSE sleeps 22

A Georgian House with many original period features, including cellar and bar area. Set in the historic market town of Swaffham, within easy reach of Sandrigham, Burnham Market and Brancaster.

▼ OVERCLIFF LODGE sleeps 22

Boutique North Norfolk Coastal retreat just a stone’s throw from the beach, nestled in a charming coastal village which has a parade of independent shops and nearby golf course.

WARREN HOUSE sleeps 20 Set in a beautiful secluded woodland with an abundance of wildlife. Centrally located for easy reach to the coast and Norfolk Broads and nearby popular market town of Aylsham. Includes swimming pool and tennis court.

▼ GREENHOUSE sleeps 20

Located in a quaint Norfolk Village bursting with history, just a few minutes’ drive to the golf course, beach and nearby Michelin recommended restaurant The Gunton Arms.

ALL PROPERTIES ARE DOG FRIENDLY AND INCLUDE A HOT TUB AND GAMES ROOM