Zoo Licence for Hobbledown Farm!
Hobbledown Farm is excited to announce it has received its Zoo Licence. The Zoo licence is mandatory for any establishment which wants exhibits wild animals to the public.
The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 sets out how zoos in Great Britain are inspected and licensed. This makes sure that zoos are a safe place for the public to visit, that high standards of welfare are maintained and that zoos make a contribution to conservation of wildlife.
Hobbledown have more than 100 animals that currently reside at our farm, ranging from birds of prey, wallabies, miniature sheep and meerkats (which have just had a new family!) Over the course of the next few weeks they will joined by a variety of new species including racoon dogs, otters,, great grey owls and an Amazonian parrot.
Hobbledown Farms animals are overseen by an expert team of handlers on site lead by Dolores Nicholson. In addition Matt Hartley has been employed by us as a zoo and wildlife consultant. Matt has worked in zoos and with wildlife for 20 years throughout the world and is a Government appointed Zoo Inspector. His job at Hobbledown is to ensure the farm is kept to the highest possible standard.
A spokesperson at DEFRA [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] said: “Well-managed zoos can play an important role in educating visitors about wild animals and their habitats, and through activities which help conserve and protect threatened wildlife.�
A spokesperson at DEFRA [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] said: “Well-managed zoos can play an important role in educating visitors about wild animals and their habitats, and through activities which help conserve and protect threatened wildlife.�
With all the exciting new animals that we have at our Farm, it makes more sense than ever to visit Hobbledown today!