If you love animals, nature, fresh air and the countryside then you'll love the Animal Ark. It's set in 20 acres of pretty landscaped countryside with ponds, ornamental trees and shrubs, ideal for an afternoon stroll at any time of the year. You can walk by the side of the waterfowl lake and observe the ducks and swans doing what comes naturally. On warm sunny days look out for the colourful carp Sunning themselves near the surface of the water, or leaping up to catch a passing fly. It's a photographers dream.

If you like nature you'll enjoy the natural setting of the Animal Ark with it's plethora of flaura and fauna. The variety of mature trees accommodate a host of different birds both British and migrating - there's even an established colony of grey herons which produce scores of babies every year. If you love capturing wildlife on film why not try an Introduction to Wildlife Filming?

The Animal Ark supports a diversity of insects including butterflies, and dragon flies which provide a spectacle of colour and activity during the summer months. There are many other plants and habitats that attract and encourage unusual insects, small mammals and amphibians. There's lots to see if you know where to look. Find out about our Spring Watch programme for 2009. Registration form coming soon...

Goats are fun animals and enjoy human company. They can be a bit naughty at times but really enjoy a stroke and a cuddle. You can join them in their pen if you wish and feed them some of the special pellets which are on sale for just 50p a bag, but watch your clothes and bags - they'll eat those too!

During school holidays and weekends you'll like the keeper talk times which are fun and educational. Everyone is given the chance to hold a rat, gunea pig or a bunny, stroke a chinchilla or converse with the budgies and the cockatiel, they do love to talk! On special days and event days you can also learn about reptiles, amphibians and insects. Have you ever touched a hissing cockroach or baby snake? Look out for local adverts and watch the News and Events page for details.

As well as the rare breed farm animals, there is a variety of fancy birds, peacocks, pheasants, waterfowl, ponies, llamas, wallabies, muntjac deer, chipmunks, ferrrets, and other pets. You must come and see our miniature Guinea Pig Village with it's own church and windmill! Check out the photo gallery for pictures of the many characters, some human, at The Animal Ark.

We've lots of play equipment too..... For big kids (and small adults) there's a 50 metre zip wire, large wooden castle with climbing wall, go karts, towers and slides. You can swing, slide, bounce and climb your way around. Tiny tots are also catered for with their own wooden play house, boat sand pit, swings, slide and a mini trampoline.

We sell hot meals cooked to order, vegetarian options and special meals for the kids. There's lots to choose from including hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams. We'll warm your baby's food and help you select something really scrummy from the menu. If you are on a budget or just want to eat alfresco then why not bring a picnic.

Before you leave, pop into the gift shop we've got lots of special gift ideas, toys, crafts and unusual collectibles.

Despite the weather there is always lots to see and do and it's a very safe environment for kids. Visit soon for something a little bit different!

Discounts for pre-school, school, youth, disabled and special interest groups. All welcome. Volunteer schemes.

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The Animal Ark
Fakenham Road
Gt Witchingham
Norfolk
NR9 5QS
info@theanimalark.org
www.theanimalark.org