Nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside near Canterbury, Howletts Wild Animal Park stands as one of the UK’s most remarkable wildlife conservation parks. Founded by the late John Aspinall, this 90-acre park has evolved from a private collection into a world-renowned sanctuary dedicated to protecting endangered species. Unlike conventional zoos, Howletts operates with a mission-driven approach to conservation, offering visitors not just a day out, but an opportunity to witness some of the world’s most endangered animals thriving in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
A Brief History of Howletts
Howletts Wild Animal Park began its journey in 1957 when gambling club owner and wildlife enthusiast John Aspinall purchased Howletts House and its surrounding land. Initially established as a private collection, Aspinall’s passion for wildlife conservation led him to transform the estate into a sanctuary for endangered species. His unconventional approach to animal care, which emphasised close bonds between keepers and animals, set the foundation for what would become one of the UK’s most important conservation projects.
By 1975, Aspinall opened Howletts to the public, allowing visitors to witness his growing collection of rare and endangered animals. Together with its sister park, Port Lympne, Howletts became part of what is now known as The Aspinall Foundation, a charity dedicated to the protection of rare and endangered species both in captivity and in the wild.
Over the decades, Howletts has earned international recognition for its breeding programmes, particularly for gorillas, elephants, and big cats. The park’s success in breeding critically endangered species has contributed significantly to global conservation efforts, with many animals born at Howletts being reintroduced to protected areas in their native habitats.
The Animals at Howletts
Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to over 400 animals across more than 50 species, many of which are critically endangered. The park is particularly renowned for hosting the largest breeding herd of African elephants in the UK and one of the largest collections of western lowland gorillas in the world.
Primates
The gorilla enclosure at Howletts is undoubtedly one of the park’s highlights. Housing a thriving family group of western lowland gorillas, visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in a spacious, naturalistic environment. The success of Howletts’ gorilla breeding programme has been remarkable, with over 140 gorilla births since the park’s inception – more than any other zoological collection in the world.
Beyond gorillas, Howletts is home to various other primate species, including the rare and endangered Javan langur, De Brazza’s monkey, and the striking black and white colobus monkeys. Each species is housed in carefully designed enclosures that cater to their specific needs, allowing them to display natural behaviours and social interactions.
Big Cats
The big cat collection at Howletts is equally impressive, featuring Amur tigers, clouded leopards, and fishing cats. The Amur (Siberian) tigers, one of the most endangered tiger subspecies, have a particularly spacious enclosure that allows visitors to appreciate these magnificent predators in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.
Howletts has achieved significant success in breeding these endangered big cats, contributing to international conservation efforts aimed at preserving these species for future generations. The park’s approach to big cat management emphasises natural behaviours and welfare, with enclosures designed to provide environmental enrichment and stimulation.
African Elephants
Perhaps the most awe-inspiring residents of Howletts are its African elephants. The park houses the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, with a spacious 13-acre enclosure allowing these magnificent animals to roam in family groups. Visitors can observe these intelligent giants engaging in natural behaviours, from dust bathing to complex social interactions.
Howletts’ elephant breeding programme has been particularly successful, with numerous calves born at the park over the years. The Aspinall Foundation has also pioneered groundbreaking work in elephant rewilding, successfully reintroducing elephants born at Howletts to protected reserves in Africa.
Other Notable Species
Beyond these flagship species, Howletts is home to an impressive array of other animals, including the critically endangered eastern black rhinoceros, small-clawed otters, and various antelope species such as the bongo and the eland. The park also houses a collection of rare and endangered small mammals, including the binturong (or bearcat) and the African crested porcupine.
Each species at Howletts has been carefully selected based on conservation need, with many featuring on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. This focus on endangered species conservation sets Howletts apart from many traditional zoological collections.
Conservation Work and The Aspinall Foundation
At the heart of Howletts Wild Animal Park lies a commitment to conservation that extends far beyond the boundaries of the park itself. As part of The Aspinall Foundation, Howletts is involved in numerous conservation projects both in the UK and abroad, with a particular focus on the protection and reintroduction of endangered species.
Back to the Wild Programme
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Aspinall Foundation’s work is its ‘Back to the Wild’ programme, which aims to reintroduce animals born and raised at Howletts and Port Lympne to protected areas in their native habitats. This ambitious rewilding initiative has seen gorillas, black rhinos, and even entire herds of elephants transported from Kent to reserves in Africa.
The foundation has established protected reserves in Congo and Gabon for gorillas, in Tanzania for black rhinos, and in Kenya for various species including elephants. These projects represent some of the most ambitious and successful rewilding initiatives ever undertaken, with many animals born at Howletts now thriving in the wild.
Breeding Programmes
Howletts participates in numerous European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs) and international studbooks, coordinating breeding efforts with other zoological collections worldwide. These carefully managed breeding programmes aim to maintain genetically diverse and healthy populations of endangered species in captivity, providing a safety net against extinction.
The park’s success in breeding notoriously difficult species, such as clouded leopards and western lowland gorillas, has contributed significantly to global conservation efforts. Many of the animals born at Howletts have been transferred to other collections or reintroduction projects, helping to bolster populations worldwide.
Visiting Howletts Wild Animal Park
Located just outside Canterbury in Kent, Howletts Wild Animal Park makes for an excellent day out for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in conservation. The park is open year-round, with seasonal opening hours and various special events throughout the year.
What to See and Do
A visit to Howletts offers much more than just animal viewing. The park features several walking routes that take visitors through different sections, from the African Experience area with its elephants and rhinos to the primate areas housing the gorillas and other ape species. Informative talks and feeding sessions throughout the day provide insights into the animals’ behaviours and the conservation work being undertaken.
For younger visitors, the park features several adventure playgrounds, including the Treetop Challenge with its rope bridges and climbing frames. These play areas offer a chance for children to burn off energy while parents take a well-deserved break.
The Animals of the Ice Age exhibition provides an educational journey through prehistoric wildlife, featuring life-sized models of extinct species such as woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed cats. This exhibition offers context to the park’s modern conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preventing further extinctions.
Facilities and Accessibility
Howletts is well-equipped with visitor facilities, including several cafés and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. The Pavilion Restaurant offers a range of hot and cold meals, while kiosks provide snacks and refreshments. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the designated areas.
The park has made significant efforts to improve accessibility, with most pathways suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Accessible toilets are available, and assistance dogs are permitted in certain areas of the park. It’s worth noting that some parts of the park feature steep gradients due to the natural landscape, but alternative routes are usually available.
Special Experiences
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Howletts offers various animal encounters and keeper experiences. These special packages allow visitors to get closer to certain species under the guidance of experienced keepers, learning about their care and conservation. Options include gorilla, big cat, and elephant experiences, with proceeds supporting the park’s conservation work.
Photography enthusiasts can book onto specialist photography days, which provide unique opportunities to capture images of the animals with expert guidance. These sessions often take place outside normal opening hours, allowing for optimal lighting conditions and more intimate wildlife encounters.
Planning Your Visit
Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury in Kent, approximately 56 miles from London. The park is easily accessible by car via the A2 and is well-signposted from major routes. For those using public transport, the nearest railway station is Canterbury East, from where local buses or taxis can complete the journey. If you’re travelling from some distance, why not stay in one our beautiful holiday lets in Kent, and explore other amazing attractions across the Garden of England?
Best Time to Visit
While Howletts is open year-round, each season offers a different experience. Spring visits often coincide with new births, while summer provides longer opening hours and the chance to see animals at their most active. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the parkland setting, and winter visits tend to be quieter, offering more peaceful animal viewing opportunities.
Weekdays outside of school holidays are typically less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. However, weekends and holidays often feature additional talks and activities, which can enhance the visit for families and first-time visitors.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets for Howletts can be purchased online in advance or at the gate on the day of your visit. Online booking typically offers a discount compared to gate prices, and various family tickets and annual memberships are available for those planning multiple visits. The Aspinall Foundation also offers a joint ticket that provides access to both Howletts and its sister park, Port Lympne. To buy tickets, go their website.
As a charity-run organisation, all proceeds from ticket sales go directly towards the park’s upkeep and conservation projects. Additional donations are always welcome and help support The Aspinall Foundation’s work both in the UK and abroad.
Educational Value and School Visits
Howletts Wild Animal Park offers significant educational value, providing insights into wildlife conservation, animal behaviour, and global biodiversity challenges. The park welcomes school groups of all ages, with dedicated education officers available to tailor visits to specific curriculum requirements.
Educational visits can include guided tours, classroom sessions, and interactive workshops covering topics from basic animal biology to complex conservation issues. These educational programmes aim to inspire the next generation of conservationists, fostering a connection with wildlife and an understanding of the challenges facing many species in the wild.
For older students and those with a particular interest in conservation careers, Howletts offers work experience placements and volunteer opportunities. These provide valuable hands-on experience in animal care, conservation work, and public education – skills that can be invaluable for those pursuing careers in zoology, conservation biology, or veterinary science.
The Future of Howletts
As conservation challenges continue to evolve globally, so too does the role of institutions like Howletts Wild Animal Park. The Aspinall Foundation has announced ambitious plans for the future, including expanded rewilding programmes and enhanced visitor experiences that better communicate the conservation message.
Recent developments have seen increased investment in the park’s facilities, with improved enclosures for several species and enhanced visitor amenities. The foundation continues to pioneer new approaches to conservation, working with partners worldwide to protect endangered species and their habitats.
For visitors to Kent, Howletts Wild Animal Park offers not just a day out, but an opportunity to witness conservation in action and to contribute to vital work protecting some of the world’s most endangered species. From the magnificent gorillas to the majestic elephants, the animals at Howletts serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to secure a future for these remarkable species for generations to come.