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ANIMAL MAGIC AT DRUSILLAS PARK
Added: (Wed Mar 03 2004)
PRESS RELEASE
ANIMAL MAGIC AT DRUSILLAS PARK
What’s new at Drusillas in 2004
Spring sees the start of some exciting new developments at one of Sussex’s favourite family attractions, Drusillas Park Nr Alfriston in East Sussex.
Below are the highlights for 2004 which include new arrivals and details of new enclosures for some of the Parks endangered species.
Monkey Business
At the end of March, the Park, which is already home to hundreds of fascinating and entertaining creatures, will be taking in two Capuchin Monkeys from Port Lympne Animal Park later this year. Barney and Barbara who are already at Drusillas will have their current enclosure extended outwards and upwards before being joined by the two male Capuchins from Port Lympne. The new arrivals will no doubt make a big splash in their new pond and enjoy all the extra space created by the new enclosure.
Free-ranging Geoffroys Marmosets
A new enclosure has been built for the Geoffroys Marmosets and once the monkeys have adapted to their new surroundings, the door to their enclosure will be opened and they will be able to free range around the Park. It is hoped that this will not only provide the marmosets with a stimulating environment to explore, it will also increase our visitors' experience.
Marmosets are extremely territorial and will not usually stray too far from the nesting area, providing there is a constant food supply. These small monkeys are threatened in the wild by deforestation and are part of a European Endangered Species Programme.
Silvery Marmosets
Two Silvery Marmosets will be located in the inner zoo of the Park. These highly intelligent tiny monkeys are a new species to Drusillas. Silvery Marmosets are found south of the Amazon river in Eastern Brazil where local populations are threatened by deforestation and live capture for the pet trade. Interestingly, baby Marmosets are mainly looked after by their father, who carries them on his back until feeding time, when he delivers the babies to their mother to be suckled.
Blue & Gold and Scarlet Macaws
Also endangered in the wild, these are the largest and most popular of the parrot species. Staff at Drusillas are expecting to receive a group of four for the Parrot Falls bird aviary during the summer.
Where in the World
There will be a new educational interactive experience in the inner zoo to highlight the animals at Drusillas. Visitors will also be able to pinpoint which countries the animals are from and the habitats that they occupy in the wild.
Jungle Tree House
The bridge from the Zoo into Playland has been revamped and the walkway now extends around an enormous tree, providing a great look out over the Park.
New events for 2004 include ‘Sheep Dog Display & Sheep Shearing’ on 18th April. This will be an educational and fun demonstration into the art of sheep shearing, and is combined with a fascinating display of sheep dogs herding ducks and geese.
‘Duck Racing & Field Dog Display’ on 24th August sees ducks compete in eight races for the title of champion, together with field dog displays.
For further information, photographs or interview requests, please contact either Claire Peters on 01323 874112 e-mail: claire.peters@drusillas.co.uk or Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647 e-mail: caroline@penningtonpr.com
Notes to Editors
Opening Times– Drusillas is open every day of the year except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Summer opening is from 10am with last admissions at 5pm. Winter opening is from 10am with last admissions at 4pm.
Admission Prices for 2004
Adults and Children over 12 years: £9.99
Children (2-12 yrs): £9.49
Babies and those not yet 2: Admitted Free
Senior Citizens: £8.99
Long Term Disabled: £8.49
Carers for the disabled: £8.49
Low Season Discount A discount of 50p per person is offered on all individual and Family Super Saver Tickets during the winter period – weekdays during Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb, excluding school holidays.
High Season Supplement A 50p per person supplement on all individual and Family Super Saver Tickets is charged for Easter 3rd to 18th April, May Half Term 30th May to 6th June, Summer 22nd July to 1st September and October Half Term 23rd to 31st October 2004.
Drusillas is situated just off the A27 near Alfriston. We are approximately 7 miles from Eastbourne and 15 miles from Brighton. Due to a shortage of brown directional tourism signs, follow the signs to Alfriston. The park is located on Alfriston Road which is just off the A27.