When Crocodiles of the World was formed in 2010, it was self-funded by crocodile enthusiast and conservationist, Shaun Foggett, who has been working with crocodiles since 2000. There were several dozen crocodiles to start with, but now that number has greatly increased to more than 90. Many animals have been rehoused at the zoo in Crawley and Crocodiles of the World has now become a national centre for crocodile care, treatment and behavioural research.
Initial plans for crocodile conservation work have developed into several successful breeding programmes, studies of animal behaviour in unprecedented detail and numerous conservation, education and research projects.
However, there are still challenges. The strict planning restrictions limited the zoo to opening to the general public on Sundays only, although with visitors numbers growing rapidly, this was recently relaxed to allow opening on Saturdays as well. Crocodiles of the World continues to expand, and the number of visitors and their passion and interest in the world of crocodiles means we need to open 7 days a week!
Over the last 18 months, owner Shaun Foggett has been looking at alternative sites that could meet with the zoo's future requirements. This has been a time-consuming process, with many disappointments. However, in recent months, a possible new site was identified.
The new site meets all of the requirements of Shaun and the animals of the Crocodiles of the World. It is a large-scale, purpose-built facility that will provide ample accommodation for visitors as well as animals. There is good access from the road and plenty of free on-site parking. The site is also within close proximity of our current location, just 5 miles away. Also, and importantly for Shaun and the zoo staff, the new site shares a rural setting in the heart of the Cotswold countryside. While our current premises are attached to an industrial estate, we are surrounded by miles of forest, woodland and acres of mixed farmland, so local wildlife abounds. We are delighted to have a similar setting, albeit unattached to an industrial estate.
For local followers the new premises is the former Foxbury Farm Shop in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. This large-scale premises is several times bigger than our current site.
Finding a new site was only the first step in the process of relocating the zoo. A planning application followed which was a long and involved process, but we were greatly encouraged to have the support of the local council and local authority tourism department along with lots of local people. We are pleased to announce planning consent has now been granted for us to move. There are even more obstacles and challenges on the horizon, not least raising the funds for such a move, but this is an important milestone along the way towards our new home.
As mentioned, one of the challenges now facing Shaun and the whole team at Crocodiles of the World is trying to raise the funds needed in order to complete the work at the new site. We of course welcome your support and will be sharing details of our fundraising appeal in the coming days.
Shaun and the Crocodiles of the World team will continue to work hard to push the project onward and we plan keep you informed every step of the way, ahead of opening in 2014
