Have a look at the Meerkats just here
Wicksteed Park Wicksteed Park
- Thread starter Jedd Cullinan
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- europe uk wicksteed park
That looks a poor enclosure to me (not that I'm an expert) - can they see out at all? Seems to be more about the visitor than the animals.
I agree entirely. It looks like a terrible enclosure. Incredibly minimalistic. The high walls are stopping the meerkats from looking around which is one of their key natural behaviours. The sand seems to be a very poor quality but I'm not an expert. And the lack of climbing and enrichment opportunities is appalling. Where would the meerkat on sentry duty stand, not that they could see much anyway. It's so upsetting to see that people are still putting the visitors above the animals needs. I know this is a complete contradiction to what I said before but after seeing how it actually looks I'm shocked to see the lack of effort put into this.
Glad I wasn't the first to say it! Was holding my tongue and waiting to see how others felt 
littleRedPanda
Well-Known Member
As long as the children like it, that is all that matters.
I don't think that what children think of an enclosure actually is all that matters when it comes to keeping zoo animals.
littleRedPanda
Well-Known Member
Sorry, I forgot the sarcastic smiley. But really, "zoo" animals? It's a playpark!
Idk much about English law, so forgive me for my big ignorance, but wouldn't they need a zoo license to display these meerkats? A license that requires the holder to do some sort of conservation action at that.
littleRedPanda
Well-Known Member
Apparently they have a zoo licence and comply with the requirements HERE
Conditions
To get a licence your zoo must:
- help educate people about biodiversity
- be suitable for the types of animals you’re keeping
- have a high standard of animal care
- do as much as possible to stop any animals escaping
- stop pests and vermin getting into the zoo
- conservation research or training
- sharing conservation information
- captive animal breeding
- helping repopulate or reintroduce species into the wild
littleRedPanda
Well-Known Member
This Document only mentions Wicksteed Park Aviaries, but I assume it allows them to keep "zoo" animals outside the actual aviary too.
BeakerUK
Well-Known Member
Well the answer seems to be "very poorly".
I see and then nowadays they have added goats, meerkats, sheep, alpacas, ponies and a Spanish Mule
As already noted upthread, they don't hold all of these species at present, and in any case, the zoo licence wouldn't apply to any of the domestics
and what about the farm licence as they have got goatsAs already noted upthread, they don't hold all of these species at present, and in any case, the zoo licence wouldn't apply to any of the domestics
A licence is not required to simply keep goats - or indeed sheep, chickens, pigs or other domestic animals.
Licences and permits are required if the animals in question - or products deriving from said animals - enter the human food chain..... which will only be the case here if visitors to Wicksteed Park get *really* out of control
It's not just goats, meerkats, birds or other animals they have got they have also do have Reindeer at Christmas time
As do about 75% of stately homes, gardens, parks and other such places holding Christmas fayres and other seasonal events
so I think it doesn't exactly count as counter-evidence against the idea the collection is now limited to meerkats, goats and a smattering of birds.