Big Cats on Dartmoor!

According to Plymouth Herald: Britains environment watchdog has ruled out the existence of big cats in the wilds of the Westcountry, despite countless sighting claims by members of the public.

Natural England said it was "confident that there is no breeding population of big cats" in the UK after releasing a list of the exotic species reported to it by the public.

As an animal keeper for many years, it is innevitable that i have run into this debate before. Whilst working in the midlands i was called upon by local police forces, on several occassions, to help with reports of "big cat" sightings. I would accompany them to the scene of the sighting and check for evidence. I have found spoor, (feaces), scratch marks, foot prints and fur on many of the sites but i cannot confirm that any of the evidence found came from a big cat.

Before the 1970's the law on keeping a big cat, such as Lion or Tiger, was very relaxed. Anyone could keep a Lion in their garden as long as it was caged! My partners family lived just around the corner from such an owner who kept his Lion on the front lawn! The local children would walk past it on their way to school.

Since then the law has changed dramatically. The Dangerous Wild Animal Act, (DWA), was introduced in the early 70's to stop the trend of keeping big cats as pets and forced owners to house their cats, and other dangerous animals, properly. Proper, safe enclosures were needed with adequate room and a licence was needed to own such an animal.

This new law prompted an influx of animals being given away to zoo's, but worst of all, some of those that couldn't afford to comply with the new regulations would release their animals into "the wild". Exmoor was the first place to have a "big cat" sighting. A black Panther, (Leopard). Thought to be an illegally released cat in the 70's. Since then hundreds of sightings came in to various police forces all across the country. Dartmoor being one of them. Over the past 30 years many sightings have been reported across Dartmoor, Bodmin moor and Exmoor. Each area boasting their own "beast of"

While the original cats of the seventies will all be dead now, is it possible that some crossed eachothers paths and produced offspring? We cannot discount this, but, in my personal opinion, i think unlikely. Many sightings are fake, many just mis-identified. Yet the sightings still come. Are they the offspring, escapee's, illegally bred releases? Reports across Britain still come in from time to time but Natural England say there is no breeding population of big cats in the UK. Where have they come from? Where is the evidence? Who knows for sure?

What do you think?

Are there big cats roaming Dartmoor? Have you seen what you believe to be a big cat? Let us know you views.

Its Springtime at the Zoo.

Spring is arriving at the zoo and the natural flora and fauna is in full swing.

Dartmoor zoo is a haven for animals and birds that are free to come and go. Over 30 species of wild bird have been recorded at the zoo from the tiny Goldcrest to the huge Buzzard and Raven. The Jackdaws are nest building around the main house and the wrens have taken up residence just outside the office window. The wild bird chorus in the morning and evening at this time of year is a cacophany of sound as they compete for the best territories. Look around the trees as you wander through the zoo at the nest boxes placed throughout. The Blue Tits are nesting everywhere. We eagerly await the imminent arrival of the Swallows that will soon be ducking and weaving in our large open, soon to be African paddock, opposite the restaurant. The male birds are in full colour now trying to catch the eye of the females, and our resident Peacocks are in full tail too, fanning their spectacular plumage to everything that'll take a look. Woodpeckers are drumming in the new season and the Tree Creepers are busy scurrying up and down the giant oak trees.

The flora is in full cycle with the changing colours throughout spring. The snowdrops are just finishing their flourish and are making way for the crocuses and daffodils. Soon it will be the turn of the bluebells and the rhododendron. We also have many rarer plants like the Australian fern, lime trees, eucolyptus and evergreen oak.

As you walk up the main drive you will see our large pond used by our Capybara. Take a closer look at the waters edge and you will see that the frogs have spawned leaving huge clumps of jellied eggs. The pond will be alive with tadpoles before long. At the top of the drive, behind the eucalyptus tree, another small pond is home to several newts and dragonfly will soon adorn the reeds later in the spring.

Whatever time of year you come, keep a sharp eye out. As well as our exhibit animals there is a world of natural beauty around you. So you can be sure of a natural spectacle. Look beyond the enclosures.

There's more to Dartmoor zoo than just a zoo, if you just take another look around.

Wildlife Art Competition and Exhibition

In advance of the first DZP Wildlife Art Competition and Exhibition, we thought we'd give you a sample of the standard we can expect.

Here's a selection of web sites from a few of the applicants.

www.davidfinney.com

www.cwright.co.uk

www.suemclearie.co.uk

www.artbygriff.com

www.annabeljharris.co.uk

www.lynnedavies.com

www.amamenec-sculpture.co.uk

waddamsfineart.webs.com

www.sheilahogge.com

www.colincourtice.co.uk

www.animalspiritart.co.uk

www.mariefineart.com

www.julierhodes.com

Applications are still open - deadline is 8th May 2010.

For more information, see the events section of our Facebook page and follow us on Twittter.

Kids go FREE in March

Every Saturday and Sunday in March Kids go FREE at DZP!

Yes, as long as they're accompanied by at least one full paying adult and you consider a no-obligation donation to our Monkey Mayhem fundraiser kids go free every weekend in March.

So - bring your little monkeys to help out our little monkeys!

Tweet Yourself to a Keeper for a Day

We've donated over £1000 in prizes, including Keeper for a Day experiences for adults and juniors, to the Plymouth Twestival.

Twestival™ (or Twitter Festival) is a global charity event which uses social media for social good. On Thursday 25 March 2010, people in hundreds of cities around the world will come together offline to raise money and create awareness for Concern Worldwide.

All of the local events are organized 100% by volunteers and 100% of all ticket sales and donations go direct to projects. The Plymouth Twestival will be hosted by Plymouth Argyle and will feature a number of bands including, Francis and the Drakes, Kitty and the Lost Boys and The Delahays.

You can keep up-to-date with developments at the Plymouth Twestival web site. If you feel like getting right into the social media spirit you can follow the organisers on twitter, as well as become a fan on facebook.

And don't forget, you can also follow DZP on twitter and become a fan on our Facebook page.

So get yourself some Twestival tickets, have a bunch of fun, do some good for charity and maybe even get yourself a Keeper for a Day into the bargain.