This Is Jersey

Founded by Gerald Durrell almost 50 years ago, the 31-acre park is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

All species on display are either threatened with extinction themselves, or are being studied as cousins to species which are heavily endangered in the wild and urgently need help.

Rather than the standard fare of lions and elephants, visitors can become acquainted with lesser-known species like the Montserrat mountain chicken frog found only on two islands in the Caribbean, and the black lion tamarins which are allowed to roam free range in the park.

Also at home in the park are three generations of Sumatran orang-utans; mighty Ya Kwanza, the 222kg (35 stone) western lowland gorilla and his family; a Madagascan gentle lemur community; and silvery marmosets.

As visitors stroll through the grounds, Durrell’s conservationists are on-hand to explain how they look after each of the animals and how their work is helping to bring species back from the brink of extinction.

Durrell recently unveiled ambitious new plans to develop the learning experience and enjoyment factor still further. These would feature a much larger gorilla facility recreating the forests of West Africa; an exhibit based on the Mascarene Islands which will allow visitors to walk through a dome with free ranging bats, birds and turtles; and eco-lodges to allow overnight stays in the park.

The park boasts several picnic grounds and its own restaurant which serves drinks and hot and cold food all day. It is open every day except Christmas Day from 9.30am to 6pm (5pm in winter) with ample free parking for coaches and cars.

Fast track entry and group rates apply, and optional guided tours are pre-bookable in English, French or German. Full facilities are offered for disabled visitors, but no Guide Dogs please. With prior notice, special guided tours are available for visitors with impaired sight or hearing, and escorted ‘Dodo-mobile’ tours can be arranged for the less-able.

For further information visit www.durrell.org or call 01534 860000.