ANIMAL ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCES AT SEWERBY HALL, GARDENS & ZOO

Sewerby Hall, Gardens and Zoo, are offering the public the chance to get up close and personal with some of their resident animals through animal encounters.

Some of the interactive experiences on offer are llama and alpaca walks. Participants can choose to have an encounter with either the llamas or alpacas, enjoying a private guided stroll through the grounds at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, leading the llama or alpaca of their choice.

During the activity, the zookeepers will introduce visitors to the group of friendly llamas or alpacas, answering any questions people may have.

There will be many opportunities to take photographs during the walk, allowing those taking part to capture the memorable experience.

There is also an accessible route available where visitors can still have all the fun of meeting the llamas and alpacas, taking them for a walk along a shorter route at their own pace.

Another way for people to enjoy the excitement of animal encounters is through meeting the Humboldt penguins.

During this activity the zookeeper will introduce people to the colony of penguins, telling them all about their unique personalities and habits before answering any questions.

After this, visitors will help prepare the food and finish off by hand-feeding the penguins.

All participants will receive free entry into Sewerby Zoo, a certificate, a fact sheet, a copy of the latest zoo newsletter, a Sewerby Hall and Gardens pen and a voucher for 25 per cent discount on selected refreshments at the Clock Tower Café.

Animal Encounters are for two participants only per booking. The minimum age for participating is 10 years old for the penguins and 13 years old for the alpaca/llama experiences when accompanied by an adult. Spectator fee applies.

Annual pass holders are entitled to 20 per cent discount on all of the animal encounter experiences.

Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Animal encounters are a fantastic way for people to make the most out of their visit to Sewerby Hall, Gardens and Zoo.

“People will have the chance to learn about these animals first-hand from the zookeepers themselves, what better way is there to experience a zoo?”

The zoo will be open daily from 10am to 3:30pm, with last admission at 3pm.

Daily feeding times are as follows:

2pm Lemurs

2.15pm Coatis

3pm Penguins

3.15pm Hoof stock

During feeding times visitors will also have the chance to chat with the zookeepers about the animals and enquire about adopting an animal.

John Pickering, Head Zoo Keeper said: “We are thrilled to offer these exciting animal encounters that give visitors a unique and exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal to some of Sewerby’s most popular animals.”