Britain’s Best Getaways: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey

It all started with a man called Gerald Durrell, author and naturalist, born in Jamshedpur, India in 1925. At 21 years old, he had the dream to open up “a new kind of zoo: a sanctuary, a reservoir for endangered species”.

At Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, you can uncover the stories and fight for survival of the world’s rarest animals on the planet and behold their beauty and wonder. 

It’s not only a fun day out for you and your family at the Wildlife Park, but also a chance to make a difference as your admission fee helps to support the Trust’s several conservation projects.

The Trust “strives to save the most threatened species in the most threatened places around the world.” Here are just some of the many examples of successful conservation work the Trust has contributed to. Prior to Durrell, there were 350 Rodrigues fruit bats, and now there are 10,000. As for the Echo Parakeet, before Durrell there were 10 and after Durrell there are 500!

In addition, the Trust protects species and habitats for the long term by building necessary skills and capacity. Their skills have developed in each and every area, which allows them to stop the decline of threatened species. Even visitors can make a difference to the world and the animals by ‘adopting’ an animal of their choice or by donating.

It’s an amazing experience to watch these protected animals, which Durrell Wildlife Park works with, in their natural habitat. Discover the various mammals, amphibians, birds and reptiles. Also, the park hosts various events throughout the year, such as lab experiences with a vet where you spend the day with the vet team learning about x-rays, ultrasounds and identifying parasites. There are also hands-on workshops, lectures and activity weeks for children and, during the day at the park, you can join in on the ‘animal talks’ to find out more about particular animals.

The wildlife park is open every day from 09:30 to 17:00. Visit the official website for more information on admission, events and planning your visit.

Enjoy your stay at its fullest in Jersey with Merton Suites, where you can have the freedom and privacy of your own self-catering flat mixed with the comfort and convenience of a hotel. Merton Suites is situated in the heart of St. Helier, Jersey, and minutes away from museums, shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (the suites all have names associated with the Trust), plus all those wonderfully scenic beaches for which Jersey is renowned.

Flamingos image by Chris Cohen Orangutan