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The West Lakes section of the U.K.’s spectacular Lake District area is home to a unique wildlife park known as "Trotters World of Animals". Situated on the southern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, a few miles from the tourist centre of Keswick, you will find no finer setting for such a park than this, as you are surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery creating an amazing setting. Located to the right of the entrance kiosk is a very interesting Tropical House. Here you will find the only aquarium. This lovely Rift Valley set-up has plenty of activity at two levels. In upper and mid-water a large group of Labidochromis caeruleus hold the ground and these cichlids have bright yellow bodies complimented, in females, with black highlights. At the bottom level, hidden among rocks, are a number of old Synodontis njassae that were busy holding ground against each other.  Elsewhere the Axolotl exhibit was causing much interest whilst various Turtles lazed about in their exhibit areas. Young people were taking turns to cuddle a large Albino Snake as the Keeper explained to them the responsibilities of keeping such a creature.  The parkland Out in the open and we head for the mammal and bird exhibits. What I love about Trotters is that they make the best use of available space yet do not pack in species for the sake of it, so all of the creatures here not only have well thought out enclosures, but plenty of space in which to move around and express themselves etc. Here you will feel no concern about how any of the creatures present are maintained.  First section is South America. My favourite exhibit has to be the Tapirs. These extraordinary animals are so majestic and, on this visit, we caught them being groomed. They were really enjoying this - although they have the incentive that good behaviour at this time brings food treats.  It was a hot day in June so, as you will see, the Capybara were behaving, as we would all like to have done!  Birds of prey We caught the free flying bird show. Beautifully presented, the birds of prey involved have the freedom to ‘do their own thing’ whilst entertaining visitors. The Bengal Eagle Owl and American Bald Eagle were the stars today and had the audience captivated.  As one of the demonstrations gets under way, the handler talks to a group of visitors.  Now we are onto the main mammal and bird sections and here we have a wide variety of creatures including Fallow Deer, Rhea, Red Panda, Swans, European Polecat, Bison, Yak, Cameroon Sheep and various Lemur species. Stars are our close relatives the Mandrills, Gibbons and Brown Capuchin.  Final exhibit is the Monkey House. The Tamarins, Marmosets and Squirrel Monkeys are mischievous little creatures always looking for food items. Sue and I enjoy our visits to Trotters and, as you can see from the accompanying photographs, this a wonderful place to spend some time. Copyright; Text and photos by David and Sue Marshall. |
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