Marwell Zoo, Conservation zoo in Owslebury, England
Marwell Zoo is a conservation facility spread across 140 acres in Hampshire countryside, housing animals in settings designed to resemble their natural environments. The grounds feature spacious enclosures where visitors can observe the residents from multiple viewpoints throughout the day.
The facility opened in 1972 when founder John Knowles sold his Rolls-Royce automobile to purchase zebras for a conservation project. This action established one of Europe's early parks dedicated to protecting endangered species from extinction.
The historic Marwell Hall on the grounds reflects Tudor heritage through its connection to the Seymour family. Visitors walking through the zoo encounter this link between grand architecture and modern animal care.
The grounds are easy to walk around, with clear paths connecting different sections of the zoo. Bring comfortable footwear as there is substantial walking involved and natural light determines how long you can observe the animals.
The facility operates specialized breeding programs to rescue endangered species, including the scimitar-horned oryx which faces extinction in the wild. These efforts demonstrate how modern zoos work directly to save animals from disappearing.
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