Rare Species Conservation Centre facts for kids
Black-and-white ruffed lemur at the Monkey Rainforest, predecessor to the RSCC
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| Date opened | 2006 |
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| Date closed | 31 August 2015 |
| Location | Sandwich, Kent, England |
| Land area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Coordinates | 51°15′40″N 1°19′37″E / 51.26111°N 1.32694°E |
The Rare Species Conservation Centre (RSCC) was a special place in Sandwich, Kent, England. It was like a zoo, but its main goal was to help protect some of the world's most rare and endangered species of animals. It taught visitors about these amazing creatures and why they needed our help. The RSCC was run by a charity called The Rare Species Conservation Trust. Sadly, it closed on August 31, 2015, because it ran out of money.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the RSCC
The Rare Species Conservation Centre first opened its doors in 2006. Before it became the RSCC, it was a smaller children's zoo known as The Monkey Rainforest. This earlier zoo was home to many different animals, including lemurs, cats, birds, and reptiles.
The RSCC worked hard to protect animals for several years. However, it faced financial challenges and had to close permanently on August 31, 2015.
Exploring the Exhibits: What Was Inside?
The zoo covered about 1.5 acres (0.61 ha). It had two main parts for visitors to explore. One part was a large indoor area that felt like a rainforest. The other part was outside, with different sections for animals from specific parts of the world.
The Indoor Rainforest Adventure
The indoor rainforest was a special place. It housed animals from Australasia (like Australia and nearby islands) and from South and Central America. Inside, there was a big stream that flowed in a circle. You could also see two waterfalls and two large ponds, making it feel like a real jungle.
Outdoor Geographic Zones
Outside, the RSCC had two main areas dedicated to animals from different continents. One section was home to amazing creatures from Madagascar, a large island off the coast of Africa. The other outdoor area featured animals from South-East Asia.
Amazing Animals at the RSCC
The Rare Species Conservation Centre was home to many unique and rare animals. These creatures came from places like Africa, South America, Australasia, and Asia. The centre housed different types of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
Some of the incredible animals that lived there included:
- Bali starling
- Victoria crowned pigeon
- American flamingo
- Madagascar teal
- Binturong
- Clouded leopard
- Cotton-top tamarin
- Emperor tamarin
- Crowned lemur
- Fat-tailed dwarf lemur
- Fossa
- Goeldi's monkey
- Jaguarundi
- Owston's civet
- Potto
- Pygmy slow loris
- Red ruffed lemur
- Slow loris
- Spectral tarsier
- Western lesser bamboo lemur
- Rhinoceros hornbill
- Smooth-coated otter
- Sun bear
- Radiated tortoise
- Malayan tiger
- Fishing cat
- Snow leopard
Future Hopes: Expansion Plans
The Rare Species Conservation Centre was located on a 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) site. The charity that ran the centre had big dreams for the future. They hoped to expand the zoo by adding another 5 acres (2.0 ha) of land right next to their existing property. This expansion would have allowed them to house even more rare and endangered animals.
