Tilgate Nature Centre facts for kids
Duck sanctuary at Titmus Lake, Tilgate
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| Date opened | 1966 |
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| Location | Tilgate Park, Tilgate Drive, Crawley, West Sussex, England |
| Coordinates | 51°05′37″N 0°11′00″W / 51.0935556°N 0.183262°W |
| Major exhibits | African, American, Australasian, Madagascan, European, and Domestic Zone, "Animal Adoptions", "Meet the Meerkats", "Junior Keeper for a Day" |
| Website | Tilgate Nature Centre Website |
Tilgate Nature Centre is a cool place to visit in Tilgate Forest, near Crawley, West Sussex, England. It's a small zoo that's part of Tilgate Park. This centre is special because it's approved by BIAZA, which stands for the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This means they follow high standards for animal care and conservation.
In 2021, Tilgate Nature Centre was home to 144 different kinds of animals. They work hard to help save many wild species that are in danger of disappearing forever.
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Contents
Discover the History of Tilgate Nature Centre
Tilgate Nature Centre first opened its doors in 1966. It was started by the Crawley Borough Council. Back then, its main job was to breed ducklings. These ducklings were then released into the three lakes at Tilgate: Campbells, Silt, and Titmus.
Over the years, the centre's focus changed. It grew to become a home for many amazing animals. Today, you can see animals like reindeer, different types of owls, raccoon dogs, colourful parrots, and even mongooses. They also have otters, snakes, tarantulas, lizards, and tiny invertebrates.
Tilgate Nature Centre plays a big part in helping endangered animals. They are involved in special breeding programmes. For example, they help the Northern bald ibis, a bird that is critically endangered. They have also helped reintroduce animals, like the Great raft spider in the UK.
Explore Animal Zones and Fun Activities
There are 144 different animal species to see at the centre (as of 2021). It's open to everyone who wants to visit. You can enjoy many fun activities here. These include public talks where you learn about the animals, and even watch them being fed.
The centre also offers special experiences like "Animal Adoptions." You can also "Meet the Meerkats" up close. For those who dream of working with animals, there's a "Junior Keeper for a Day" programme. They even have "Tapir Time" experiences. If you love wildlife, you can also have animal-themed birthday parties here! Schools can arrange educational visits too.
The nature centre is divided into different areas based on where the animals come from.
African and European Animals
Before 2017, there was an African zone. This area was home to animals like dwarf crocodiles and grey hornbills. You could also see naked mole-rats, pancake tortoises, African clawed frogs, and Malawi cichlid fish. The European and Domestic Zone featured animals such as reindeer and barn owls. It also had many farm animals that are now endangered.
Discover Australasia
In April 2016, a brand new Australasian Zone opened. This exciting area features animals from Australia and nearby islands. You can see kangaroos, wallabys, and potoroos. There are also large birds like emus, and colourful birds like galahcockatoos and kookaburras.
Madagascar Zone
The Madagascan Zone opened in Easter 2017. This zone brings you closer to animals from the island of Madagascar. Here, you can find servals and playful ring tailed lemurs. There are also many different kinds of reptiles.
Americas Zone
In April 2018, the Americas Zone was added. This zone features animals from North and South America. You can see large Brazilian tapirs and capybaras, which are the world's largest rodents. Colourful macaws fly around, and you can also spot greater rheas, marabou storks, and Jamaican boa snakes.
Protecting Endangered Species
Tilgate Nature Centre plays a very important role in protecting animals. Many endangered species live at the centre. They help save these animals from disappearing forever. This is crucial because their natural homes are changing very quickly.
The centre has become nationally important for keeping groups of these animals. They help them breed to make sure different endangered wild species survive. Some of the critically endangered animals at Tilgate include the Northern bald ibis, the Utila spiny-tailed iguana, the Laysan duck, and the swift parakeet.
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Awards and Recognition
Tilgate Nature Centre has received special awards for its great work.
In 2020, they won a Gold Star Award. This award was for Sustainability and Zoostainability. It came from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). This award recognized their efforts to be eco-friendly.
In 2021, a company called Parkdean Resorts ranked zoos in the United Kingdom. Tilgate Nature Centre was placed in first place! This shows how highly regarded their work is.
