Santa's Little Helper, Elf, Visits The Animals At Marwell Wildlife

1 October 10

Santa’s little helper, Elf, visited Marwell Wildlife today to give the keepers a helping hand to make sure the zoological park and its animals are ready for the big man’s arrival later this year.

Elf took the day off from wrapping the free presents which each child will receive when they visit Santa at Marwell. Christmas at Marwell is now open for bookings and includes entry through Marwell’s enchanted wardrobe for letter writing to Santa, storytelling and entertainment with Mrs Claus in her library before sharing a few moments with the big man himself. Families can then soak up the atmosphere of Marwell’s Christmas tavern.

Elf met a wide variety of animals, including Wacker the camel, which his cousins of course are famous for their role in the Christmas story, although she did keep an eye out for Santa just in case he decides to visit Marwell early to check on progress himself.

Elf, along with Santa and Mrs Claus, will be back at Marwell from Saturday 27 November. To book your magical experience and meet Santa, Mrs Claus and their attentive elves call 0844 736 4200 or visit www.marwell.org.uk/christmas

Notes to Editors:

High resolution images are attached for free use with this press release. More images of Elf with the giraffes are available.

Photo captions:

Elf meets Wacker the camel.

Elf took a day off from wrapping presents today to visit Marwell Wildlife in preparation for Santa’s visit later this year.

Elf meets Ronny the Brazilian tapir.

Ronny the Brazilian tapir at Marwell Wildlife was delighted to meet Elf, although she kept an eye out for Santa too

Elf meets the penguins.

Elf took a break from preparing for Christmas at Marwell today by spending some time with the penguins 

For further media information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Wildlife Media Relations Officer. Email:  helenj@marwell.org.uk Phone: 01962 777947

Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and other natural resources. Registered Charity Number: 275433.

Marwell Wildlife is action oriented and at the forefront of conservation in the UK and Africa, working in partnership with communities, statutory agencies and other non-governmental organizations to deliver conservation programmes. Marwell’s field based staff lead a variety of conservation programmes, including reintroducing desert antelopes in the Sahara, undertaking habitat restoration in Hampshire and supporting community based conservation projects in Northern Kenya.

Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and other natural resources. Marwell’s 140 acre zoological park in Hampshire is a research centre for studies on the biology of endangered species, and also provides a great way for families to enjoy the wonders of nature close-up, whilst involving them in Marwell’s efforts to conserve endangered species and habitats, both locally and internationally.

Home to over 250 exotic and endangered species, Marwell welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year to its zoological park and also engages with over 35,000 children and young people through its education programmes. By providing people with a rich and memorable experience, Marwell aims to encourage understanding and inspire people to care for the natural world, and help secure a better future for endangered wildlife for generations to come.

As a registered charity Marwell relies on the generous support and enthusiasm of fundraisers and visitors to finance the conservation work and help secure a better future for endangered wildlife for generations to come.

Marwell Wildlife is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).  BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.