Privileged Access to Cheetahs
Photographers on Safari have arranged special access to their extremely large enclosures. I have photographed cheetahs at many places within the UK, and also on many occasions in Africa. I do not know of any other location in the UK where better photographs of cheetahs can consistently be taken. The shots taken today could easily be passed off as taken in Africa. There are numerous Cheetahs at Hamerton, and the zoo has probably been the most successful venue in the UK in recent years at breeding Cheetahs. Cheetah cubs are planned for every year, although there are no guarantees that they will be born every year.
New Tiger Cubs planned for 2018
In August 2016 a huge new enclosure complete with a waterfall and large pool was opened. A breeding pair of Malayan Tigers are housed here and it is planned for them to have a litter of cubs for the 2017 summer season. If cubs are born, then the opportunity to photograph these cubs will be included in our itinerary. Some very special pictures should certainly be taken at Hamerton during our 2017 workshops.
Corsac Foxes
After spending a considerable amount of time with the cheetahs we will also enjoy equally privileged access to the Corsac Foxes. These animals often move quite swiftly within their spacious enclosure, but they are amazing creatures just to watch, let alone photograph. Once again it would be quite difficult to disprove your photos had been taken in the wild. They live, naturally, in deserts and semi-deserts of central and north-east Asia. They need little water to survive, obtaining most of the moisture they need from their food. Their diets consist mainly of insects and small rodents, and they are nomadic animals that do not defend their territory. Corsac Foxes are nocturnal hunters as they are slow runners, so hunting in the dark is their best practice in trying to avoid their main predator -man. These animals are heavily hunted for their fur.
Malayan Tigers
There are two adult Malayan Tigers here. At the time of writing (August 2016) these are the only Malayan Tigers in the UK. Again we enjoy privileged access to the side of their enclosure. (not available to the general public). The tigers will respond to chunks of meat thrown into the enclosure, enabling you to capture great action shots. These are a breeding pair and it is planned to allow these guys to mate later this year. hopefully this will mean baby Tiger cubs for 2017. Malayan Tigers are now endangered and the numbers in the wild are between just 250 and 340 animals. Shockingly, these 300 or so animals are all that remains from a total of 3000 Malayan Tigers less than 50 years ago. Take this unique opportunity in the UK to see one of the rarer cats on the planet. This species is now listed on Appendix I of CITES (species threatened with extinction).
Birds of Prey
The morning session will be used to photograph various birds of prey. They will be chosen from the following; Barn Owl, Eagle Owl, Great Grey Owl (possibly everybody’s favourite), Harris Hawk and American Red Tailed Hawk. We will have at least three (usually four) subjects to photograph. We will take photos of the subjects, both in flight and while perched on attractive logs or branches. Every effort will be made to hide the jesses while perched. The flying shots will see the birds on a regular pre-planned flight-path for about 20 metres at a time. They therefore make great subjects on which to learn or perfect your panning techniques, and give you the best opportunity to take that perfect flying shot. Full instructions will be given on how best to photograph birds in flight.
Servals, Lynx and Maned Wolf
During late 2016 and early 2017, Hamerton Zoo lost both their ageing Bengal Tigers. The Malayan Tigers have replaced them in our workshops, but we now have additional special privileged access to three other species. There are three Servals in one large enclosure. Two of these are particularly friendly and offer some great opportunities. The male Maned Wolf has been moved to a fresh enclosure. He is really happy here and again is providing us with some brilliant photos. This impressive long-legged creature from South America stands about 3 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs 20 – 25 kg. We also have special access to another enclosure that houses five Canadian Lynx. More subjects and more great photographs on offer at this venue.
It is with regret that due to illness all dates for 2018 have been suspended.
Normal service will be resumed throughout 2019.
Dates & Costs 2019 TBA
April 2019 10.20 – 16.00 £129.00
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Click here for Cheetah Cub photos
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Typical Itinerary
10.15 Meet and greet
10.20 Group tuition and safety briefing.
11.00 Birds of Prey. Flying and set ups of a selection of the following; Barn Owl, Great Grey Owl, Eagle Owl, Harris Hawk and American Red Tailed Hawk. One to one tuition as required.
1.00 Tea / Coffee and Sandwiches
2.00 Adult Cheetahs
2.30 Corsac Foxes
2.50. Maned Wolf, Eurasian Lynx & Servals
3.30 Tigers
4.00 Close
4.00 to 5.30 Optional free time in zoo park