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.
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. To date, they have not been any cubs. Hopefully this will happen soon. 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).
Syrian Bears
New arrivals at the Park is our group of Syrian Bears. These beautiful animals have become a favourite with our photographers. The smallest of the Brown Bear family are now extinct in Syria, and only a few remnant populations are to be found in neighbouring countries. Hamerton’s THREE young animals are two brothers and their sister, born in Zoo-de-Servion in Switzerland. They are the only Syrian Bears in the UK, and are part of an attempt to preserve the species which has practically disappeared from Europe’s zoos. The plan is for the three youngsters to grow up at Hamerton before eventually being paired up with new animals to be imported from rescue centres in Armenia. Hamerton’s new Bear Meadow consists of 4 separate dens connected to two outdoor enclosures. One is stony and one is grassland covering an area of 6000 sq metres, which equates to around one and a half acres. It has proved to be a wonderful addition to our day at this location.
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.
Now with just SIX Photographers
Hamerton Zoo Park has changed their policy regarding Photography Workshops. They have decided to limit these workshops to a maximum of SIX photographers. This will, without doubt, be beneficial to those photographers. There will be no competition for places and opportunities to get the perfect position from where to photograph your subject will be easy to achieve. Unfortunately, the cost of the workshop has increased to take into account the smaller group size.
Dates & Costs 2022
Sunday 8th May 10.50 – 16.00 £149.00
Saturday 16th July 10.50 – 16.00 £149.00
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Typical Itinerary
10.50 Meet and greet
11.00 Group tuition and safety briefing. One to one tuition throughout the day as required.
11.30 Syrian Bears
12.00 Eurasian Lynx
12.30 Servals
1.00 Tea / Coffee and Snacks/Sandwiches provided
2.00 Adult Cheetahs
2.30 Corsac Foxes
3.00 Maned Wolf
3.30 Malayan Tiger
4.00 Close
4.00 to 5.30 Optional free time in zoo park