New wildlife p-Ark set to open at former attraction

Jamie Mintram, 41, and his family will be taking over the former Stickney Farm Park to open the new ARK, Boston Wildlife Park.

Mr Mintram says this is a natural progression from his previous business – Jurassic Encounters, which sees him travelling to schools, old people’s homes and birthday parties showing off and teaching people about his collection of animals.

Mr Mintram, a former lab manager, said: “I’ve got a fantastic family backing me up, a wife as animal mad as I am - and the kids are too.

“I’ve also got a whole network of volunteers and supporters from the past few years.

“We’re hoping to get people from Boston and the surrounding villages and businesses to come along, take part and make it a community project.”

The eight acre site will feature a number of exotic mammal enclosures, including wild cat species, a reptile house, farmyard area as well as a large lake area where they will encourage native wildlife.

A large number of the animals featured will be those they have taken in and rescued over the years, and with the increase in size and facilities Mr Mintram hopes to carry on the family’s exotic rescue programme, as well as moving into the field of conservation where they will be actively engaged in raising funds for in-situ conservation projects.

He said he will also continue to visit local schools and old people’s homes, but will most likely stop doing travelling birthday parties - however, kids will be able to celebrate at the new park.

There will be a large out door children’s play area, ample parking, gift shop and the Kalahari Café, an African themed eatery, serving locally-made cakes and sandwiches.

The aim is to launch by mid-late August and open every day of the year apart from Christmas with seasonal activities taking place throughout the year.