Open weekend at Horncastle wildlife park is a spectacular success

The first ever open weekend at the Horncastle-based Wolds Wildlife Park was a spectacular success with hundreds of visitors gaining close up views of more than 200 animals - including lions and a tiger.
Roar-some:  A  lion leaves his indoor enclosure  to take a look at what is going onRoar-some:  A  lion leaves his indoor enclosure  to take a look at what is going on
Roar-some: A lion leaves his indoor enclosure to take a look at what is going on

Town businessman Andrew Riddel and his partner Tracy Walters opened the doors on their private collection of amazing animals.

The event proved to be a resounding success with visitors lining up to praise the park ‘as amazing.’

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The animals - including Syas, a Bengal tiger - proved to be a big hit with visitors, young and old.

Sean Tucker MD Evergreen, Design and Project management for Wolds Wildlife park with owners Andrew Riddel and Tracy Walters. Picture: John Aron.Sean Tucker MD Evergreen, Design and Project management for Wolds Wildlife park with owners Andrew Riddel and Tracy Walters. Picture: John Aron.
Sean Tucker MD Evergreen, Design and Project management for Wolds Wildlife park with owners Andrew Riddel and Tracy Walters. Picture: John Aron.

Zebras, camels, monkeys and an assortment of other animals all proved popular.

One visitor summed up the reaction on Facebook when she said: “It’s an amazing place. The animals are so well cared for.”

The collection started in 2013 when Mr Riddel, who owns a scrap metal business, bought a zebra for Tracy.

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Since then, the collection has grown with the animals effectively based in the couple’s ‘back garden’ of their home on the outskirts of Horncastle.

Feeding time: Kayla Proctor discovers that camels just love munching on a carrot as a staff member looks onFeeding time: Kayla Proctor discovers that camels just love munching on a carrot as a staff member looks on
Feeding time: Kayla Proctor discovers that camels just love munching on a carrot as a staff member looks on

The resounding vote of confidence from the public is a timely boost for the park which is still awaiting full planning permission from East Lindsey District Council.

Housebuilders Larkfleet/Allison Homes - who own an adjoining site which has permission for more than 80 homes - have lodged an objection on a number of issues.

Photographer John Aron took these amazing photos and lots more will appear in your Horncastle News which is out on Wednesday.

A gallery of images will also be going on our website - don’t miss out!