FAQs
Where is Port Lympne/Howletts?
Howletts is in Bekesbourne and is signposted off the A2, three miles south of Canterbury. We're just 90 minutes from London. Howletts How to Find us Page
Port Lympne is in Lympne near Hythe. Leave the M20 at Junction 11 and follow the brown tourist signs to the park (about 10 minutes drive from the motorway). Port Lympne How to find us Page
How much time does it take to go round the parks?
To fully enjoy the parks we recommend that you allow about 3 hours for Howletts, and about 4-5 hours for Port Lympne.
Do you drive through in your car?
No, your car is left at the car park and you walk through the park, however there is an African Experience safari ride available at Port Lympne.
What is the entry fee for the parks?
Click here for current admission prices
Students cannot purchase tickets on-line with an NUS card - have to show card on gate on entry
OR Buy your tickets online here!
What is the Port Lympne Passport?
With the new Port Lympne Passport you can enjoy the park all year round for the price of just one standard entry ticket. For just £22.95 for an adult and £18.95 for a child (Concession prices are £20.95 for adults and £16.95 for children) you will get FREE entry to Port Lympne for an amazing twelve months from the date of your first visit. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please see terms and conditions
Which park is more accessible for the disabled?
Howletts is the smaller and flatter of the parks and is therefore more accessible for the disabled. Port Lympne lies on hilly terrain and as a result is quite steep in places. There are, however, selected routes suitable for wheelchair users. There are reduced admission prices for disabled visitors.
How much does it cost to run the parks?
It costs around £5 million per year to run the parks.
What other activities are there?
Gift shops, play areas Experience days & Enrichment Workshops at Port Lympne, keeper talks during school holiday periods and other seasonal activities e.g. Easter, Halloween.
How many animals/species do you have at the parks?
Howletts - 400 animals, 44 species
Port Lympne - 500 animals, 50 species (approximately)
Who owns the parks now Mr Aspinall has passed away?
The parks are owned by The Aspinall Foundation a registered charity. Mr Aspinall's son, Damian, now runs the park with Mr Aspinall's half brother, Mr James Osborne.
What do Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks do?
Howletts and Port Lympne are extensively involved in exchange and breeding programmes throughout the world and have had many breeding successes for e.g. 24 black rhinos and over 100 gorillas bred between the two parks. Howletts was the first to breed African elephants in the UK.
The parks are not only involved in conservation at home but across the world with two protected areas in the Congo and Gabon in Africa of around a million acres of forest for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of gorillas into the wild.
The Aspinall Foundation in conjunction with Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are devoted to saving rare and endangered animals and returning them to protected areas in the wild.
Are the parks open to the public?
Yes. Both open everyday except Christmas Day. Summer - 9.30am until 6.30pm, last admission 3:00pm, Winter - 10am until 5pm last admission 1:00pm. Summer and Winter begin and end roughly when the clocks change.
How did the parks start?
Mr Aspinall founded both parks. He purchased Howletts in 1958 and opened the doors to the public in 1975. He then purchased Port Lympne in 1973 to house the ever increasing population of animals at Howletts and opened to the public in 1976.
What are the sizes of the parks?
Howletts - 95 acres, Port Lympne - 600 acres with 15 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and a historic mansion, which is open to the public at certain times. The mansion is often booked for weddings and private functions so please check whether the mansion is open, prior to your visit on 01303 264647.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately we do not allow dogs into the parks. Please do not leave dogs in your car. We recommend that you find alternative arrangements for your dogs while you visit.
Animal FAQs
Are the animals in cages?
No, the animals are in large enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitat as closely as possible. The most recent enclosures built are the open top monkey enclosure at Port Lympne and the walk through Lemur enclosure at Howletts.
Is it right to keep animals in captivity?
Deforestation and slaughter for the bush meat trade are bringing many animals closer and closer towards extinction. It is of course best for animals to live in the wild but until such time that the poaching and cutting down of forests ends, organizations such as ours help secure their survival.
The parks keep the animals in as near natural environments as possible and provide a lifeline for many of these species.
Howletts and Port Lympne have in fact been pioneers in the way we keep animals. Our animals are not exhibits, but live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. For example, our gorillas live in deep straw, simulating the forest floor, which allows them to forage all day for food as they would in the wild. They receive over 200 different types of food and live in family groups. Keepers are encouraged to bond with their animals improving the standard of life for both keeper and animal.
How much does it cost to feed the animals per annum?
Just under £1 million per annum. We grow hay, maize, beet, kale and Lucerne on land that we own. We also have woodlands that are used for harvesting browse for animal feed.
What types of animals are at the parks?
Mostly rare and endangered animals.
Howletts is home to the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and the largest breeding group of Western Lowland gorillas in human care in the World.
At Port Lympne there is the "Palace of the Apes" one of the world's largest family gorilla houses, Barbary lions, and the largest captive breeding herd of black rhino outside Africa.
Both parks have many more rare and endangered animals including leaf-eating monkeys, wolves, tapirs, bongo, red pandas, tigers, clouded leopards and Pallas cats.
Fundraising FAQs
If I adopt an animal, will I be the only person who adopts that animal?
No, you will not be the only person. The adoption schemes have named animals that act as figureheads for each species. Everyone can adopt the same named animals for each species, and the money raised goes towards The Aspinall Foundation's conservation work. This makes it easier for us to provide feedback on a few adopted animals, rather than many individual ones, and keeps our administration costs to a minimum, ensuring that more of our valuable funds are used for our conservation work.
Please note: the legal ownership of the animal you adopt or sponsor will remain with Howletts Wild Animal Trust who has the responsibility for animal welfare and care. It will not always be possible for one of our keepers to help you identify the animal you adopt if you are visiting our parks; on the outside of each enclosure are the names of the animals being cared for within.
Why is there no more SOS scheme?
The old SOS species sponsorship scheme has been replaced by the NEW Adopt in a Box which will allow you to adopt an individual animal and still receive a gift box in the post.
What happens if my adopted animal dies or is sent to another collection?
If your adopted animal dies or moves away, we will let you know as soon as possible, by writing to you individually. We will continue to use your donation for the conservation work saving rare and endangered animals. When we write to tell you what has happened we will usually be able to offer an alternative named animal to replace the one that has been lost.
Adopt an Animal Administration Details
Please note that for administrative reasons not all of the package benefits are available immediately, and some of them will be sent over the coming months.
- On our receipt of your completed online animal adoption form we will thank you for your kind support and send the wallpaper of your adopted animal immediately - this will also act as confirmation your adoption was successful.
- Each month you will receive your edition of WildCry online providing you with the latest news and events from the Wild Animal Parks and overseas projects. This will be sent to the email address you provided at the time of adoption, please feel free to forward a copy on to anyone you think would be interested in our work.Twice yearly you will receive an e-mail update on the animal you have adopted.
- Each quarter you will be sent The Aspinall Foundation newsletter 'WildCry' .
- Within 10 working days of adopting your animal you will receive your personalised adoption certificate and species fact sheet. These will be sent to the email address you provided at time of adoption.
- As an Adopter you will receive your free single visit ticket during the first year of your adoption, once 6 successful monthly payments have been received. Your passport is valid for use at one of our parks, you can choose to visit either Howletts or Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.
- As a Defender you will receive your free Passport within 10 working days, valid for 12 months from when the adoption starts. The passport is valid for use at one of our parks, you can choose to visit either Howletts or Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. You will be required to pick up your passport at the Park you choose to visit for the year. This pass is subject to continued monthly payments being received and we reserve the right to cancel the pass if payments stop. We will send you a letter to inform you if a cancellation occurs.
- As a Protector you will receive your two free Passports within 10 working days, valid for 12 months from when the adoption starts. Each passport is valid for use at one of our wild animal parks, you can choose to visit either Howletts or Port Lympne Wild Animal Park(s). You will be required to pick up your passport at the Park(s) you choose to visit for the year. These passes are subject to continued monthly payments being received and we reserve the right to cancel the passes if payments stop. We will send you a letter to inform you if a cancellation occurs.
- As a Guardian you will receive your two free Passports within in 10 working days, valid for 12 months from when your adoption starts. Each passport is valid for use at one of our wild animal parks, you can choose to visit either Howletts or Port Lympne Wild Animal Park(s). You will be required to pick up your passport at the Park(s) you choose to visit for the year. These passes are subject to continued monthly payments being received and we reserve the right to cancel the passes if payments stop. We will send you a letter to inform you if a cancellation occurs. Booking forms for Keeper For The Day experience will be sent out once 6 successful payments have been received.
- Please note that your Defender, Protector and Guardian Passport will only allow you entry into the park you have chosen to pick your card up from. Your photograph will be taken for identify purposes only and you will be issued with your card.
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Our parks are very different from conventional zoos. The animals, which include rare and endangered species, are able to live and breed in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible. This can mean that when the weather is inclement some of our animals will seek shelter in their indoor enclosures, which are always open to them but not on view to the public and you may want to consider this when planning your visit.
If you have any questions please call our Supporter Care Team on 01303 234 199.
Animal Adoption Keeper Experience Prize Draw Terms & Conditions
1. The animal adoption promotional prize is organised and promoted by The Aspinall Foundation (registered charity number 326567).
2. This promotion is open to all residents of the UK over the age of 18 except employees of Howletts and Port Lympne wildlife parks, The Aspinall Foundation or any of the Aspinall group companies.
3. The promotion will only be valid on successful online animal adoption processed between 1st October 2011 and 30th November 2011.
4. Entrants will only qualify with a successful payment received and the adoption is not cancelled.
5. The Keeper Experience draw will take place on Thursday 19th January 2012.
6. The Keeper Experience is subject to availability and only available on the following sections - Gorillas, Big Cats, Rhino, Tapir, Small Cats, Primates and Elephants.
7. The winner of the draw will be chosen at random and notified by telephone within seven days of the draw being made. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm acceptance of their prize before an alternative winner is chosen at random.
8. The winner will be required to provide proof of age and identity before receiving their prize. In all matters, the decision of the judge(s) and The Aspinall Foundation shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
9. The prize is not transferable. The Aspinall Foundation reserves the right to substitute any prize for a prize of equal or greater value.
10. Prize winners agree to allow The Aspinall Foundation to use their name and likeness without compensation for the purposes of promoting and marketing purposes.
11. The Aspinall Foundation reserves the right to cancel or change the draw at any time and will endeavour to give advance notice of any such change or withdrawal. However advance notice may not always be possible.
12. Under no circumstances will The Aspinall Foundation or any Aspinalls group company (including parents, subsidiaries and affiliated companies) be liable for any losses, damages, costs or expenses arising from or in any way errors, defects, interruptions, malfunctions or delays in the promotion or the prize.
13. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law.
14. The prize is for a one hour keeper experience for two people. The experience is subject to availability and only open to 12 years and over. This prize draw experience includes 2 day tickets for Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, or Howletts Wild Animal Park, a voucher for coffee and a certificate. You will have access to the Wild Animal Park from 9.30am when the Zoo opens until the end of the day. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult during the rest of their visit. If you would like to bring more than two people with you they will need to pay to enter the park as a visitor. Please contact Jackie Evans on: 01303 234199 for more information or email Jackie on: jackiee@aspinallfoundation.org
Animal Adoption 20% off promotion Terms & Conditions
1. The animal adoption 20% off promotional is organised and promoted by The Aspinall Foundation (registered charity number 326567).
2. This promotion is open to all residents of the UK over the age of 18 except employees of Howletts and Port Lympne wildlife parks, The Aspinall Foundation or any of the Aspinall group companies.
3. The promotion will only be valid on successful online animal adoption processed between 1st December 2011 and 31st December 2011.
4. Under no circumstances will The Aspinall Foundation or any Aspinalls group company (including parents, subsidiaries and affiliated companies) be liable for any losses, damages, costs or expenses arising from or in any way errors, defects, interruptions, malfunctions or delays in the promotion or the prize.
5. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law.
6. The full price will be applied on 1st January 2012. The full price is presented against each annual adoption package.
If you are a loss making charity, how do you survive?
Visitors help pay for almost half the running costs, the rest is met from donations from the public and trusts.
How can I support The Aspinall Foundation?
There are plenty of ways to support the charity, such as direct debit donations, one off donations, payroll giving, animal adoption, Gift Aid and legacies.
What is face-to-face (street) fundraising?
Professional fundraisers work on public high streets to collect, via Direct Debit, regular monthly donations for charity. In the case of The Aspinall Foundation, the teams of fundraisers work through a fundraising organisation, AAP Fundraising.
The Aspinall Foundation wholly owns AAP Fundraising so the charity benefits from having a close relationship with the fundraisers and the many regular donors they find for the charity each year.
Why does The Aspinall Foundation use this method of fundraising?
Face to face is a proven method of recruiting new, regular donors and is cost-effective. It is particularly successful in recruiting younger and more affluent donors who tend not to respond to other types of fundraising. At any one time an average of 50 charities are involved in face to face activity.
Who are the fundraisers and how will I know they are genuine?
The fundraisers are typically aged between 18-30. They work between 10 - 6pm, and wear a logo'd Aspinall Foundation jacket or t-shirt with the registered charity number on it and carry an ID badge with their photo.
What do I do if I wish to make a query or a complaint?
Please contact The Aspinall Foundation on 0844 842 4647. This is open 9.00am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday. There is an answer-phone outside these hours.
What information is needed in order to action a complaint?
• Date and time of incident
• Name, address & telephone number of the person making the complaint
• Fundraiser's name and ID number if possible
• A full description of the incident
Is this type of fundraising regulated?
The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) is a self regulating membership body established to co-ordinate fundraising activity and promote quality, integrity and transparency. The PFRA works with charities, professional fundraising organisations, Local Authorities and the Police to ensure high standards in the industry and to resolve complaints. All fundraisers carry a copy of the PFRA Code of Practice. www.pfra.org.uk
Donate
As a registered charity, The Aspinall Foundation relies on donations and your support.
If you would like to make a regular donation to The Aspinall Foundation please call 01303 234199 (9am to 5pm weekdays) or register online.
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