Friday 15th May 2026
Endangered Species Day 2026: Why one day is never enough
On Friday 15th May 2026, the world marks Endangered Species Day, a moment to reflect on the animals and habitats most at risk, and the urgent need to protect them. But at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, this is a mission that goes far beyond a single date in the calendar.
Throughout May, our Wild Wonders event shines a spotlight on some of the most rare and endangered animals on the planet, from critically endangered western lowland gorillas and eastern black rhinos to Sumatran orangutans, Javan gibbons and Malayan tapirs. It’s a chance not only to see these incredible species up close, but to understand why their survival matters, and how every visit helps support their future.
Because endangered species deserve far more than just one day of awareness.
Meet some of the world’s rarest animals
Port Lympne is home to a remarkable collection of endangered and critically endangered species, including:
Pongo abelii abelii
Sumatran Orangutan
In 2024 we welcomed a new species to the reserve - the Sumatran orangutan. There are currently only 144 Sumatran orangutans in European zoos across 29 holders, with just 15 living in the UK. Brothers, Hadjah and Malou, represent a species that is critically endangered and one of the world’s top 25 most endangered primates.
Varecia variegata subcincta
Belted Ruffed Lemur
The largest of the Lemuridae family, belted ruffed lemurs are found in eastern Madagascar in lowland and mid-altitude rainforests. At Port Lympne Reserve you'll find 7 of these striking, yellow-eyed lemurs, including 3 year old Zabini, born to mum, Ikala and dad, Mino.
Prolemur simus
Greater Bamboo Lemur
Port Lympne is home to Belle and Tantely. These critically endangered lemurs are the largest of the bamboo lemurs - as their name suggests, 98% of their diet is made up of bamboo, especially the inner pith of giant bamboo.
Tapirus indicus
Malayan Tapir
Malayan tapirs are an important part of the story at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. A notable character was Kingut, the world’s oldest tapir in captivity. Arriving in 1992, Kingut became a much-loved resident and was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2019, living to the remarkable age of 42. His extraordinary life made him a true ambassador for his species and a lasting part of Port Lympne’s history.
Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor
Mishmi Takin
With less than 3,500 Mishmi takin remaining in the wild, it's unsuprising that most people have never heard of these feisty goat-antelopes. Found mostly in Tibet, their populations are decreasing because of hunting for bushmeat and the traditional medicine trade.
Equus caballus przewalskii
Przewalski's Horse
Przewalski’s horse is one of Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve’s great conservation success stories, with an incredible 184 births over the past 50 years, more than any other UK collection. Once extinct in the wild, this rare species has been brought back through careful breeding and rewilding, with 11 animals from Port Lympne helping restore wild populations in Mongolia and China.
Bubalus bubalis arnee
Water Buffalo
Water buffalo are endangered with only around 4,000 thought to remain in the wild. Our clan of 3 water buffalo can often be seen wallowing in their watering hole, using the mud to protect themselves from biting insects in the warmer months.
Ailurus fulgens
Red Panda
Despite their name, red pandas are not related to giant pandas, although they do eat bamboo! During your visit, if you can’t see Hikaro the red panda eating his favourite treats; sweet potato, grapes and bamboo, try looking up in the trees!
Panthera tigris altaica
Amur Tiger
The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger is the largest of the big cats. In the 1940s, they were on the brink of extinction with fewer than 50 wild individuals left. In 1947 the Russian government banned tiger hunting and the wild population began to slowly recover. Today, there are roughly 500 wild individuals living in Russia, China and possibly North Korea.
Mandrillus leucophaeus
Drill
Drills are one of the most threatened primates in Africa, so it's not surprising that few people have ever encountered these impressive primates. Males are twice the size of females and possess large canine teeth, up to 2 inches long, that are used for defence and dominance displays. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the male drill is their bright red, pink and blue bottom!
Trachypithecus obscurus
Dusky Langur
Also known as the spectacled leaf monkey due to the distinctive white patches around their eyes, dusky langurs are at risk from hunting for food and habitat destruction to make way for expanding oil palm plantations.
Cercocebus chrysogaster
Golden-Bellied Mangabey
The golden-bellied mangabey, found in the wild in the swamps of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is under threat from the commercial bushmeat trade, causing a dramatic decline in their numbers.
Trachypithecus auratus auratus
Javan Brown Langur
Javan langurs are one of the many endangered primates cared for at Port Lympne Reserve, where carefully managed breeding programmes help support the long-term survival of this rare species. An incredible 49 infants have been born at Port Lympne Reserve over the years and 21 individuals rewilded by our partner charity, The Aspinall Foundation.
Many of these species face severe threats in the wild, including habitat loss, poaching and human conflict. Seeing them here is more than a wildlife experience. It’s a direct connection to global conservation in action.
A world leader in breeding endangered species
For 50 years, Port Lympne has been a sanctuary for rare wildlife and one of the most successful breeding centres in Europe.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Our work with western lowland gorillas is one of our proudest achievements. Howletts and Port Lympne care for the largest collection of western lowland gorillas in the world. Over the years, we have celebrated 154 gorilla births, including little Kafele, who can be seen with her family at the Palace of the Apes.
Eastern Black Rhinos
Our eastern black rhino programme is another extraordinary success story. Since the birth of Basha in 1977, the first black rhino calf born at the reserve, we have welcomed more than 40 additional calves, helping to strengthen the future of this critically endangered species.
Javan Gibbons
We are also proud of our work with Javan gibbons, where carefully managed family groups and specially designed habitats support breeding and long-term welfare. Through the efforts of The Aspinall Foundation, 3 gibbons born within the care of Port Lympne have been given the chance to return to the wild in protected forest habitats in Java, where they can live and breed naturally.
From breeding to rewilding
Conservation does not stop at successful births.
Wherever possible, animals born at Port Lympne are prepared for a future back in their ancestral habitats. Through The Aspinall Foundation’s pioneering Back to the Wild programme, animals bred here have been returned to protected landscapes across Africa and Asia.
This includes:
25 western lowland gorillas
reintroduced to Congo and Gabon
8 eastern black rhinos
returned to Africa
3 Javan gibbons
released into protected forests in Java
11 Przewalski’s horses
helping restore wild populations in Mongolia and China
Even more inspiring, animals rewilded from our breeding programmes have gone on to produce offspring in the wild, creating thriving new generations beyond the reserve.
Later this year, we hope to see black rhinos Kisima, Chanua and Mizi begin their journey to Tanzania.
This is what true conservation looks like: not just protection, but restoration.
Exceptional care for endangered animals
Every animal at Port Lympne receives expert, species-specific care designed around their natural behaviours and individual needs.
Our enclosures are carefully created with natural planting, shelter, climbing structures and enrichment features that encourage animals to forage, explore and behave as they would in the wild. We never confine animals to viewing areas, which means every sighting feels authentic and rewarding.
Our keepers provide enrichment in various forms every day, including:
- bubble machines for gorillas
- puzzle feeders and feeder balls
- scent trails using herbs and perfumes
- rope swings, zip wires and climbing platforms
- hanging browse for hoofstock and rhino
Diet is equally important. Fresh produce is sourced locally and delivered multiple times a week, with tailored feeding plans for every species.
Our primates enjoy an extraordinary variety of foods, from fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs, browse, honey, yoghurt and seasonal treats. Our carnivores receive varied whole-prey diets designed to mimic natural feeding patterns, while our rhino and hoofstock species benefit from fresh browse, grains and specialist nutritional support.
This level of care is central to breeding success, animal welfare and long-term conservation.
How You Can Help
Make a difference this Endangered Species Day 2026.
Visit
By joining us for Wild Wonders, you are directly supporting the care of endangered animals in Kent and the global rewilding work of The Aspinall Foundation.
Buy Tickets
Stay
Immerse yourself in wild wonders and become part of the Port Lympne family. Spend a magical night under the stars on a glamping adventure, enjoy a little luxury at our exclusive lodges with wild neighbours or walk in the footsteps of historical figures at our boutique mansion hotel.
Book your stay
Experience
Get even closer to endangered species on an exciting animal encounter, epic safari or keeper experience. Learn all about your favourite Port Lympne residents and maybe even feed them some tasty treats!
Choose your experienceEvery ticket, every safari and every overnight stay helps fund real conservation outcomes.
Because endangered species need more than awareness.
They need action. They need protection. They need a future.
And that future starts with all of us.
