Information you may find useful- Animal Conservation at Longleat Safari park There are many species kept at Longleat, which are now classified as Endangered or very Rare in the wild. These species are recognized worldwide by 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species' (C.I.T.E.S.) and classified to reflect the present status of wild populations, or the species as a whole. Man has been responsible for the destruction of many of the world's natural habitats Due to a combination of intensive farming methods, rural development, deforestation, war and pollution. Therefore it should be man, who tries to put things right.

Canadian Timber Wolves are kept at Longleat Safari Park Longleat’s pack of Canadian Timber Wolves are perfectly at home in the half-light of their very densely wooded enclosure. Usually a pack consists of the dominant Alpha male and Alpha female and their offspring. Subordinate females do not mate but act as ‘helpers’ with cubs and catching the prey. The Longleat wolf pack have had many litters of pups over the years. This is because Longleat played tapes of wild Canadian Timber Wolves in a bid to encourage a lower ranking female to replace the old alpha female to ensure the long-term breeding success of the pack. Longleat’s Head Warden, Keith Harris explains “The dominant female (alpha wolf) had difficulties giving birth and was subsequently spayed so she was unable to breed. Wolf packs have a very strict hierarchy. If this problem had occurred in the wild, the original alpha would most likely have died and the pack would have naturally elected a new alpha female so by encouraging the wolf pack to bond using this special ‘howling’ technique, we encouraged the pack to replace the old alpha female with a younger lower-ranking female, whilst still enabling the older wolf to remain in the pack but in a lower rank.”

The birth of the three Canadian Timber Wolf pups at Longleat followed a year later by a further seven pups indicates that this programme has been a success. • On average, Longleat’s lions eat 40 tonnes of meat a year. This is equal to 2 nine-stone people every day. • Male lions can often sleep between 16 to 20 hours a day. • In daylight cats can see as well as Man but in poor light their sight is 6 times more acute than ours.

Somerset County Cricket Club will be hosting their first ever Wedding Show at the County Ground in Taunton on Sunday April 19th. It will be taking place in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion between 11am and 4 pm, with Fashion Shows booked to take place in the afternoon. Entry is free, so if you are planning for your big day why not come along and find out what Somerset County Cricket Club has to offer. You may be interested to find out as from 2010 Somerset CCC will be able to cater for weddings on Saturdays throughout the year, even during the cricket season! All weddings hosted at the County Ground will have exclusive use of the newly refurbished and extended facilities on the ground floor of the Pavilion. Anyone who wants to book a wedding or find out more information about the forthcoming Wedding Show should contact Brian Lee, the Sales and Marketing Executive at SCCC. Bindon is nestled amongst seven acres of stunning formal and woodland gardens where there is a sense of calm.

Situated only 5 miles from the M5 J26, this charming, 17th century, wisteria covered country house offers luxury, en suite accommodation for up to 24 guests. Whilst there, savour their enticing menu of fine cuisine from their award winning chef Mike Davies (formerly of The Castle, Taunton) and his accomplished cooking team.

Also available for hire with exclusive use on a full, partial or self catered arrangement, Bindon is a perfect venue for friends and family, house party reunions and celebrations or for corporate team building, ‘think tank’ sessions and conferences. Their flexible, bespoke approach allows you to tailor their services to meet your needs.