The Curraghs Wildlife Park is planning a busy year to mark the 50th anniversary of its opening.

The park, in Ballaugh, is home to 74 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

It commences its summer opening hours next Friday (27th March) and will be open daily from 10am to 6pm until after schools’ half term in November.

The arrival of four new coatis – member of the raccoon family – from France will prove a new attraction, while a refurbished penguin pool, home to the park’s 18 Humbolt penguins, is set to open this spring.

The Friends of the Wildlife Park, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, are working with artists to create a giant elk sculpture to commemorate the anniversary. Visitors will be encouraged to have photos taken with the elk and post them online.

The anniversary of the park’s opening. Friday 3rd July, will mark the start of a long weekend of celebrations. Entry will be half price that day and there will be an evening event for park Friends, members, staff and volunteers. On Saturday 4th July and Sunday 5th July, there will be a party atmosphere at the park with lots of extra attractions.

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood, will declare open the newly rebuild station on the park’s Orchid Line
miniature railway on Sunday 19th July.

The park will also host an exhibition of photos of school visits over recent years.

50th anniversary merchandise, including a set of 50 collectable badges featuring the park’s inhabitants, will be on sale. Proceeds will boost the park’s conservation fund, which is raising money to buy a parcel of Colombian rainforest the same size as the park.

Themed days and other events will be organised as the year goes on.

Zac Hall MHK, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture with responsibility for the park, said: ‘It is not only a major attraction, it is also an important educational facility, set in an area of significant wetland, rich in biodiversity.

‘It is a respected member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and exchanges animals for breeding programmes with zoos in Britain and Europe.’

Mr Hall said: ‘Last year, thanks to our investment in new attractions and the hard work of staff and volunteers, the park exceeded 56,000 visitors for the first time since its 40th anniversary year in 2005.

‘We hope the 50th anniversary celebrations will attract lots of first-time and returning visitors.’

Tickets and memberships for the park can be purchased online in advance via http://www.curraghswildlifepark.im – enabling visitors to beat queues at busy times.
 
A family ticket for two adults and two children costs ?26, while a family membership for two adults and two children costs just ?95 and gives year-round admission, 10% off in the shop and 10% off hot food and drinks in the cafe.  Additional children and grandparents can be added to memberships.