June 2024
Ring-tailed lemur fans rejoice! Knockhatch Adventure Park in Hailsham recently opened a brand new, open-air enclosure dedicated to their growing family. This exciting project, with which expands the Jungle Kingdom zoo, is a testament to local collaboration.
Inspired by the Local Community
Battle-based architects, Pump House Designs, brought the in-house plans for the enclosure to life with stunning computer-generated images. Inspired by these designs, Marlow Ropes, a local company with over 200 years of rope-making heritage in Hailsham, stepped in to donate climbing ropes for the lemurs to explore in their new home.
"We were thrilled to support Knockhatch with this project," said Emma Donovan from Marlow Ropes. "Working with local businesses and charities is important to us, and it's fantastic to see our ropes, used in space and by elite sailing teams, benefitting these amazing animals."
A Place to Play and Rest
The open-air enclosure, now welcoming visitors, features large glass walls, allowing for close-up views of these friendly primates and a real cessna airplane. But it's not all playtime! The sanctuary also includes a dedicated "off-view" section for the lemurs to rest and relax. With the recent birth of twins and successful breeding already happening in their current enclosure, the team expects this trend to continue in their spacious new home.
More Than Just Fun
This project goes beyond entertainment. The iconic black and white stripes of the ring-tailed lemur are sadly facing extinction due to habitat loss. Knockhatch hopes that informational displays throughout the park will inspire visitors to care about conservation efforts.
So, come see these playful creatures, including the adorable new twins, swing through their new home and learn how you can help protect them!
Photos by Eddie Howland