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WELCOME TO
THE HCC

Welcome to the small zoo in the heart of Kent.

HISTORY.

WELCOME.

Hello and welcome to the Hemsley Conservation Centre! If this is your first visit or you have been many times before this page is designed to give you all the information you need to know!

Opening in August 2015, the HCC is a continually growing zoo and wildlife centre that offers visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most endangered and least understood and under-represented species.

 

We work as part of a large network of zoos, and wildlife centres around the world to ensure the survival of the species we care for, many of which are under represented and need help.

We strongly believe that getting people closer to wildlife in a safe, fun, yet educational manner is the best way to inspire people about wild animals, their habitats and their conservation.

We are dedicated to protecting animals, their habitats and caring for the planet. We are committed to the establishment of creating sustainable populations of the animals in our care, of those overlooked by mainstream zoos.

MISSION.

We are...

  • A small breeding centre for rare animals.

  • An educational establishment, working towards educating our visitors about our animals, their habitats and the natural world.

  • Working to preserve the species in our care.

  • Working to advance scientifically driven animal care.

  • Represent, support and champion species not commonly kept in mainstream zoos.

  • Supporting in and ex situ conservation programmes.

  • Not a playground.

  • Not a petting zoo.

ZOO MAP.

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OUR CURRENT SPECIES

1 - Tapir & Capybara

2 - Toucan

3 - Southern Aardwolf

4 - Tayra

5 - Geoffroy's Cats

6 - Six Banded Armadillos

7 - Squirrel Monkeys

8 - Goeldi Monkeys & Black Tailed Marmosets

9 - Tufted Capuchins

11 - Lemurs

12 - Prehensile Tailed Porcupine and White Lipped Tamarins

13 - Procupines & Armadillos

14 - Ground Cuscus & Pygmy Slow Loris

15 - Ring Tailed Vontsira & Rusty Spotted Cats

16 - Short Beaked Echidna

17 - Bali Mynas

18 - Lemur House

19 - Meerkats

20 - Otters

21 - Under refurbishment

22 - Lemur Walkabout then Wallaby Walkabout

24 - Ocelots

25 - Kinkajous

26 - Javan Binturong

27 - Maned Wolves

Keeper Talks

10.30 - Tapir & Capybara 

11.00 - Meerkats

12.00 - Squirrel Monkeys

13.45 - Otters

14.00 - Lemurs

14.30 - Meerkats

15.00 - Maned Wolves

15.30 - Tapir Tea Time

MORE INFORMATION.

Remember, you can spend as long as you like at the HCC on the day of your visit, we are open from 10am till 5pm with last entry into the zoo at 4pm.

The Rainforest Tearooms are open from 10am till 5pm with last hot food orders at 4pm.

Toilets are located at the entrance to the zoo and by the meerkat enclosure. Baby-changing facilities can be found at the toilets by the meerkat enclosure.

If you have not seen a particular animal then do not be afraid to speak to a keeper or other member of staff, they will be able to help.

Would like to book one of our very popular animal experiences? Our experiences offer you the chance to get up close and personal to some of our species. CLICK HERE for more information and to book.

Anything we missed? Speak to a member of staff either in the zoo or the tearoom, they will be able to help.

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