The main purpose of the centre is to rescue injured and abandoned young otters in the South West and rehabilitate them for eventual release back to the wild. In order to provide further attractions for visitors, other animals and birds are kept within the 22 acre grounds: Muntjac and Fallow Deer, Scottish Wildcats, Wallabies + various species of Owl, Birds of Prey, Geese and Ducks. Pheasants, Guinea Fowl and Peacocks also wander keep an eye on your cake if eating at the Tea Room.
Best to visit around the middle of the day for the excellent Otter and Owl talks given by the staff see website for precise times. The otters are most entertaining when they are fed and it is well worthwhile following the keeper and his bucket of fish around the various pens these animals have very healthy appetites!
The wallabies and the deer wander around the woodlands but, since they are used to human visitors, it is possible to get fairly close without disturbing them. Have some concerns about some of the birds and animals being kept in cages but the underlying cause is worthy and I understand that they have plans to provide the birds of prey with more exercise (outside their cages) in future. read more