Following the very successful visit last year of PDC’s Maria Njamba, PDC UK was delighted to be invited to have a stall at Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s 4 Open Days from 18th-21st July.

Wildlife Heritage Foundation operates a big cat sanctuary and its aim is to be recognised and respected as being the best breeding centre for endangered big cats in the world.  To do this it operates a centre of excellence in Kent dedicated to the captive breeding of endangered big cats within the European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP) with the eventual aim of providing animals for scientifically based re-introduction projects.

Travelling down to Kent to the Foundation’s beautiful big cat sanctuary to set up, we were excited by the prospect of four day’s fine weather.  As it turned out, it was not only fine but boiling hot, resulting in several of the Foundation’s feline residents feeling very sleepy!

However, the fine weather bought the public out in droves and it was a very happy event, with people taking the opportunity to see tigers, leopards, jaguars and some of the smaller and rarer cats such as the Pallas Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat, smallest cat in the world, no bigger than a domestic kitten.

The highlight of most people’s day was obviously the four adorable and supremely beautiful white lion cubs and their very proud mother.

Apart from the immense pleasure of seeing these beautiful animals, the public were invited to enjoy a range of other activities at the centre, including a Bar B  Q, face painting, south American arts and crafts and, of course the opportunity to do some shopping!

Many people braved the intense heat of the marquee to come and find out about the plight of painted dogs (the only canine representatives in a largely feline event!) and to do some shopping of our unique crafts from the Iganyana Arts Centre.  The team was delighted to be joined by volunteer Lauren  on Saturday – pictured here with the famous Baxter Bear who, through his famous story of loyalty and dedication during the Second World War, is a very popular addition to many charity events.  http://worldofbaxterbear.com (PIC)

We were absolutely delighted that, by the end of the four days, we had raised a further £1595 for the project whilst enjoying a fabulous event.  We shall be back next year so do please check the Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s website for admission tickets, which are only available online: www.whf.org.uk
With grateful thanks to Lynn and all the lovely dedicated staff and volunteers  at Wildlife Heritage Foundation.