The Wildwood Trust

Animal Encounters

Our Animal Encounters is a special section of animals for our pre-school vistors (although everyone is welcome to have a look).

We have, chickens with crazy feathers, a goose with a loud honk, fluffy guinea pigs, tiny pigmy goats and friendly rabbits.

Chickens  |  Geese  |  Guinea Pigs  |  Pigmy Goats  |  Rabbits

Chickens

Chickens are kept all over the world to provide people with meat and eggs. There are around 70 billion chickens worldwide, that's about 10 for every person!

There are many different breeds of chicken, and they come in different shapes, sizes and colours. Some, like our Peking chickens at Wildwood, have feathers on their feet. Polish chickens have funky feathered hairdos!

Chickens can't fly very well, but by flapping their wings as they run they can travel at around 9 miles an hour.

Lots of people are afraid of animals like snakes or spiders, but did you know some people are afraid of chickens? A fear of chickens is known as alektorophobia.

Adopt a chicken today!

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Geese

Geese were first kept (domesticated) over 5000 years ago, in Egypt. They are kept for their eggs and feathers and to provide people with meat. Most domestic geese have white feathers and are bigger than their wild cousins. Geese eat grass, seeds and grain.

They have a loud honking call and are sometimes used instead of dogs for guarding people's homes.

Adopt a goose today!

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Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs, also called 'Cavies' come from South America. They were first brought to Europe over 500 years ago!

Here guinea pigs are popular pets, but in South America they are farmed for food. In Peru fried guinea pig is a real treat!

Like humans, guinea pigs are not able to make their own vitamin C so it is important to feed them plenty of fresh vegetables.

Adopt a guinea pig today!

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Pygmy Goat

Pygmy goats come from Africa. They are friendly, good natured and curious animals.

Goats were first kept ('domesticated') by people about 9000 years ago! Domestic goats are now found all over the world. Goats are normally kept for milk and meat, but pygmy goats are often kept as pets.

Goats prefer to live in herds. The proper name for a herd of goats is a 'trip'. A male goat is called a 'billy' and a female goat is called a 'nanny'. Baby goats are called 'kids'.

Adopt a goat today!

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Rabbits

Rabbits are one of Britain's most popular pets. There are many different breeds. They all have long ears and excellent hearing and their long back legs to leap away from danger.

Our rabbits are fed hay, rabbit pellets and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. They particularly like green vegetables like cabbage and brussel sprouts!

Pet Rabbits are descended from European wild rabbits. As you walk around the park look out for wild rabbits nibbling on grass and dandelions.

Adopt a rabbit today!

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