Visitors to Longleat will soon be able to get closer than ever to some of Australia’s most recognisable animals as the Wiltshire estate prepares to launch a brand-new wallaby experience for May half term.
The new Wallaby Walkthrough attraction will officially open on Saturday 23 May as part of Longleat’s Family Farmyard area, allowing guests to stroll among a mob of marsupials for the first time.
The experience will feature the estate’s resident red-necked wallabies alongside a Western grey kangaroo, while visitors will also be introduced to a new species at the park — Parma wallabies, believed to be the smallest wallaby species in the world.
Animal lovers may even catch sight of a joey peeking out from its mother’s pouch as they explore the enclosure.
The new attraction forms part of Longleat’s wider Close Encounters Live event programme taking place across the May half-term holiday.
Catriona Moy, Team Manager of Animal Adventure at Longleat, said the new walkthrough had been designed to bring visitors closer to the animals while creating a more immersive experience.
“We’re excited to introduce our two new Parma wallabies to Family Farmyard, and to be able to bring guests closer and improve their experience,” she said.
“Parma wallabies are the smallest wallaby species and will be joining the eclectic mix of animals that call Family Farmyard home.”
Alongside the new walkthrough, visitors can also experience Tiny Titans, an interactive attraction focusing on some of the world’s smaller creatures, including jewel beetles, orchid mantises and Chilean rose tarantulas.
Longleat says the attraction has been designed to offer guests a more hands-on wildlife experience, while continuing to prioritise animal welfare.
“We know guests enjoy these memorable experiences and we have taken the feedback on board to make our animal engagement habitats even more immersive,” added Catriona.
Close Encounters Live will also include daily bird of prey displays featuring expert keepers showcasing owls, hawks and falcons in the estate’s events arena throughout the school holiday.
