Howletts and Port Lympne - A day out in kent and adopt an animal

RARE WHITE RED LECHWE CALF BORN

The latest addition to the Red Lechwe family at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park Kent, is a very rare white Red Lechwe. Due to a naturally-occuring genetic mutation the newborn is completely white in colour, making it stand out from the rest of the herd, who are all the reddish-brown colour to which they owe their name.

Adrian Harland, Animal Director at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park said of the new arrival: "Being completely white is not a great survival technique for a Red Lechwe. Lacking in the natural camouflage of his coat, in the wild it would be an easy target for predators. Port Lympne will provide a safe and happy environment for this very special white Red Lechwe; where it will live as normal a life as its brothers and sisters - aside from suffering the occasional double take from visitors!"

As a result of living on both land and water, the lechwe is preyed on by a variety of predators in the wild, from crocodiles and pythons to lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs. Like the reedbuck, it sometimes flattens itself on the ground to avoid detection, suddenly taking off in startled leaps and bounds. Lechwe may congregate in hundreds or thousands in the wild, although most herds number about 20-30 individuals.

©The Aspinall Foundation – Registered Charity 326567.
The Howletts Wild Animal Trust Limited Registered company no. 4711904, Registered charity no. 1100845
Registered office: Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Nr Hythe, Kent, CT21 4PD

Totallywild.net is the official website promoting the charitable work of The Aspinall Foundation in protecting endangered species. The Howletts and Port Lympne wild animal, safari and wildlife parks are the UK based sites for endangered animal conservation. Unlike ordinary zoos, these parks allow visitors to see conservation in action, providing kids, families and adults alike with a wide variety of ‘Totally Wild’ fun days out, packed with exciting activities for the whole family. Our landscaped gardens and mansion house can also be hired for weddings, events and other functions.

All revenues raised through ticket sales support our animal conservation work and breeding programmes, so please, do come and visit us for your day out in Kent and do your bit for conservation!