Beaver Water World
Animal loving families will have a great time at Beaver Water World in Kent. This small and unique attraction was started in 1980 when the owner of an aquatic shop started to show a rescued python to visiting customers. Over the years many more rescued reptiles made the place home and people started visiting just to see the collection. Eventually Beaver Water World was set-up as a charity rescuing unwanted animals – with Airport Quarantine the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and individuals taking animals to them to be cared for.
Although Beaver Water World initially dealt with reptiles only the collection has grown to include a variety of other animals. Mammals include the beavers that have given the attraction its name deer lemurs chinchilla and the always entertaining meerkats. The collection of reptiles includes different types of python boa constrictor tree snakes plenty of lizards and some crocodiles many of which have successfully been bred at the centre. There is also a collection of birds including a rather lovely barn owl .
To make the most of Beaver Water World contact the centre before you plan to visit. It is run by volunteers who adore their work and whose enthusiasm for the animals in their care is contagious. Whilst it is not a petting zoo the keepers are able to arrange handling sessions with some of the reptiles and even a tarantula spider. Ask about a handling of feeding session for when you want to visit and as long as there are enough volunteers available on that day they will almost certainly be able to oblige. And if the beavers hide themselves away for the duration of your visit ask one of the friendly keepers if there is any chance that one or two might be persuaded to come out of their hiding place before you leave – as with many small mammals beavers can be a little coy about being seen.
Beaver Water World is well thought out ensuring that everywhere is accessible for pushchairs and for wheelchair users. It is less than 20 miles from central London and has a small cafe on site that is run by volunteers and offers a limited but tasty range of food. The attraction is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day from 10:00am until 5pm (with the cafe closing at 3:30pm during the winter months). Entrance fees are very reasonable – £4.50 for adults £3.50 for children aged between 2 and 15 years old and under 2s can enter free of charge (2014 season prices) – and every last penny goes towards running the centre.
You can enjoy Beaver Water World as part of a day out as there are other attractions nearby but there is more than enough to keep animal lovers interested and engaged for the whole day without ever having to leave the site. You will learn so many interesting facts and become so involved with the animals that we are sure you will want to return.
