Marwell is a large (100 acre) zoological park set in a rural corner of Hampshire, but only a short journey from Winchester, Portsmouth or Southampton. Marwell is owned by a charity, the Marwell Preservation Trust. The Park has over 200 rare and endangered species of animals. It was founded in 1972 by John Knowles, a pioneering conservationist.

Conservation is Marwell’s mission and the Park contributes to international breeding programmes for many species. 

Research into animal diets and into behavioural enrichment is another aspect of Marwell’s work. 

Education is vital and Marwell’s Conservation Education Centre provides classes for schools and colleges. The general visitor can learn about Marwell and conservation by visiting the touch table or attending Creature Close-up sessions. 

The Marwell Zoological Society 

Marwell Zoological Society provides for people interested in supporting Marwell’s work. By joining the Society you will not only benefit from Marwell’s facilities, but also join the 10,000 strong membership that has enabled the Society to contribute over £1m to wildlife conservation and education projects. 

As a charity, the Society relies heavily on public support and welcomes donations, grants and legacies that will enable it to develop its work. 

The Marwell Zimbabwe Trust

Marwell supports many overseas conservation projects and has its own field station at Dambari, Zimbabwe. 

The Marwell Zimbabwe Trust was founded in 1997. It exists to assist and promote species conservation in southern Africa. The Trust is based at the Dambari Field Station, which occupies nearly fifty acres of land. Dambari is about twenty-five kilometres from Bulawayo.

The field station has accommodation for an expanding population of duikers and other small antelope. Studies are conducted into their behaviour and nutrition in both the captive and wild environment.

Dambari has extensive accommodation for black rhinos. This is at the disposal of the Zimbabwean Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management. Extensive and comparative studies are being carried out into the nutrition of black rhinos. Studies are made of rhino in captivity and in varying plant habitats in co-operation with the Parks Department and the International Rhino Foundation.

Dambari has food storage and preparation buildings, a plant propagation area, offices, a small laboratory, housing for staff (including the Trust’s Director) and a bungalow for professional people who are visiting the station.

The aim of the Trust is to be ready, as far as possible, to respond to conservation crises as they occur. 

The Marwell Zimbabwe Trust was founded by Marwell Preservation Trust, which continues to be the principal funding institution. The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust (Paignton Zoo) is a partner in the Marwell Zimbabwe Trust and their Director is a Trustee. In addition the International Rhino Foundation has two nominated Trustees. There are also two Zimbabwean Trustees, one from the National Wildlife Veterinary Department and one from the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo.

A number of other species-related projects are currently under consideration and other institutions may join us in this exciting and worthwhile extension of Marwell’s work.