Behind the Scenes at Tropical World

By Denise Henry, Marketing, Inishowen Tourism

A Day as a Head Keeper at Tropical World

Tanya Jacob, Head Keeper at Tropical World has an opportunity on a daily basis to engage with a range of interesting wildlife. Tanya describes her daily routine starting with "In the morning I walk around the grounds and make sure all the animals are alright, go to the kitchen and prepare food for feeding, where staff meet and take charge of a section. Pens are then cleaned out and at 12.30pm I prepare a handling session for visitors. Next step is to give snacks to the animals followed by some more cleaning.

You will gain the sense that this role is demanding and rewarding but is very much a team effort. I was slightly envious when I learnt about "enrichment". Tanya describes it as "the most interesting and fun part of the day”. Enrichment is a term used to describe a process to engage with and challenge animals so as Tanya explains "they don’t get bored", “they are like our family we take the time to look after them and entertain them”.

Following enrichment, at 3.30pm there is the final handling session, and the process begins to “settle animals down for the night followed by a final check and where possible squeeze in paperwork”.

Handling Sarah the Snake at Tropical World

During your visit you get the chance to handle some of the wonderful creatures at Tropical World. Pictured above, is the beautiful corn snake, Sarah, a breed native from North America. Feeling slightly nervous, Tanya gently places Sarah around my neck, immediately you will notice how smooth she feels, not at all like some dramatic movie references of snakes being slimy to touch. Meanwhile Tanya discusses the breed of snake, its habitat and diet. A crowd has gathered and I carefully hand Sarah back.

"They are Like our Family" Wildlife at Tropical World  

I then asked the tough question: what is your favourite animal? Pausing for a second Tanya replies: “We love all the animals but a personal favourite is Rickey the Racoon, pictured above huddled with his family, "he was one of the first animals we had and he is a real pet”. On your visit you will notice animals have been assigned quirky and fun names e.g. Snowy the Barn Owl and Gordon the Great Grey Owl.

Another little gift to the Zoo last Christmas was a baby geoffrey marmoset appropriately called Nicholas. Your heart will melt when you see this little family of marmosets, pictured above. Like most family's they have their little arguments. I was told by Lewis Alcorn (who works at Tropical World) "the mother would carefully carry her young around her neck and when it was the fathers turn he roughly throws them onto his back, causing them to squeal. The mother then shouts at him and takes them back" Initially I thought this mean, but Lewis reassures me that "its the fathers trick to get the afternoon off" and that "working here you get to understand the personalities of each animal, for which there are many”. 

Tropical World: "A Place for all the Family"

Aside from the buzz you will get from engaging with wildlife, tropical world is 70% undercover, which is perfect for those occasional rainy days in Donegal. You will notice that there are lots of safe and fun areas for children to roam; from a large padded play area, pictured above, monkey swing play area and dens to explore and discover. On site you will notice picnic areas both inside and outside, gift shop, restaurant and refreshment area. During your visit you will notice that Tropical World is a diverse and engaging environment where you can have fun while you learn.

Find out More About Tropcial World
http://tropicalworld.town.ie/app/index.php/page/home
https://twitter.com/TropicalWorldLK

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"Never a Dull Moment" at Tropical World

By Denise Henry, Marketing Assistant, Inishowen Tourism

Today I travel to Tropical World, Donegal’s popular Butterfly House and Mini Zoo. Undeterred by the rain, I make my way on the N13 road to Letterkenny/Ramelton. Along the way expect to see wonderful historical and archaeological gems. Notably the ancient fort of An Grianan which stands guard over the landscape and Burt Castle which rests on top of the appropriately called Castle Hill. With a final turn off from N13 onto R245 I arrive at my destination. On arrival I notice a florist & gift shop, large garden centre and restaurant. A fan of flowers, my first stop is the vibrant and spacious florist which offers a wide selection of flowers to cater for any occasion.

From Plants to Wildlife: Alcorns Garden Centre & Tropical World

Next stop is the garden centre, which can only be described as every garden enthusiasts dream. With knowledgeable staff on hand, you will leave the centre with all the information and products you need. What struck me was the space and freedom to wonder around comfortably. Care has been taken to ensure the grounds and associated buildings are wheelchair accessible. Following a warm welcome from John Alcorn, joint director of the property, I am introduced to his son Lewis Alcorn, who has been working at Tropical World since it was established in 2011. There is a great atmosphere at Tropical world "which is a family run business". 

Tropical World; It’s all About the Wildlife

From the garden centre we make our way to the reception area, pictured above, which is bright, spacious and inviting. Information panels occupy each wall and engage the reader with fun and accessible text for all age groups. Spotting the large Dino Den sign, I am told is the "new addition to Tropical World in 2015", I go to explore and feel like I am on the set of Jurassic Park! You will see why the Dino Den has become a favourite with many visitors. Lewis states that the emphasis at Tropical world is to ensure “the visitor has fun but learns something along the way”.

The Butterfly Effect at Tropical World

A personal favourite was my next stop, the Butterfly room pictured above. Pulling back the black protective curtains I enter a simulated rainforest environment. Hot, humid and misty I feel like I’m in a totally different location. Butterflies fly overhead completely undeterred by my presence, offering you the opportunity to get up close to these beautiful creatures. Although the delicate butterfly has a short life span of three weeks, they are well cared for in this unique environment. In a container, you can view future butterflies in crystallised form, providing the opportunity to view different developmental stages. I soon realise why “The Butterfly room remains a consistent favourite”.

Mammals, Exotic Birds, Reptiles and Creepy Crawlies!

The next area leads to the exotic birds section, pictured above. The range of colour is striking, as I view species from Africa, Australia and Asia. The new, extended free flight Avery provides an opportunity to see the birds stretch their wings and take flight. I draw my attention away from the exotic display and slowly make my way to investigate the reptile and creepy crawlies section where you will learn about the collection of snakes, lizards and hair raising tarantulas. 

As Cute as a Fox at Tropical World

Mammals on display include meerkets, squirrels, yellow mongoose, ring tailed lemurs from Madagascar and short clawed otters. One mammal in particular that grabbed my attention was the adorable Fennec Fox. Fennec is a small nocturnal fox from the Sahara in North Africa. As you can see above, he is curled up and having a nice snooze.

Just when I think I have seen it all, I follow directions outside to a large area called the Hazel Hill Habitats, opened in March 2016. Outside there is a series of enclosures, which showcase many types of wildlife, including a favourite with staff; Tetly the Black and White ruffled lemur, pictured above.

Tanya Jacobs Head Ranger at Tropical World

Shortly after completing a degree in Bio Science in Letterkenny I.T, Tanya “got the job by chance”, “Clive Alcorn, director and founder of Tropical World, approached Tanya about an idea "to have a butterfly farm" and if she "would like to come on board”. Tanya took the opportunity and over six years of hard work followed. In that time Tanya “completed a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarian animals, followed by training in Stradford-Upon-Avon Butterfly Zoo, birds section in Edinburgh Zoo and Belfast Zoo”. In 2012 Tropical World was granted a zoo licence which “meant so much for the property and staff as they could now expand” and in 2013, became a member of BIAZA, British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

“Visitors Return to Tropical World to Discover Something new Every Year”

Each year director Clive Alcorn and the team strive to have a new addition or feature, like the Dino Den or Hazel Hills Habitat pictured above, to join there already extensive and impressive butterfly room and mini zoo. A lot of people remark that they “didn’t realise it was so big and left with gaining more than what they expected”. I totally agree Tropical World and adjoining Alcorns Florist and Garden Centre have a package that will satisfy the needs of any visitor or local who wants to drop by. Aside from the sheer fun of the environment itself, I left Tropical World with an appreciation of and awareness of the rich habitats and environments that wildlife come from and need in order to survive. 

Stay posted for our next blog where Tanya tells us more animal story's and what a day is like as a Head Keeper at Tropical World.

Find out more about Tropical World

http://tropicalworld.town.ie/

https://twitter.com/TropicalWorldLK?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/tropicalworldlk/?fref=ts

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Adventure at Malin Head, Inishowen

By Denise Henry, Marketing Assistant, Inishowen Tourism

Today’s adventure takes place at Malin Head with one of Ireland's leading climbing instructors Bren Whelan, pictured above. Bren is an award winning wildlife & landscape photographer, film maker and highly qualified  Mountain Instructor & International Mountain Leader. The day kicks off at Malin Head as my colleague and I meet Bren at the historic Banba's Crown, a Napoleonic Tower built in 1805. From there we make our way a little further along the headland to our climbing site, where we are fitted with harnesses, helmets and soft climbing shoes. The scenery is simply stunning, the jagged sea stacks of Skildrenmore and Skildrenbeg strike up from the water, a temptation to climbers, but until July, home to nesting gulls. 

Taking the Plunge: Abseiling at Malin Head, Inishowen

 As a beginner, who admittedly is a little nervous of heights, Bren starts off with a gentle abseil over a grassy edge pictured above, that tumbles down to meet the stark rocky barrier between us and the Wild Atlantic. Using a multiple belay system, we complete a loop down to the foot of the rock face. During the abseil you can hear the rolling sea drawing nearer behind you. At the bottom, standing on a thick bed of stones there is ample opportunity to pause and appreciate the raw beauty of our surroundings. Meanwhile Bren sets up the next belay ensuring the rope is attached to each cam and carabiner as he passes it. Ascending again, we learn more from Bren about the belay system, which keeps us all safe and connected.

At each interval time is taken to ensure that we both know exactly what to do and expect. During the climb we hear some inspiring stories about his trips around the world and experience with climbing in all types of conditions. While the third belay system is set up, I find a seat on a flat rock on this outcrop, and take time to appreciate the experience - the multitude of colours; shades of green, blue and grey and the changing ocean is striking.

 Fear and Exhilaration at "The Cauldron"

The final belay takes us across a manageable walkway, perched atop a jagged ridge, and back onto solid ground. We stroll across to Dawson's Dihedral - named after Dawson Stelfox, the first Irishman to climb Everest. It's a dramatic site, the chasm plummets to "The Cauldron", as its aptly known locally. At this point you will find your knees buckling, but with guidance from Bren, a balance can be found between terror, determination and adrenaline. Before I begin my descent I coat my hands in chalk to improve grip on the rock face, I descend to where I feel comfortable and find a thin grassy ledge, pictured above, to capture a few photographs of this moment. Although still nervous I found a sense of calm standing there as the sounds of the ocean act as a reminder of where you are and how fortunate it is to be at this stunning location at the top of Ireland. 

 

 Embracing the Wild Side of Malin Head, Inishowen

The morning's climb not only helped settle my fear of heights, it was an educational and exhilarating experience, one not to be forgotten and certainly to be repeated. Aside from the experience itself, Bren takes time to point out some of the abundant wildlife in the area - the sturdy little pink orchids and the skylarks' with their territorial song.You will leave Bren's company with an appreciation for how he and others have been bitten by the climbing bug and by the draw of Malin Head's enchanting coastline, pictured above.

Find out more about adventure in Inishowen:

@wawrockclimbing
http://mountaintraining.ie/
https://www.facebook.com/wildatlanticwayrockclimbing/

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