DOCTOR DOLITTLE A Day Experience by Hoo Farm

Edward and Carolyn Dorrell, dairy farmers from Telford and one of the pioneers of dairy ice cream, moved to Hoo Farm in 1988 after their previous home was taken over for re-development. Hoo Farm is a family-run countryside attraction nestled in 32 acres of woodland and paddocks in the heart of rural Shropshire.Before Hoo Farm became the natural animal paradise it is today, the land had been uninhabited for several years; used by the local council for growing Christmas trees. It was with these Christmas trees that Hoo Farm first opened its gates to the public, under the guise of Hoo Farm Country Park – the first place to offer ‘Cut and Dig Your Own Trees’ in the West Midlands. Now it’s home to over 400 animals covering 120 different species, and truly is a nature-lover’s dream!There’s the Rivers, Rainforests and Deserts section for a gander at all things scaly and slithery, including the green anaconda, Burmese python and the spectacled caiman. The Woodland is home to unusual animals like Romanian water buffalo, large South American rodents called capybara and the world’s biggest bird, the ostrich. Still following the tree line, is the Wallaby Wood where you may even be lucky enough to feed the wallabies right from your hand. During your day at Hoo Farm you will be accompanied around the farm by an experienced member of our staff who will introduce you to the different species of animals, as well as inform you of how to take care of each paddock.As well as being guided around the farm, you will have a chance to help with the cleaning of the small animals, meet Oscar the European eagle owl, Bear the raccoon and the farm’s hand-reared meerkats. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in any demonstrations that may be happening during that day. A hard day at work deserves a good lunch, so halfway through your day, you’ll be invited to enjoy some snacks in the open air. You’ll also have an extra adult admission at Hoo Farm included in your experience.