Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent’s largest wildlife park, is thrilled to announce the arrival of a new member to their animal family. A magnificent lion has recently been welcomed to the reserve, and visitors can now see this impressive big cat up close.
The lion, a male named Hunter, was born in 2019 at West Midlands Safari Park, and arrived at Port Lympne earlier this month. He has been settling in well to his new surroundings and is already proving to be a firm favourite with visitors and staff alike. He has joined the pride of lions already residing at Port Lympne, which is led by a formidable lioness named Oudrika.
Animal lovers can now witness the lion's impressive size and strength first-hand as he explores his new home in Europe’s largest non-drive through lion enclosure, which he shares with Oudrika and her three daughters. The 8-acre enclosure has been painstakingly designed by Port Lympne’s expert team to provide a safe and stimulating space for Hunter and the rest of the Port Lympne pride to thrive.
"We are delighted to welcome this magnificent lion to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve," said Tony Kelly, Managing Director of The Howletts Wild Animal Trust. "Our visitors are always excited to see our big cats, and we are sure that this new arrival will capture the hearts of everyone who meets him. At the same time, we're proud to play a role in the vital conservation and rewilding work being carried out by our charity partners at The Aspinall Foundation. Two of Oudrika’s offspring have already started their rewilding journey and are thriving in the lands of their ancestors."
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is home to a range of other incredible animals, including gorillas, tigers, and giraffes, among many others. Visitors can experience the beauty and wonder of these creatures in a unique and immersive environment, all while supporting the Port Lympne’s vital conservation projects in collaboration with The Aspinall Foundation.
The lion's arrival is a significant moment for Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, and staff and visitors alike are enjoying seeing him in action. With his impressive presence and undeniable majesty, he is quickly becoming the reserve's most popular resident.
Day entry prices to Port Lympne are: adults £29, children £26 and under threes go free. BUT, if you purchase an annual pass you can visit Port Lympne all year round and enjoy watching Hunter settle into his new pride.
Port Lympne’s annual pass is the very best value way for big cat fans to visit Hunter this summer. An adult annual pass is priced at just £70 and includes unlimited entry to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, including seats on the Reserve’s iconic truck safari and up to 20% off selected catering. The annual pass also includes unlimited entry to Port Lympne’s sister site, Howletts Wild Animal Park, giving big cat lovers double the fun this summer!
For more information, please visit the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve website at www.portlympne.com
