Dover based Valley Windows UPVC Ltd have generously offered to replace the windows in the Malayan tapir house at a Kent Wild Animal Park in time for winter.

Bob Savill Head Hoofstock Keeper said: ‘The windows badly needed replacing before the winter, particularly now that we have young Kejutan. The last two winters here have been especially harsh so I am very grateful to Valley Windows for their generosity.’

To mark their appreciation for the replacement windows bosses at the park had a commemorative plaque designed and installed at the tapir house for posterity.


Rob and Sue Child with the plaque to thank Valley Windows  Photo: ©Dave Rolfe

Rob Child, Managing Director of Valley Windows said: ‘We were delighted to be able to help out by replacing the windows in the tapir house at Port Lympne. Now the tapirs can be warm and toasty this winter as these windows are A rated and made in our own factory – nothing is too good for these tapirs. It was very thoughtful of the park management to put up a plaque for us.’

Malayan tapirs are under threat in the wild due to loss of their natural rainforest habitat and there are very few in animal collections. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park runs a captive breeding programme with a view to protecting this endangered species and although Malayan tapirs are notoriously difficult to breed, Port Lympne has had nine successful births.

Bob said: ‘Kejutan is the newest addition to our collection, as he is just under two months old it is imperative that the tapir house is kept at a comfortable temperature for him and the others. In the wild they would be living in a warmer rainforest environment.’

Visitors to the wild animal park this winter will be able to see the tapirs in their stables on a daily basis between 2.30 and 4.00. For further information regarding the park including opening times please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©