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The Business Magazine July 2024
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Dorset farm park to say farewell to its deer experience

Picture contributed
Picture contributed
3 February 2025
Picture contributed

A popular farm park near Poole, Dorset is saying a fond farewell to one of its animal exhibit experiences.

Farmer Palmers said that due to the government's DEFRA enforcement of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, it can "no longer allow public access" to its red deer or offer its deer safari experience, unless it transitions the entire farm park into a zoo.

The park, near Wareham, boasts 23 different attractions and has been welcoming families since 1998 when it diversified from a dairy farm into what it is today.

Owners Sandra Palmer-Snellin and Phillip Palmer said in a joint statement that the decision to stop customers viewing the deer had been "incredibly difficult".

"We, and the team, are saddened to bid farewell to our red deer, who have been an integral part of our farm park.

"The team are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and customers.

"Whist the deer feeding experience is ending, Farmer Palmers remains committed to inspire and educate about farming and wildlife remains at the heart of everything we do.

"We will adapt with resilience and determination to innovate and look forward to introducing new experiences, in the year ahead, to complement our fantastic full day out of hands-on animal encounters, play areas, tractor rides, and educational activities," they added.

"To those who have shared in the beauty of our deer experience, thank you. Your laughter, photos and connection with these animals have meant the world to us."

Farmer Palmers said it was making plans to "responsibly rehome" the red deer and encouraged people to visit before February 25 to say goodbye to a "cherished chapter" in the park's history.


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Giles Gwinnett is a writer at The Business Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and covered a vast array of topics at a range of media settings - in print and online. After his NCTJ newspaper training, he became a reporter in Hampshire before moving to a news agency in Gloucestershire. In recent years, he has been covering the financial markets along with company news for an investor-focused web portal. His many interests include politics, energy and the environment. He lives in Dorset.

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