In 1995, Bwana Kidogo, a black rhino born at Port Lympne, became the first captive-bred eastern black rhino to be returned to Africa, travelling to his ancestral homeland with The Aspinall Foundation. Since then, eight Port Lympne-born eastern black rhinos have been returned to Africa, producing 25 calves and over 60 descendants across Tanzania and South Africa.
A pack of seven endangered African painted dogs from Port Lympne were returned to Gabon, marking the first reintroduction of the species to the country in more than 25 years. The rewilding represents an important step towards restoring African painted dogs to their natural range and demonstrates the importance of healthy habitats and connected populations for pack survival.
African lion brothers Azi and Zazu, both born at Port Lympne, were rewilded in South Africa in 2022. The rewilding demonstrates Port Lympne's commitment to returning captive-bred big cats to protected wild habitats in Africa.
Djala, a western lowland gorilla rescued from the bushmeat trade in the Congo in 1986 and raised at Howletts and Port Lympne, was successfully returned to the wild in Gabon's Batéké Plateau National Park in 2013. His story exemplifies Port Lympne's conservation philosophy of not only protecting endangered animals but enabling them to return to their natural ecosystems.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve marks its Golden 50th Anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades as a centre for endangered species breeding and rewilding. The 600-acre reserve now houses over 900 animals from 90+ species and has pioneered the return of captive-bred animals to protected habitats across Africa and Europe.
Port Lympne Reserve welcomed Jude, a Nubian giraffe calf born after a 16-month gestation, the first giraffe calf born at the reserve since 2018. Named after England football star Jude Bellingham, the calf stood 5ft 8in tall at birth and represents an important milestone for the international conservation breeding programme.
Three Pallas' cat kittens—Deizi, Delbee and Pema—are entertaining visitors at Port Lympne Reserve with their playful behaviour. The curious youngsters are becoming family favourites as they chase, pounce and tumble around their enclosure.
Port Lympne has introduced Elfwood, a new festive overnight stay experience featuring cosy glamping pods in Pinewood transformed into an enchanted Christmas village. Guests will have direct access to Port Lympne Illuminated and can enjoy festive family activities.
Port Lympne's Christmas light trail event returns for a second year with new illuminated installations, animal-inspired displays, and an reimagined Elf Disco. The 2025 debut was praised by visitors and media as one of Kent's best Christmas attractions, combining festive displays with the wildlife reserve setting.
Port Lympne Reserve is running Wild Summer 2026, a major family event from 22 July to 1 September 2026 featuring safari adventures, vintage entertainment, and interactive experiences across 600 acres. The celebration marks the reserve's 50th anniversary with 25% discount on kids' tickets available when booking online before 31 August 2026.
Lima, a baby Javan gibbon born on Valentine's Day, is now confidently swinging through the trees at Port Lympne Reserve while staying close to his mother Belle. Visitors can spot Lima in the Palace of the Apes enclosure.
Port Lympne Reserve is showcasing its extraordinary formal gardens, featuring historic terraces, seasonal plantings, and architectural features spanning over a century of design. The gardens combine early 20th-century grandeur with thoughtful evolution, offering visitors a distinctive experience that blends wildlife, architecture, and nature.
Port Lympne Reserve is hosting Wild Summer 2026, a summer celebration featuring family entertainment, animal experiences, and seasonal activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to see baby giraffe Jude for the first time, with 25% off kids' tickets available for early bookings.
Port Lympne Reserve has welcomed a healthy female Nubian giraffe calf named Jude, born on 11 July 2026, marking the reserve's first giraffe birth since 2018. Standing 5ft 8in tall, Jude was sired by resident bull Zubani and mothered by Leana, and her arrival is a significant milestone for the international giraffe conservation breeding programme.
Port Lympne and sister park Howletts are now recognized as the world's most successful breeders of western lowland gorillas, with generations born at the reserve helping safeguard this critically endangered species. The pioneering Palace of the Apes habitat, opened in 2000, recreates natural rainforest features and allows visitors to observe daily rooftop feeds and family interactions.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve marks its Golden 50th Anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades as one of the UK's premier wildlife destinations. The reserve, which opened to the public in 1976 under conservationist John Aspinall's vision, now houses over 900 animals from more than 90 species across 600 acres of Kent countryside.
Port Lympne has successfully bred more than 40 eastern black rhino calves since the first calf, Basha, was born in 1977, making it one of the reserve's greatest conservation achievements. In 1995, Bwana Kidogo became the world's first captive-born black rhino successfully returned to Africa, with descendants continuing to thrive in the wild today.
Port Lympne Reserve is offering 25% discount on children's tickets from 20th July to 31st August 2026 as part of its Wild Summer celebration. The promotion makes the Kent wildlife park more affordable for families during the school holidays, with visits including safari experiences, animal encounters, and garden activities across 600 acres.
Port Lympne Reserve is encouraging visitors to book Christmas 2026 experiences now, highlighting that premium festive attractions sell out months in advance. The reserve offers multiple festive experiences including illuminated trails, afternoon tea, Santa's grotto, and luxury overnight stays.
Port Lympne's Christmas light trail is returning in 2026 with expanded offerings including new animal-inspired light installations, an expanded trail route, a reimagined Elf Disco and a new grand finale. The immersive experience combines light installations, storytelling, festive food and wildlife encounters across the reserve.
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