A YEAR IN REVIEW

A year (well, 18 months) in review:

(Well 18 Months!)

After last years Annual Report, which actually covered two years due to COVID and various lockdowns, this review covers a period of 18 months. The Charity (Parrot Zoo Trust) Trustees made the decision to change our reporting schedule from 1st July to 30th June each year, to 1st January to 31st December. This change will align our policies and operating systems with the nancials and other procedures. Therefore, this report covers the period from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2022, and I think you will all agree that was a very interesting period indeed. Below you can read about some of the very exciting developments and events that have happened here at the park during that time.

July, August, September 2021:

16th July – International Snake Day – we celebrated all things snake related and were so lucky that Joy (who works on our reception) and her husband, Vinnie (who works as our Groundsman) were happy to bring some of their much-loved snakes into the park for the day to meet our visitors and help to dispel fears about these beautiful reptiles.

7 th September – Signing of the Armed Forces Covenant – we were delighted that our Patron, the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and other dignitaries were able to join us for the o cial signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. (a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly). On what was one of the hottest days of the year, our guests enjoyed a tour of the park with our CEO. The Charity has since gained The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) bronze award con rming we will pledge, demonstrate, and advocate support to the defence and armed forces community, and align our values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our long-awaited Cathedral enclosure was completed in September – a new home for our Amazons and a modern and spacious home.

October, November, December 2021

We welcomed a lm crew from China for three days during October, and both Steve and Andy enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame. They even managed to learn some Chinese for the occasion!

The rst Christmas since opening after the lockdowns of 2020 was a bit of a worry for us. We felt that although people wanted to come along to see Santa and our Christmas displays, they also wanted to be con dent that they were coming to a safe environment. We decided to go with a series of small group ‘Breakfast with Santa’ events. So many families and young children came along to meet Santa and enjoy a bacon roll and hot chocolate at the same time. A perfect time to start the festive season for everyone.