IT'S A WILD LIFE !
Since opening in 1971 the Park has built up a wildlife collection which has consistently charmed and enthralled parents and children alike. A family-owned and family-run business since its inception, Seaview Wildlife Encounter reflects the family's attention to detail and drive for excellence.
The Park is located just outside the village of Seaview on elevated, rolling Parklands that overlook the Park's lower lake and the sea beyond. First-time visitors regularly remark on the unparalleled beauty of the setting, the impact of the open, unspoilt surrounds and the views that stretch out across the Solent.
It's clearly a formula that works.
The Park has won numerous awards. Most recently:
'Best Tourism Experience of the Year 2010' Beautiful South Awards for Excellence
A quote from the judges : Mike Bedingfield Chief Executive of Tourism South East said: " Our industry's commitment to providing the best possible customer service and exceeding customer expectations is outstanding. The Award Winners have shown that they are best-in-class and we look forward to seeing them on the national stage at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next April".
Silver Award 'Best Tourism Experience' 2009 Tourism South East Awards.
Quote from the judges - "Seaview Wildlife is a tremendous family-run attraction that has grown inventively over the years. They have a very strong emphasis on customer enjoyment supported by a clear commitment to, and fondness for their animals. This shows in the pleasant and informative staff's interaction with customers and in particular the younger visitors making a day out a very positive experience"
Winners of 'GoWight Tourism and Leisure Award' 2009 - IOW Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards... quote from the judges..." This Wildlife Park offers a full day's experience for all ages to enjoy.
Experienced staff allow and encourage contact with many of the animals and give timed consecutive educational talks and demonstrations throughout the day.
The site is extremely well managed, well laid out, clean and extremely well maintained. Each year sees ongoing investment making this one of the Island's major attractions which is a must for both visitors and residents".
The Park's proudest statistic, however, is that almost half of it's visitors are returning. This compares very favourably with the national average level for repeat visits to tourist attractions of just 13 per cent.
The Park's emphasis on 'hands-on' interaction with tame wildlife, and the daily programme of events, including informative presentations by the Keepers, is one of the main reasons people keep coming back.
This opportunity to get nose-to-nose with happy, well-cared for animals and birds clearly has an amazing effect on visitors. This is not just a place for children - the Park has a therapeutic effect on people of all ages, no-one is immune - it can act as an antidote to the pressures of modern life.
In addition to the interactive animal opportunities and its unique, tranquil setting, the Park offers a well-stocked Gift Shop with an array of gifts to suit all pockets. This year the gift selection is creative and expansive. Visitors are invited to spend time browsing.
Under the same roof there's the Park's infamous Tortoiseshell Bay Cafe - over the past two years the catering department has been awarded the acclaimed Five Star rating for Food Hygiene. Most of the food (light lunches, snacks and delicious cream teas) are home-baked and home-made. Head chef, Graham, takes great pride in delivering a consistently high standard of good food and fun snacks for the whole family.
But the real stars of the show remain the animals and birds, which have the ability to stimulate fierce loyalty, love and laughter; and are perhaps the source of the feel-good factor which has made this one of the Island's most enduring attractions.