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{{Short description|CreationistZoo zooand farm in England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox zoo
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|logo_width = 250px
|logo_caption = Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Logo
|image = Giraffe enclosure - Noah's Ark Zoo Farm.jpg
|date_opened = 1998–1999
|date_opening =
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|location = [[Wraxall, Somerset|Wraxall]], [[North Somerset]], United Kingdom
|area = {{Convert|100|acre}}
|coordinates = {{Coord|51.45204541|-2.73857401|display=inline,title}}
|num_animals =
|num_species =
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|exhibits =
|website = {{URL|http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/}}
|owner=Anthony Bush}}
}}
 
'''Noah's Ark Zoo Farm''' is a {{Convert|100|acre|adj=on}} [[zoo]] developed on a working [[farm]] in [[Wraxall, Somerset|Wraxall]], [[North Somerset]], {{Convert|6|mi}} west of [[Bristol]], England. It is home to the largest elephant facility in northern Europe.
'''Noah's Ark Zoo Farm''' is a {{Convert|100|acre|adj=on}} [[zoo]] developed on a working [[farm]] in [[Wraxall, Somerset|Wraxall]], [[North Somerset]], {{Convert|6|mi}} west of [[Bristol]], England. In 2009 the zoo was expelled from the [[British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums]], the main industry regulatory body, "for bringing the association into disrepute", but in 2018 it regained membership in the body. The zoo has the largest elephant enclosure in northern Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/west/update/2014-09-04/new-elephant-for-somersets-noahs-ark-zoo/ |title=New elephant for Somerset's Noah's Ark Zoo &#124; West Country (E) |website=Itv.com |date=4 September 2014 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105231822/http://www.itv.com/news/west/update/2014-09-04/new-elephant-for-somersets-noahs-ark-zoo/ |archive-date= 5 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ann Welcomes Buta to her new 20-acre Eden |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/ANN-WELCOMES-BUTA-NEW-20-ACRE-EDEN/story-20688366-detail/story.html |access-date=18 February 2016 |work=Bristol Post |date=24 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923004632/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/ANN-WELCOMES-BUTA-NEW-20-ACRE-EDEN/story-20688366-detail/story.html |archive-date=23 September 2015 }}</ref>
 
==History==
{{importance section|date=May 2020}}
 
===Anthony BushDevelopment===
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm was conceived by Anthony Bush (b. 1938), the son of a [[Wiltshire]] farm manager. Bush attended [[Monkton Combe School]], served a stint as an officer in [[Conscription in the United Kingdom|National Service]] with the [[Somerset Light Infantry]], and attended [[Worcester College, Oxford]], for a year before deciding to return to farming. In 1960 he became a tenant of [[Richard Gibbs, 2nd Baron Wraxall|Richard Gibbs, Lord Wraxall]], at Moat House Farm, near [[Bristol]], which Bush operated as a dairy farm. In 1962 he married Christina James, an art teacher, and they had four children.<ref>Anthony{{cite book |last1=Bush, ''|first1=Anthony James |title=From Cows to Tigers: Building Noah's Ark'' |date=2012 <!-- 11–62--> |publisher=[[Moatwell Press]] (privately published, 2012), 11–62.|isbn=9780957202108}}</ref> In 1968 Bush was elected onto the Somerset County Executive Committee of the [[National Farmers Union of England and Wales|National Farmers Union]], and in 1980, he began a Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to encourage farmers to conserve wildlife.<ref>Bush, 119, 123; "Farmer turned zookeeper is a man with a mission", ''Bristol Post'', 21 May 2012.</ref>
 
In 1995 the Bushes purchased Moat House Farm from Wraxall, sold the [[Holstein Friesian|Friesian]] herd,<ref>Bush sold the herd shortly before the [[Bovine spongiform encephalopathy|BSE]] crisis hit and prices plummeted. [http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?491 Banner of Truth Trust website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611031347/http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?491 |date=11 June 2011 }}.</ref> and converted the farm's {{Convert|310|acre}} to [[agronomy|arable]] land and [[sheep]] raising.<ref name="aboutus">
At Monkton Combe, Bush attended [[Christian Union (students)|Christian Union]] meetings and "asked God who I knew was out there, to forgive me and to come into my life, to be involved with everyday stuff, change me and use me".<ref>Bush, 23–24.</ref> Bush and wife became active at [[St Philip and St Jacob, Bristol|St. Philip and St. Jacob Church]], helping to revive the church with a youth program. In 1967 Bush became a member of the Anglican [[Church Assembly]], and in 1974 he and his wife established the Bristol Family Life Association, which lobbied on behalf of marriage education and against the use of obscenities on television. Later, the Bushes established Marriage Repair, a counselling service.<ref>Bush, 83, 89–94, 107; [http://www.infotextmanuscripts.org/ncropa/ncropa-val-10.pdf Viewer & Listener.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203214108/http://www.infotextmanuscripts.org/ncropa/ncropa-val-10.pdf |date= 3 December 2013 }} In the early 1990s, Bush prepared for ordination as an Anglican priest, but his bishop, [[Jim Thompson (bishop)|Jim Thompson]], refused to ordain him, telling Bush he did not like his "theological certainly" (158).</ref> In 1982, Bush became director of Mission England, which organised a [[Billy Graham]] evangelistic campaign in 1985 at [[Ashton Gate Stadium]].<ref>Bush, 126–134. In 1996 Bush also chaired a four-day evangelistic campaign in the same stadium for the Argentinian-American evangelist [[Luis Palau]] (166–167).</ref> In 1987, Bush helped found the African relief agency, Send a Cow.<ref>Bush, 145–152; [http://www.sendacow.org.uk/assets/files/Publications/sac-annrev-0809-web.pdf Send a Cow website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094856/http://www.sendacow.org.uk/assets/files/Publications/sac-annrev-0809-web.pdf |date= 4 March 2016 }}.</ref>
 
===Development===
In 1995 the Bushes purchased Moat House Farm from Wraxall, sold the [[Holstein Friesian|Friesian]] herd,<ref>Bush sold the herd shortly before the [[Bovine spongiform encephalopathy|BSE]] crisis hit and prices plummeted. [http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?491 Banner of Truth Trust website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611031347/http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?491 |date=11 June 2011 }}.</ref> and converted the farm's {{Convert|310|acre}} to [[agronomy|arable]] land and [[sheep]] raising.<ref name=aboutus>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/about-us/our-history.php
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225442/http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/about-us/our-history.php
|archive-date=12 May 2014
}}</ref><ref>Anthony Bush has self-published a history of the zoo, ''From Cows to Tigers – Building Noah's Ark'' (Moatwell Press, 2012). {{ISBN|978-0957202108}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Farmer-turned-zookeeper-man-mission/story-16143062-detail/story.html |title=Farmer turned zookeeper is a man with a mission &#124; Exeter Express and Echo |first=Bristol |last=Post |work=exeterexpressandecho.co.uk |year=2015 |access-date=16 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926031354/http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Farmer-turned-zookeeper-man-mission/story-16143062-detail/story.html |archive-date=26 September 2015 }}</ref> Bush began to consider creating a Noah's Ark theme park in 1997; and in 1998, he constructed a barn, a café, a toilet block, and a children's play area. The park opened for a trial run in August 1998 and permanently in 1999.<ref>Bush, 201–207.</ref> At first it exhibited farm and small domestic animals as well as some exotic species such as [[alpaca]]s and [[llama]]s. The collection later expanded to include [[tiger]]s, [[African lion]]s, [[white rhino]]s, [[Siamang|siamang gibbons]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/one-month-old-baby-siamang-gibbon-sits-with-its-mother-news-photo/108851436 |title=A New Arrival Boosts Endangered Gibbons At Noahs Ark Zoo |date=6 February 2011 |publisher=Getty Images |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119080424/http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/one-month-old-baby-siamang-gibbon-sits-with-its-mother-news-photo/108851436 |archive-date=19 November 2015 }}</ref> and [[ring-tailed lemur]]s.<ref name="aboutus" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Zoo-lemurs-lap-treat-farm-welcomes-new-arrivals/story-21156781-detail/story.html |title=Zoo lemurs lap up treat as farm welcomes new arrivals |publisher=Bristol Post |date=29 May 2014 |access-date=24 December 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In April 2009, a zoo [[webcam]] showed the live birth of a male [[Brazil]]ian [[tapir]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8019144.stm |title=Webcam captures baby tapir birth |date=26 April 2009 |work=BBC News Bristol |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 April 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429191139/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8019144.stm |archive-date=29 April 2009 }}</ref>
 
The zoo's [[hedge maze]], planted in 2003, is {{Convert|3.38|km}} long. - the longest in the UK<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d8Lrn8fcsrMC&q=Noah's+Ark+Zoo+Farm+hedge+maze+2+miles&pg=PT100 |title=Top 10 of Britain |date=2009 |publisher=Hamlyn |isbn=978-0600622512}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pickstock |first=Heather |date=2021-08-12 |title=Longest hedge maze in the UK opens |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids/longest-hedge-maze-uk-opens-5775808 |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=Bristol Live |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2012, the zoo began building an elephant sanctuary of {{convert|20|acre|ha}}, and the first elephant arrived in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm to launch five-star spa hotel – for elephants |work=Bristol Post |access-date=19 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031080721/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html |archive-date=31 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26294007 |title=North Somerset elephant habitat welcomes first guest |work=BBC News |date=21 February 2014 |access-date=24 December 2015}}</ref> Before construction of the sanctuary the [[Born Free Foundation]], which opposes holding elephants in captivity, said the acreage was too small for the purpose.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-14753512 |work=BBC News |title=Work starts on Wraxall elephant sanctuary |date=1 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925223631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-14753512 |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}</ref> The enclosure consists of a {{convert|1080|m2|ft2|abbr=on}} area where the elephants can sleep or shelter from the rain, and a {{convert|19.5|acre|ha}} outdoor area with a {{convert|9|ft|m|abbr=on}} heated swimming pool.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bristol |first=The |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html#ixzz3pCMbxDi3 |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm to launch five-star spa hotel – for elephants |publisher=Bristol Post |date=29 October 2011 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928093124/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 }}</ref> The £1.8m development was partly funded by the [[European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development]] and uses solar PV, biomass heating, and rainwater harvesting to provide nearly all power needed to operate the enclosure. An adjacent farm provides most of the food for the elephants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/the-sceptic-tank-blog/2281385/noahs-ark-sets-sail-for-greenenergy-powered-elephant-eden |title=Noah's Ark sets sail for green-energy powered Elephant Eden 17 Jul 2013 – The Sceptic Tank: a blog from BusinessGreen |website=BusinessGreen. |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119095244/http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/the-sceptic-tank-blog/2281385/noahs-ark-sets-sail-for-greenenergy-powered-elephant-eden |archive-date=19 November 2015 }}; {{cite web|url=http://www.energymyway.co.uk/case-studies/sustainable-biomass-boiler-state-art-elephant-enclosure/ |title=Sustainable biomass boiler for a state of the art elephant enclosure – EnergyMyWay |access-date=2015-12-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225104103/http://www.energymyway.co.uk/case-studies/sustainable-biomass-boiler-state-art-elephant-enclosure/ |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref>
 
=== Creationism and criticism ===
In 2015, Noah’s Ark joined the [[European Endangered Species Programme]] (EEP), which oversees management and conservation of protected species. The zoo is home to two [[spectacled bears]] (also called Andean bears), who arrived in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm gives endangered bears new home |url=http://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/noah_s_ark_zoo_farm_gives_endangered_bears_new_home_1_4253443 |website=North Somerset Times |date=3 October 2015 |access-date=5 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006005117/http://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/noah_s_ark_zoo_farm_gives_endangered_bears_new_home_1_4253443 |archive-date= 6 October 2015 }}</ref>
During Anthony Bush's tenure as managing director of the zoo, he promoted his belief in [[creationism]].<ref name="bcse">{{cite web |title=BCSE : Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |url=http://www.bcseweb.org.uk/index.php/Main/NoahsArkZooFarm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107084225/http://www.bcseweb.org.uk/index.php/Main/NoahsArkZooFarm |archive-date=7 January 2009 |access-date=17 February 2009 |publisher=British Centre for Science Education}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url= https://www.skeptic.org.uk/2022/01/a-visit-to-noahs-ark-zoo-farm-the-uks-only-explicitly-creationist-tourist-attraction/ |title= A visit to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, the UK’s explicitly creationist tourist attraction |work= [[The Skeptic (British magazine)|The Skeptic]] |date= 12 January 2022 |first1=Sarah |last1= Hearne |access-date= 13 May 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240104020138/https://www.skeptic.org.uk/2022/01/a-visit-to-noahs-ark-zoo-farm-the-uks-only-explicitly-creationist-tourist-attraction/ |archive-date= 4 January 2024 |url-status= live}}</ref> [[Physical anthropologist]] [[Alice Roberts]], professor of Public Engagement in Science at the [[University of Birmingham]] said the zoo had "absolutely nothing to do with science education"<ref name="AliceRobertsObserver">{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Alice |date=8 December 2013 |title=Why I won't be going back to Noah's Ark creationist zoo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512224017/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol |archive-date=12 May 2014 |access-date=11 May 2014 |publisher=The Observer}}</ref> but noted that during her visit in 2013, she saw little evidence of creationism until she entered a "large barn in the middle of the complex, which houses an auditorium and an impressive indoor children's play area," where she found many displays promoting creationism.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alice Roberts |date=8 December 2013 |title=Why I won't be going back to Noah's Ark creationist zoo &#124; World news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205035409/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol |archive-date=5 December 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> In 2009, the zoo was criticised by the [[British Centre for Science Education]] for "contradicting vast swaths of science needed to pass public examinations" (contrary to its claim that it supported the [[National Curriculum (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)|National Curriculum]]) <ref name="bcse" /> and by [[Ben Goldacre]].<ref>
{{cite news |last=Goldacre |first=Ben |date=8 April 2004 |title=Where to find the alchemists of Fleet Street |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2004/apr/08/science.badscience |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913122747/http://www.theguardian.com/education/2004/apr/08/science.badscience |archive-date=13 September 2014 |access-date=24 April 2009 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref><ref>Goldacre noted the zoo's statement: "To follow Darwinism is to recognise only the fleshly side of our natures, and, as we know, the flesh perishes; Darwinism, in other words, is a philosophy of death". To which Goldacre retorted, "Harsh words. Bring on the darkness". Goldacre also said that the attraction had "the distinction of being the only pseudoscience zoo in the UK".{{cite news |last=Goldacre |first=Ben |date=12 June 2003 |title=Work out your mind |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/jun/12/badscience.science |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911130429/http://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/jun/12/badscience.science |archive-date=11 September 2014 |access-date=24 April 2009 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> In August 2009, the [[British Humanist Association]] urged tourist boards to stop promoting the zoo on grounds that it would "undermine education and the teaching of science";<ref name="BBC 26 August 2009">{{cite news |date=26 August 2009 |title='Creationist' zoo causes dismay |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8223433.stm |access-date=27 August 2009 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}</ref> a campaign continued until February 2014.<ref name="BHAFeb2014">{{cite web |date=4 February 2014 |title=Alice Roberts and BHA complain to Michael Gove over Noah's Ark Zoo Farm's Quality Badge breaching 'no creationism' policy |url=https://humanism.org.uk/2014/02/04/alice-roberts-bha-complain-michael-gove-noahs-ark-zoo-farms-quality-badge-breaching-creationism-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513050921/https://humanism.org.uk/2014/02/04/alice-roberts-bha-complain-michael-gove-noahs-ark-zoo-farms-quality-badge-breaching-creationism-policy/ |archive-date=13 May 2014 |access-date=11 May 2014}}</ref>
 
=== 2009 charges of professional misconduct ===
==Creationism==
In October 2009 the [[BBC]] and the [[Captive Animals Protection Society]] charged that the zoo's tigers and camels belonged to the now defunct [[Great British Circus]] owned by [[Martin Lacey]];<ref name="captiveanimals.org">{{cite web |year=2015 |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm does business with (another) notorious circus trainer |url=http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2013/06/noahs-ark-zoo-farm-does-business-with-another-notorious-circus-trainer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926012319/http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2013/06/noahs-ark-zoo-farm-does-business-with-another-notorious-circus-trainer |archive-date=26 September 2015 |access-date=18 September 2015 |work=captiveanimals.org – Captive Animals Protection Society}}</ref> and the zoo said a number of animals were on loan from Linctrek Ltd, a company associated with Lacey, though none had taken part in any circus performances.<ref>{{cite news |title=BBC News &#124; England &#124; Somerset &#124; Zoo admits connection with circus |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8310757.stm |access-date=18 September 2015 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]] |location=[[London, England|London]]}}</ref> In December 2009, BIAZA temporarily stripped the zoo of its membership<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-11-02 |title=Noah's Ark membership suspended |url=https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/20570575.noahs-ark-membership-suspended/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Weston Mercury |language=en}}</ref> for what it claimed was a refusal of Noah's Ark to provide BIAZA requested information and for bringing "the association into disrepute."<ref name="BBCNewsDec2009">{{cite news |date=2 December 2009 |title=Zoo expelled from industry body |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8391779.stm |access-date=2 December 2009 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref name="bristolpost.co.uk">{{cite web |last=This is Bristol |year=2015 |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm stripped of its BIAZA membership &#124; Bristol News &#124; Bristol Post |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-stripped-BIAZA-membership/story-11285228-detail/story.html |access-date=18 September 2015 |work=bristolpost.co.uk}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Tighter licence conditions were imposed on the zoo, including inspection by independent veterinarians every six months.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 March 2010 |title=Zoo cruelty claims are rejected |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8585669.stm |access-date=27 March 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
Bush, and formerly the zoo, promote belief in a form of [[creationism]]<ref name=bcse>{{cite web
[[File:Emmybris' photo of BIAZA sign.jpg|alt=red sign with BIAZA Love Your Zoo printed upon in, on a wire frame sculpture of an animal|thumb|BIAZA Love Your Zoo sign at entrance walkway to Noah's Ark]]
|url=http://www.bcseweb.org.uk/index.php/Main/NoahsArkZooFarm
In 2018, due to adherence to the aforementioned conditions, the zoo regained BIAZA membership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BIAZA – British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums |url=https://biaza.org.uk/members/all}}</ref>
|title=BCSE : Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
|publisher=British Centre for Science Education
|access-date=17 February 2009
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107084225/http://www.bcseweb.org.uk/index.php/Main/NoahsArkZooFarm
|archive-date= 7 January 2009
}}</ref> as well as the [[Genesis flood myth]]<ref name=guard>{{cite news
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/jan/02/religion
|title=James Russell: A fun day out for all the creationists
|work=The Guardian
|date=2 January 2006
|access-date=17 February 2009
|last=Russell
|first=James
|location=London
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829221401/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/jan/02/religion
|archive-date=29 August 2013
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Darwin-lot-damagearticle-345879-details/article.html |title=Darwin Has Done a Lot of Damage |work=Evening Post |publisher=Bristol News and Media |date=23 September 2008 |access-date=3 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102052858/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Darwin-lot-damagearticle-345879-details/article.html |archive-date=2 November 2009 }} Bush has said, 'From the outside, our farm is not overtly Christian. But, from the inside, we are very strongly Christian. I am a Creationist, and we see the farm as a mission station to give people scientific permission to believe in God'. {{cite news |title=Interview: Anthony Bush co-founder of Noah's Ark Zoo Farm and former General Synod member |url=http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=15680 |work=Church Times Online |publisher=Church Times |last=Harden |first=Rachel |date=5 May 2006 |access-date=3 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526215935/http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=15680 |archive-date=26 May 2007 }}</ref> and explicate these beliefs at length at "earthhistory.org.uk".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/about |title=Why a new approach is needed |publisher=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |access-date=3 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919004833/http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/about |archive-date=19 September 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/index/why-a-new-approach |title=About Us |publisher=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |access-date=3 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083155/http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/index/why-a-new-approach |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/recolonisation |title=A record of Earth's recolonisation |publisher=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |access-date=3 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225035916/http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/recolonisation |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref> Bush does not accept [[flood geology]], a [[Young earth creationism|Young Earth Creationist]] belief that the flood described in Genesis 6–8 was an actual event that produced most fossil bearing geological strata; rather he believes the earth to be about 100,000 years old, older than the 6,000 to 10,000 years that Young Earth creationists believe it to be but much younger than its [[age of the earth|actual age]] of 4.54 billion years.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://skepticblog.org/2009/02/17/a-skeptic-goes-inside-noahs-ark/
|title=A Skeptic Goes Inside Noah's Ark
|date=17 February 2009
|publisher=skepticblog.org
|access-date=24 April 2009
|author=Michael Shermer
|author-link=Michael Shermer
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223214037/http://skepticblog.org/2009/02/17/a-skeptic-goes-inside-noahs-ark/
|archive-date=23 February 2009
}}</ref><ref>[[Answers in Genesis]], a young earth creationist organization, has called "Recolonisation Theory" incompatible "with a plain reading of Genesis" and complained that while proponents "claim to have a high view of Scripture, it is noteworthy that they have allowed their ‘science’ to lead their understanding of the Bible, rather than the reverse'. Monty White and Paul S. Taylor, [https://answersingenesis.org/bible-timeline/genealogy/the-recolonisation-theory-the-latest-compromise/ 'Recolonisation Theory the Latest Compromise'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927203613/https://answersingenesis.org/bible-timeline/genealogy/the-recolonisation-theory-the-latest-compromise/ |date=27 September 2015 }}.</ref><ref>Bush says "I'm not the kind of creationist who believes the world was created in 4,000 BC; Noah would have appeared around 20,000 BC." {{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/feb/04/weekend.craigtaylor |title=We love each other: Anthony & Christina Bush &#124; Life and style &#124; The Guardian |first=Craig |last=Taylor |work=theguardian.com |year=2015 |access-date=13 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225063254/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/feb/04/weekend.craigtaylor |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/recolonisation |title=A New Approach to Earth History &#124; Recolonisation – a 4th option |website=Earthhistory.org.uk |date=26 January 2013 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225035916/http://www.earthhistory.org.uk/recolonisation |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref>
 
After the 2009 penalties, the zoo began the lengthy procedure to achieve charity status. This change was instigated by Anthony Bush's son, Larry, who took up the position as managing director in 2019. Describing the acquisition of charitable status, Larry said "visitors can also enjoy the knowledge that their admission directly funds the vital conservation work of the charity in the UK and around the world.” The zoo became a charity on 5 April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=We are a Charity! |url=https://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/blog/we-are-a-charity |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Exciting landmark for Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm as it announces charity status {{!}} Biaza |url=https://biaza.org.uk/news/detail/exciting-landmark-for-noahs-ark-zoo-farm-as-it-announces-charity-status |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=biaza.org.uk |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Emmybris' photo of elephant fields.jpg|thumb|Elephant fields seen from flying fields at Noah's Ark]]
[[Physical anthropologist]] [[Alice Roberts]], professor of Public Engagement in Science at the [[University of Birmingham]] said the zoo had "absolutely nothing to do with science education"<ref name=AliceRobertsObserver>{{cite news
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol
|title=Why I won't be going back to Noah's Ark creationist zoo
|publisher=The Observer
|date=8 December 2013
|access-date=11 May 2014
|last=Roberts
|first=Alice
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512224017/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol
|archive-date=12 May 2014
}}</ref> but noted of her visit that she saw little evidence of creationism until she entered a "large barn in the middle of the complex, which houses an auditorium and an impressive indoor children's play area," where she found many displays promoting creationism.<ref>{{cite web|author=Alice Roberts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol |title=Why I won't be going back to Noah's Ark creationist zoo &#124; World news |work=The Guardian |date=8 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205035409/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/08/wont-go-back-to-creationist-zoo-bristol |archive-date= 5 December 2015 }}</ref>
 
== Conservation Programs ==
The zoo has been criticised by the [[British Centre for Science Education]] for "contradicting vast swaths of science needed to pass public examinations" (contrary to its claim that it supported the [[National Curriculum (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)|National Curriculum]]) <ref name=bcse /> and by [[Ben Goldacre]], author of the ''Bad Science'' column of ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref>
In 2015, Noah’s Ark joined the [[European Endangered Species Programme]] (EEP), which oversees management and conservation of protected species. The zoo currently participates in four EEPs: [[African elephant|African Elephants]], [[Spectacled bear|Spectacled Bears]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=ITV News |date=1 July 2019 |title=Kissing bears - Love at first sight for spectacled bears at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol |url=https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2019-07-01/kissing-bears-love-at-first-sight-for-spectacled-bears-at-noahs-ark-zoo-farm-near-bristol |url-status=live |work=ITV News West Country}}</ref>, [[Siamang|Siamang Gibbons]], and [[White-headed vulture|White-Headed Vultures]]. Noah's Ark is also involved in European Studbooks, for the [[Cotton-top tamarin|Cotton-Top Tamarin]] and the [[Asian box turtle|Asian Box Turtle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breeding Programmes {{!}} Conservation {{!}} Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |url=https://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/breeding-programmes |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
{{cite news
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2004/apr/08/science.badscience
|title=Where to find the alchemists of Fleet Street
|work=The Guardian
|date=8 April 2004
|access-date=24 April 2009
|last=Goldacre
|first=Ben
|location=London
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913122747/http://www.theguardian.com/education/2004/apr/08/science.badscience
|archive-date=13 September 2014
}}</ref><ref>Goldacre noted the zoo's statement: "To follow Darwinism is to recognise only the fleshly side of our natures, and, as we know, the flesh perishes; Darwinism, in other words, is a philosophy of death". To which Goldacre retorted, "Harsh words. Bring on the darkness". Goldacre also said that the attraction had "the distinction of being the only pseudoscience zoo in the UK".{{cite news
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/jun/12/badscience.science
|title=Work out your mind
|work=The Guardian
|date=12 June 2003
|access-date=24 April 2009
|last=Goldacre
|first=Ben
|location=London
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911130429/http://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/jun/12/badscience.science
|archive-date=11 September 2014
}}</ref><ref>Asked by the ''[[New Statesman]]'' in July 2011 why he did not believe in God, Goldacre replied, 'I just don't have any interest either way, but I wouldn't want to understate how uninterested I am....I'm not sure that's accurately covered by words such as "atheist", and definitely not by "agnostic". I just don't care.' {{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2011/07/god-evidence-believe-world |title=Faith no more |access-date=2014-02-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217053800/http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2011/07/god-evidence-believe-world |archive-date=17 February 2014 }}.</ref> In August 2009, the [[British Humanist Association]] (after 2017 [[Humanists UK]]) urged tourist boards to stop promoting the zoo on grounds that it would "undermine education and the teaching of science",<ref name="BBC 26 August 2009">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8223433.stm |title='Creationist' zoo causes dismay |date=26 August 2009 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 August 2009}}</ref> a campaign continued as recently as February 2014.<ref name=BHAFeb2014>{{cite web
|url=https://humanism.org.uk/2014/02/04/alice-roberts-bha-complain-michael-gove-noahs-ark-zoo-farms-quality-badge-breaching-creationism-policy
|title=Alice Roberts and BHA complain to Michael Gove over Noah's Ark Zoo Farm's Quality Badge breaching 'no creationism' policy
|access-date=11 May 2014
|date=4 February 2014
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513050921/https://humanism.org.uk/2014/02/04/alice-roberts-bha-complain-michael-gove-noahs-ark-zoo-farms-quality-badge-breaching-creationism-policy/
|archive-date=13 May 2014
}}</ref> (In June 2015, the BHA named Alice Roberts "Humanist of the Year", in part because she had spearheaded its complaint against Noah's Ark Zoo.)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://humanism.org.uk/2015/06/20/alice-roberts-wins-humanist-of-the-year-at-bha-annual-conference-2015/ |title=Alice Roberts wins Humanist of the Year at BHA Annual Conference 2015|website=Humanism.org.uk – British Humanist Association |date=20 June 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225044854/https://humanism.org.uk/2015/06/20/alice-roberts-wins-humanist-of-the-year-at-bha-annual-conference-2015/ |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref> In a letter to the Anglican ''[[Church Times]]'', the Rev. Michael Roberts, an authority on Darwin and geology and a long-time opponent of the teaching of creationism in schools, argued that the British Humanist Association was justified in criticising the zoo and that "church groups should have been more forthright in their criticism".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukpressonline.co.uk/ukpressonline/view/explore/CT/ChTm/2009-10-02/final/page17;jsessionid=58F0888052ADED4FB15BE2D29AB0CDE0 |title=ChTm |work=ukpressonline.co.uk |year=2015 |access-date=11 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225033214/http://www.ukpressonline.co.uk/ukpressonline/view/explore/CT/ChTm/2009-10-02/final/page17%3Bjsessionid%3D58F0888052ADED4FB15BE2D29AB0CDE0 |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bcseweb.blogspot.com/2012/03/view-from-pulpit-michael-roberts-c-of-e.html |title=British Centre for Science Education: View From the Pulpit – Michael Roberts, C of E Vicar on recent events at St Peter's |website=Bcseweb.blogspot.com |date=11 March 2012 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225121100/http://bcseweb.blogspot.com/2012/03/view-from-pulpit-michael-roberts-c-of-e.html |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref>
 
The EEP for African Elephants at Noah's Ark is a bachelor programme, wherein only males of the species inhabit the enclosure, to provide a home while waiting for a breeding opportunity. In September 2012, the zoo began building an elephant sanctuary of {{convert|20|acre|ha}}; the first elephant arrived in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm to launch five-star spa hotel – for elephants |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031080721/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html |archive-date=31 October 2011 |access-date=19 May 2015 |work=Bristol Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 February 2014 |title=North Somerset elephant habitat welcomes first guest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26294007 |access-date=24 December 2015 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Before construction of the sanctuary the [[Born Free Foundation]], which opposes holding elephants in captivity, said the acreage was too small for the purpose.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 September 2011 |title=Work starts on Wraxall elephant sanctuary |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-14753512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925223631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-14753512 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |work=BBC News}}</ref> The enclosure consists of a {{convert|1080|m2|ft2|abbr=on}} area where the elephants can sleep or shelter from the rain, and a {{convert|19.5|acre|ha}} outdoor area with a {{convert|9|ft|m|abbr=on}} heated swimming pool.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bristol |first=The |date=29 October 2011 |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm to launch five-star spa hotel – for elephants |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html#ixzz3pCMbxDi3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928093124/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-launch-star-spa-hotel-8211/story-13697286-detail/story.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |publisher=Bristol Post}}</ref> The £1.8m development was partly funded by the [[European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development]] and uses solar PV, biomass heating, and rainwater harvesting to provide nearly all power needed to operate the enclosure. An adjacent farm provides most of the food for the elephants.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 July 2013 |title=Noah's Ark sets sail for green-energy powered Elephant Eden 17 Jul 2013 – The Sceptic Tank: a blog from BusinessGreen |url=http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/the-sceptic-tank-blog/2281385/noahs-ark-sets-sail-for-greenenergy-powered-elephant-eden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119095244/http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/the-sceptic-tank-blog/2281385/noahs-ark-sets-sail-for-greenenergy-powered-elephant-eden |archive-date=19 November 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |website=BusinessGreen.}}; {{cite web |title=Sustainable biomass boiler for a state of the art elephant enclosure – EnergyMyWay |url=http://www.energymyway.co.uk/case-studies/sustainable-biomass-boiler-state-art-elephant-enclosure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225104103/http://www.energymyway.co.uk/case-studies/sustainable-biomass-boiler-state-art-elephant-enclosure/ |archive-date=25 December 2015 |access-date=2015-12-24}}</ref>
==2009 charges of professional misconduct==
In October 2009 the [[BBC]] and the [[Captive Animals Protection Society]] charged that the zoo's tigers and camels belonged to the now defunct [[Great British Circus]] owned by [[Martin Lacey]];<ref name="captiveanimals.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2013/06/noahs-ark-zoo-farm-does-business-with-another-notorious-circus-trainer |title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm does business with (another) notorious circus trainer |work=captiveanimals.org – Captive Animals Protection Society|access-date=18 September 2015 |year=2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926012319/http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2013/06/noahs-ark-zoo-farm-does-business-with-another-notorious-circus-trainer |archive-date=26 September 2015 }}</ref> and the zoo said a number of animals were on loan from Linctrek Ltd, a company associated with Lacey, though none had taken part in any circus performances.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8310757.stm |title=BBC News &#124; England &#124; Somerset &#124; Zoo admits connection with circus |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]] |location=[[London, England|London]] |access-date=18 September 2015}}</ref> In December 2009, BIAZA stripped the zoo of its membership for what it claimed was a refusal of Noah's Ark to provide BIAZA requested information and for bringing "the association into disrepute."<ref name=BBCNewsDec2009>{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8391779.stm
|title=Zoo expelled from industry body |work=BBC News
|date=2 December 2009
|publisher=BBC
|access-date=2 December 2009
}}</ref><ref name="bristolpost.co.uk">{{cite web | url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-stripped-BIAZA-membership/story-11285228-detail/story.html | title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm stripped of its BIAZA membership &#124; Bristol News &#124; Bristol Post | work=bristolpost.co.uk | access-date=18 September 2015 | last=This is Bristol | year=2015}}</ref> In 2018, the zoo regained membership in BIAZA.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://biaza.org.uk/members/all | title=BIAZA – British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums }}</ref>
 
NAZF is the second zoo in the UK to have a Rare Breeds accreditation for farm species: it has ‘Approved Associate’ status from BIAZA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rare Breed Program Official Accreditation for Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm {{!}} Biaza |url=https://biaza.org.uk/news/detail/rare-breed-program-official-accreditation-for-noahs-ark-zoo-farm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=biaza.org.uk |language=en}}</ref>
Also in 2009, the [[Western Animal Rights Network]] (WARN) and the [[Captive Animals Protection Society]] (CAPS) said that the zoo had culled healthy chickens.<ref>{{cite news|title=Noah's Ark Zoo Farm hits back at animal cull claim |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-hits-animal-cull-claim/story-11284448-detail/story.html |work=Bristol Evening Post |publisher=Bristol News and Media |date=6 November 2009 |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202123/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Noah-s-Ark-Zoo-Farm-hits-animal-cull-claim/story-11284448-detail/story.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> CAPS claimed that the zoo regularly culled animals during winter months to reduce costs. The zoo explained that it had euthanised some chickens to protect the quality of its flock. A March 2010 report of an investigation by [[North Somerset]] Council called the CAPS allegations "grossly unfair", though because zoo inspectors found some failures to comply with the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, tighter licence conditions were imposed on the zoo, including inspection by independent veterinarians every six months.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8585669.stm | title= Zoo cruelty claims are rejected | date= 24 March 2010 | work= BBC News | access-date= 27 March 2010}}</ref>
 
The zoo calls itself a "sustainable zoo", as, using wind turbines, [[Biomass heating system|biomass boilers]], and solar panels, over half its consumed energy is renewably produced in-house. A Christmas tree recycling service provides residents across North Somerset the opportunity to give their used trees to the animals for enrichment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Green Zoo {{!}} Conservation {{!}} Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |url=https://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/green-zoo |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-26 |title=North Somerset zoo launches annual 'tree-cycling' scheme for its animals |url=https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2023-12-26/zoo-launches-annual-tree-cycling-scheme-for-its-animals |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=ITV News}}</ref>
==Animal exhibits==
* '''Africa''' The first animals arrived in the African section in 2005: two South African [[White rhinoceros|white rhinos]]. A Giraffe House opened in 2006, two African lions joined the Big Cat Sanctuary in 2010, and Elephant Eden introduced its first African elephant in 2014.<ref name="noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/about-us/our-history.php |title=The Story of Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |website=Noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |date=20 December 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031402/http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/about-us/our-history.php |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> In 2015, Noah's Ark included four giraffes (two of which were born at NAZF), four lions, two African elephants, two white rhinos, two zebras, and a family of [[meerkats]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/attractions/shows-and-events/daily-events.php |title=Daily Events – Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |website=Noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |date=20 December 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926051401/http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/attractions/shows-and-events/daily-events.php |archive-date=26 September 2015 }}</ref> In 2020, Hope, an 8-month old zebra, died when she was startled by fireworks and collided with the gates of her enclosure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-10|title=Heartbreak at zoo as Zebra named Hope is scared to death by fireworks|url=https://7news.com.au/news/animals/zoo-reveals-death-of-zebra-believed-to-have-been-caused-by-nearby-fireworks-c-1558267|access-date=2020-11-11|website=7NEWS.com.au|language=en}}</ref> in June 2021, an African elephant was fatally attacked by another elephant.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dex|first=Robert|date=2021-06-22|title=Zoo keepers 'distraught' after elephant killed by another elephant|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/noahs-ark-zoo-farm-bristol-elephant-dead-attack-b942071.html|access-date=2021-06-24|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en}}</ref>
* '''Asia''' In 2009, Noah's Ark introduced two [[Bengal tigers]] to the newly built 'Tiger Territory', which later became the 'Big Cat Sanctuary'. Noah's Ark Asian section is also home to [[yaks]], [[water buffalo]], and two [[Bactrian camel]]s.<ref name="noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk"/>
* '''Primates''' Noah's Ark is home to five primate species: [[Siamang|Siamang Gibbons]], [[Black-and-white ruffed lemur|black & white ruffed lemurs]], [[Ring-tailed lemur|ring tailed lemurs]], marmosets and [[cotton-top tamarin]]s. Three of the five primates (ruffed lemurs, tamarins and gibbons) are listed on the IUCN red list as either endangered or critically endangered. The primate section has successfully bred animals since its opening, most recently a baby Siamang gibbon. (The gibbons were moved to Noah's Ark as part of the European Endangered Species Programme in 2007.)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6540539.stm |title=UK &#124; England &#124; Bristol/Somerset &#124; Gibbons under protection in city |work=BBC News |date=10 April 2007 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314084636/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6540539.stm |archive-date=14 March 2009 }}</ref>
* '''Reptiles''' In July 2017 the zoo introduced seven [[Aldabra giant tortoise]]s to the zoo on loan from [[Nigel Marven]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/watch-famous-face-heads-to-noah-s-ark-zoo-farm-ahead-of-reptile-awareness-week-1-5110540|title= Famous face heads to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm ahead of Reptile Awareness Week|last=Robins|first=Sheridan|work=North Somerset Times|access-date=2018-11-29|language=en}}</ref> The tortoise enclosure won an award from BIAZA for enclosure design.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/wraxall-zoo-wins-three-biaza-awards-1-5573407|title=Wraxall zoo wins three BIAZA awards|last=Woodsford|first=Henry|work=North Somerset Times|access-date=2018-11-29|language=en}}</ref>
 
[[File:Elephant Noahs ark zoo farm image.jpg|thumb|An elephant at the zoo]]
==Maze==
==Animal exhibits==
The zoo's [[hedge maze]], planted in 2003, is {{Convert|3.2|km}} long.<ref>{{cite book|title=Top 10 of Britain|date=2009|publisher=Hamlyn|isbn=978-0600622512|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d8Lrn8fcsrMC&q=Noah's+Ark+Zoo+Farm+hedge+maze+2+miles&pg=PT100}}</ref>
;Africa: The first animals arrived in the African section in 2005: two South African [[White rhinoceros|white rhinos]]. A Giraffe House opened in 2006, two African lions joined the Big Cat Sanctuary in 2010, and Elephant Eden introduced its first African elephant in 2014.<ref name="noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/about-us/our-history.php |title=The Story of Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |website=Noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |date=20 December 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031402/http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/about-us/our-history.php |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> In 2015, Noah's Ark included four giraffes (two of which were born at NAZF), four lions, two African elephants, two white rhinos, two zebras, and a family of [[meerkats]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/attractions/shows-and-events/daily-events.php |title=Daily Events – Noah's Ark Zoo Farm |website=Noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk |date=20 December 2015 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926051401/http://www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/pages/attractions/shows-and-events/daily-events.php |archive-date=26 September 2015 }}</ref> In 2020, Hope, an 8-month old zebra, died when she was startled by fireworks and collided with the gates of her enclosure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-10|title=Heartbreak at zoo as Zebra named Hope is scared to death by fireworks|url=https://7news.com.au/news/animals/zoo-reveals-death-of-zebra-believed-to-have-been-caused-by-nearby-fireworks-c-1558267|access-date=2020-11-11|website=7NEWS.com.au|language=en}}</ref> in June 2021, an African elephant was fatally attacked by another elephant.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dex|first=Robert|date=2021-06-22|title=Zoo keepers 'distraught' after elephant killed by another elephant|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/noahs-ark-zoo-farm-bristol-elephant-dead-attack-b942071.html|access-date=2021-06-24|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en}}</ref>
;Asia: [[File:Tiger at Noah's ark zoo farm.jpg|thumb|Tiger enclosure, 2]]In 2009, Noah's Ark introduced two [[Bengal tigers]] to the newly built 'Tiger Territory', which later became the 'Big Cat Sanctuary'. Noah's Ark Asian section is also home to [[yaks]], [[water buffalo]], and two [[Bactrian camel]]s.<ref name="noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk"/>
;Primate: Noah's Ark is home to five primate species: [[Siamang|Siamang Gibbons]], [[Black-and-white ruffed lemur|black & white ruffed lemurs]], [[Ring-tailed lemur|ring tailed lemurs]], marmosets and [[cotton-top tamarin]]s. Three of the five primates (ruffed lemurs, tamarins and gibbons) are listed on the IUCN red list as either endangered or critically endangered. The primate section has successfully bred animals since its opening, most recently a baby Siamang gibbon. (The gibbons were moved to Noah's Ark as part of the European Endangered Species Programme in 2007.)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6540539.stm |title=UK &#124; England &#124; Bristol/Somerset &#124; Gibbons under protection in city |work=BBC News |date=10 April 2007 |access-date=24 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314084636/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6540539.stm |archive-date=14 March 2009 }}</ref>
;Reptiles: In July 2017 the zoo introduced seven [[Aldabra giant tortoise]]s to the zoo on loan from [[Nigel Marven]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/watch-famous-face-heads-to-noah-s-ark-zoo-farm-ahead-of-reptile-awareness-week-1-5110540|title=Famous face heads to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm ahead of Reptile Awareness Week|last=Robins|first=Sheridan|work=North Somerset Times|access-date=2018-11-29|language=en|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184246/https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/watch-famous-face-heads-to-noah-s-ark-zoo-farm-ahead-of-reptile-awareness-week-1-5110540|url-status=dead}}</ref> The tortoise enclosure won an award from BIAZA for enclosure design.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/wraxall-zoo-wins-three-biaza-awards-1-5573407|title=Wraxall zoo wins three BIAZA awards|last=Woodsford|first=Henry|work=North Somerset Times|access-date=2018-11-29|language=en|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129183921/https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/wraxall-zoo-wins-three-biaza-awards-1-5573407|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
==References==
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