FERNVALLEY WILDLIFE CENTRE

Orkney is home to the UK’S most northerly wildlife centre, where a variety of reptiles, amphibians and small mammals are happily residing.

Head keeper Lisa Farrer, who runs the Fernvalley Wildlife Centre, has spent her life working with animals, both in pet care and as a zoo keeper.

“At Fernvalley, we focus on rehoming abandoned and abused exotic rescue animals from centres across the UK,” she explains.

“We also take in surplus or reject zoo groups, which have simply been kicked out of their existing groups or need to be moved.

“We have a wide range of animals, from a ring-tailed lemur which arrived in 2019, meerkats and raccoon dogs to a variety of small mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.”

The centre first opened in August, 2017, and has been steadily increasing in size ever since, with now over 70 individuals under its roof!

Lisa says: “In 2020, we took in seven new rescue animals, including a large boa constrictor, degus, mice and giant snails, as well as 30 surplus exotic mice from a zoo.

“We are open to the visiting public year round, (COVID restrictions permitting) and money raised from entry tickets and donations gets put back into the centre to help rescue more animals every year.

“Talks and meet-and-greet sessions happen every day at the centre, with great opportunities see the animals up close, or simply to learn more about their lives and their often mischievous personalities.”

Fernvalley’s Tearoom is a unique experience in itself — with stunning sea views across to the island of Rousay visible from one window, and a direct view into a ring-tailed lemur enclosure through another!

So you can enjoy watching them play and snuggle, while having lunch and a piece of homemade cake.

Check out Fernvalley’s website or Facebook page for opening times, and details of forthcoing events.

“Come and visit our amazing residents at the centre, and take a walk on the wild side with us at Fernvalley Wildlife Centre and Tearoom,” urges Lisa.