Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks were judged Best Leisure and Tourism Business in Kent by KEiBA officials at a glittering awards ceremony held at Gillingham Football Club on Thursday 28th June.

The KEiBA awards, now in their fourth year, were staged and produced by Kent County Council and The KM Group to celebrate the cream of Kent enterprise. Thirteen businesses and individuals were selected as category winners after a tough judging process whittled down hundreds of entries to just 40 finalists.

Managing Director of Howletts and Port Lympne, Bob O’Connor said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks have been awarded Best Leisure and Tourism Business in Kent by KEiBA, it’s a testament to all of our hard working staff who endeavour to make the parks a wonderful day out for visitors.’

Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury houses some of the most rare and endangered species in the world in 90 acres of beautiful parkland. Highlights include the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and the world’s largest captive group of western lowland gorillas.

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Ashford is a 600 acre park and features The African Experience safari, 100 acres of Kentish Savannah where African wildlife such as giraffe, ostrich, black rhino, wildebeest, zebra and many others roam freely together as if on the plains of Africa. The park also boasts the largest herd of black rhino in Europe and a magnificent 1920’s mansion nestled in 15 acres of landscaped gardens.

Award winners were presented with a specially created glass trophy designed by a renowned Kent artist and KEiBA hope that the awards will boost staff morale and help winning businesses raise their profile in the county.
Kent County Council Cabinet Minister for Regeneration and Economic Development, Mark Dance said: ‘I was delighted to see so many outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs on Thursday night. All of the entrants were of an extremely high standard and Kent has once again shown that it really is the place to do business. I want to send my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s Keiba – in particular to the exceptional and well deserving winners.’

Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are open 364 days a year and offer an exceptional day out for the whole family. For further information regarding opening times, special events, entry fees and the vital conservation work carried out at the parks please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org