Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

15/08/2025

Happy International Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin!

With their fluffy white “mohawks” and curious nature, cotton-top tamarins might look like tiny rock stars of the rainforest, but these little primates are critically endangered, with fewer than 7,500 left in the wild.

Found only in the forests of northern Colombia, they play a vital role in keeping their ecosystem healthy, yet their homes are disappearing fast due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.

At Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, our cotton-top tamarins aren’t just adorable, they’re ambassadors for their wild cousins. By learning about them here, you’re helping us support global conservation efforts, including important work from our friends at Proyecto Tití, who are protecting tamarin habitats, working with local communities, and inspiring the next generation to care for these rainforest treasures.

Check out this link:

https://f.mtr.cool/syefngwokm

💡 Did you know? Cotton-top tamarins weigh less than a packet of biscuits, yet they can leap over 4 metres in a single bound!

14/08/2025

Presentations Held Throughout the Day, Including Our California Sea Lions!

Join us at 1:30pm for an unforgettable California Sea Lion Presentation!

Watch as our playful and intelligent sea lions leap, splash, and show off their natural behaviours, all while our keepers share fascinating facts about these incredible marine mammals. You’ll discover how they’re cared for here at the park, the challenges they face in the wild, and what makes each one of our residents so unique.

top tip for families: Grab a seat early for the best view, you’ll want your camera ready for those mid-air jumps!

Included with your park entry, no extra booking needed.

Book now! https://cmwdp.co.uk/book-your-visit/

13/08/2025

Today, we’re celebrating International Wolf Day and our Hudson Bay wolves are having a splash-tastic time 💦

In the video, you can see the pack enjoying some hosepipe enrichment. They may have a reputation as fierce predators, but they also love to play and it’s this play that builds strong social bonds within their pack.

Did you know? Enrichment activities like this help stimulate our animals mentally and physically, which is essential for their wellbeing. Whether it’s scent trails, frozen treats, or a refreshing hosepipe splash, every experience is designed to mimic their natural behaviours and encourage curiosity!

Join us at 11:30am today for our Wolf Presentation!

12/08/2025

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

One of our dinosaurs staged a daring “great escape” yesterday, briefly leaving the Dinosaur Domain for a cheeky stroll.

Our keeper team quickly rounded up the mischievous culprit near Ilfracombe harbour and no harm was done, except to a few unsuspecting shrubs. We suspect he fancied a swim, as the weather has been so lovely!

He’s now safely back home, plotting his next adventure… from behind the fence. 😉

11/08/2025

Behind-the-Scenes: Baboon Feeding!

Say good morning to one of our clever Hamadryas baboons enjoying a very crunchy treat; raw butternut squash!

Did you know? Butternut squash is not only packed with vitamins, it’s also fantastic enrichment. Its tough texture encourages natural foraging behaviours and keeps their jaws strong and healthy. It’s one of many ways we keep our primates mentally stimulated and physically active.

In the second clip, you’ll spot him carefully picking up nuts and seeds scattered on the floor, showcasing just how observant they are. Every piece of enrichment we use is designed to encourage natural instincts like searching, sorting, and even problem-solving.

Want to learn more about our primates? Catch our daily Hamadryas Baboon Presentation at 2:00pm!

10/08/2025

Match the Animal to Its Superpower!

Let’s see who knows their park residents best!

A. Sea Lion
B. Velociraptor
C. Bengal Eagle Owl
D. Pygmy Goat

1. Uses magnetic fields to navigate
2. Balances on cliff edges like a ninja
3. Hunted in coordinated packs
4. Can hold its breath for up to 10 minutes

Post your match-ups below in the comments (e.g. A4, B3…)

Correct entries, liking and sharing this post = prize draw for a free family ticket!

The winner will be announced on the 17th August.

07/08/2025

Sniff, sniff… crunch! Did you know lemurs use their nose to choose their food, just like we might give fruit a sniff to check it’s ripe?

Ring-tailed lemurs are prosimians, which means they’re part of the primate family-but they branched off earlier than monkeys and apes. Their dog-like muzzles give them an excellent sense of smell, which is vital for survival in the wild.

In the wilds of Madagascar, where these fascinating creatures come from, their sense of smell helps them locate tasty leaves, fruits, and flowers. At the park, you’ll often spot them having a good sniff before munching-t’s all part of their natural behaviour!

📍You can meet our ring-tailed lemurs during our 11:00 daily presentation in the Primate Area. Come see their stripy tails and curious habits up close!

🐾Protect. Educate. Inspire.

06/08/2025

🦕BREAKING: NEW DINOSAURS HAVE MOVED IN! 🦖
(And no, we haven’t told the meerkats yet…)

Something big, scaly, and slightly dramatic has stomped into Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park and it’s causing quite the roar-cus.

You might spot a sneaky Velociraptor, a tail-swinging Ankylosaurus, a roaring Triceratops, a loud Dilophosaurus… and more! (We’d tell you all their names, but they keep moving around when we’re not looking.)

Perfect for dino selfies.
Great for dino facts.
100% guaranteed to spark imaginations.

So grab your little explorers, dust off your adventure hats, and book your tickets now, for a prehistoric encounter you’ll never forget!

https://cmwdp.co.uk/book-your-visit/

🦖 Your Adventure Awaits.

Park

04/08/2025

Planning a Visit? Don’t Miss These Free Daily Presentations!

11:00 – Ring-Tailed Lemurs
11:30 – Hudson Bay Wolves
12:00 – Meerkats
1:30 – California Sea Lions
2:00 – Hamadryas Baboons
2:30 – Amur Leopards
3:30 – Meerkats again!

Book online to plan your route and arrive in time to catch your favourites 👉 https://cmwdp.co.uk/book-your-visit/

03/08/2025

Did You Know? Meerkats Have Built-In “Sunglasses”!

Meerkats don’t need to squint in the blazing African sun thanks to a special second eyelid called a nictitating membrane! This clever adaptation acts like a natural visor, protecting their eyes from dust and bright sunlight while they scan the horizon for predators.

At Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, our meerkats are always on the lookout, whether it’s for lunchtime snacks or a curious crow overhead! Swing by their habitat and you’ll often catch them perched like tiny sentinels, taking turns as lookout in their ever-watchful mob.

Come learn more about these brilliant little mammals at our daily Meerkat Presentations (12:00pm and 3:30pm). Their teamwork, communication, and quirky behaviours never fail to impress.

01/08/2025

NEW DINOS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE PARK!

Thank you to The Va**ng Trucker, who shared us on Tiktok and we're happy you enjoyed your breakfast 🤣

Why not come and see our new dinosaurs for yourselves, we promise they don't bite 😉

102 likes, 17 comments. “Something very different today. Great site and lovely people. Will be coming back with the kids to have a good day out.”