An Emotional Farewell to Farmer Palmer’s Deer Experience
Farmer Palmers Announces Changes to Animal Exhibits Due to Gov Restrictions
Farmer Palmers Farm Park, near Poole, Dorset, provides families with hands-on, educational, and memorable experiences through play and animals. After many wonderful years we face heartfelt and difficult challenge regarding our red deer.
Due to the Government’s DEFRA enforcement of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, we can no longer allow public access to our deer, or offer our cherished deer safari experience, unless we transition the entire farm park into a zoo. This is because red deer are classed as a wild animal. Unfortunately, in today’s challenging climate of rising hospitality costs and increasing legislative demands this is not viable for us.
While we wholeheartedly support the intent of the regulations, Dorset Council need to create a more unified approach to attractions and have been unable to help us keep them any longer. We appreciate their help on this matter.
We are making plans to responsibly rehome our red deer, ensuring they continue to receive the best care whilst here. Though this change is difficult, our commitment to animal welfare remains at the heart of everything we do.
Farmer Palmer’s Owners, Sandra Palmer-Snellin and Phillip Palmer, comments: “This is a significant blow to our farm park. The decision to stop the customers viewing the deer has been incredibly difficult for us. We, and the team, are saddened to bid farewell to our red deer, who have been an integral part of our farm park.
The team are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and customers. Whist the deer feeding experience is ending, Farmer Palmers remains committed to inspire and educate about farming and wildlife remains at the heart of everything we do. We will adapt with resilience and determination to innovate and look forward to introducing new experiences, in the year ahead, to compliment our fantastic full day out of hands-on animal encounters, play areas, tractor rides, and educational activities.
To those who have shared in the beauty of our deer experience, thank you. Your laughter, photos and connection with these animals have meant the world to us.
We encourage everyone to visit before the 25th February to say goodbye to a cherished chapter in Farmer Palmer’s history.