The Howletts Wild Animal Trust (THWAT) is a dedicated animal conservation charity based in Kent. Its purpose is to protect endangered wildlife, improve their lives, and where possible, breed such endangered species to ensure their survival. THWAT operates two wildlife parks in Kent, Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury and Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve situated on the coast just outside Hythe. THWAT is one of the most successful breeders of endangered animals in the world. With unrivalled achievements in animal husbandry , the charity to date boasts, amongst others 149 gorilla births, 41 black rhino, 126 clouded leopards, 38 Javan gibbons, 172 Javan langur and 22 African elephants. The Trust’s central aim is to return these endangered animals back to protected areas of the wild.
Howletts Wild Animal Park sits on 100 acres of land and reports a turnover of £3.5m, while Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve sits on 600 acres of land with a turnover of £20m. Port Lympne is also home to 90 units of award winning accommodation, restaurants and wedding and conference facilities. The continued growth of Port Lympne as a luxury destination is core to the ongoing strategy of the trust.
All profits from both parks support the charity’s conservation work, so guests can enjoy their visit knowing they are directly helping to protect vulnerable wildlife and, in turn, enable these species to be sent back to the wild. Since 2003, the Trust has donated scores of animals to The Aspinall Foundation for rewilding to their natural habitats.