Northumberland Zoo is home to nine raccoons, following the passing of its oldest raccoon, Bert, who lived for 13 years. The zoo is recognized for having one of the largest raccoon enclosures in Europe. Unfortunately, raccoon encounters are no longer available due to their classification as an invasive species.

The Beloved Bert: Northumberland Zoo’s Longest-Living Raccoon

Bert was a beloved raccoon who spent the first nine months of his life as a pet before being relocated to Northumberland Zoo in 2010. Known for his friendly disposition, he touched the hearts of countless visitors and staff members over the years. His exceptional longevity, reaching 13 years, is impressive considering that raccoons typically live for about two years in the wild.

Raccoons at Northumberland Zoo: Unique Characteristics and Behaviors

Raccoons are known for their destructive, possessive, and aggressive behavior, but Bert was described as “super, super sweet” by the zoo staff. This highlights the unique nature of the raccoons at Northumberland Zoo, as they may exhibit different traits compared to their wild counterparts.

Raccoon Enclosure at Northumberland Zoo

• One of the largest raccoon enclosures in Europe
• Provides ample space for the nine raccoons to thrive
• Designed to mimic the natural habitat of raccoons

Raccoon Diet and Feeding

• Raccoons at Northumberland Zoo are fed a varied diet
• Their diet includes fruits, vegetables, and specialized raccoon pellets
• The zoo ensures that the raccoons receive a balanced and nutritious diet

Raccoon Behavior Observations

• Raccoons are known to be curious and intelligent animals
• They often display problem-solving skills and can be quite mischievous
• The zoo staff closely monitors the raccoons’ behavior and interactions

Animal Experiences at Northumberland Zoo

Northumberland Zoo offers various animal experiences, including Capybara, Fruit Bat, Beekeeping, Donkey, Meerkat, Owl, and Lemur Encounters, as well as Adult and Children’s Zookeeper Experiences. These experiences provide an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most popular residents.

Capybara Encounter

• Visitors can interact with the zoo’s friendly capybaras
• Learn about the world’s largest rodent and its unique characteristics

Fruit Bat Encounter

• Observe the fascinating fruit bats up close
• Discover their adaptations and the important role they play in ecosystems

Beekeeping Experience

• Gain hands-on experience in the art of beekeeping
• Learn about the importance of bees and their role in pollination

Donkey, Meerkat, Owl, and Lemur Encounters

• Interact with these charismatic animals and learn about their behaviors
• Enjoy the opportunity to observe and potentially feed these unique creatures

Zookeeper Experiences

• Participate in the daily routines and tasks of the zoo’s dedicated keepers
• Gain a deeper understanding of the care and management of the zoo’s animals

Conclusion

While the raccoon encounters are no longer available at Northumberland Zoo, the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and education remains strong. Visitors can still enjoy a wide range of animal experiences and learn about the fascinating world of wildlife. The legacy of Bert, the beloved raccoon, will continue to inspire and captivate visitors for years to come.

References:
– YouTube Video
– BBC News Article
– Northumberland Zoo Website
– Northumberland Gazette Article