If you love animals, what better way to spend a day than watching two of nature’s largest creatures close up?

Visitors to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park can join in a celebration of the park’s elephants and rhinos on Saturday, September 22.

The park, near Hythe, will be making a fuss about some of its largest residents to mark Rhino and Elephant Appreciation Day. A host of activities will be going on around the park, including tours of the elephant and rhino houses, a raffle to win prizes including a keeper for the day experience, colouring in competition, mask making and face painting.

All proceeds raised will go towards Wildlife Alliance – a conservation organisation with close ties to the Aspinall Foundation which runs Port Lympne and its sister park, Howletts, near Canterbury.

Animal director Adrian Harland said: “Elephant and Rhino Appreciation Day is going to be a lot of fun. There’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained, while raising money for a great cause.”

At Howletts, the education team has dedicated an entire month to their pachyderms with the monthly theme – Pachyderm Party. Throughout September, visitors are able to follow trails and discover interesting facts through talks from keepers about the park’s African elephants and black rhino.

Nick Marx, wildlife rescue director for Wildlife Alliance, will be visiting both parks on Saturday and will be talking to visitors about the important work his organisation carries out, including tales of Choukk – an elephant injured by a landmine who now uses a prosthetic limb.

Adrian said: “Nick will be available to talk to visitors at Port Lympne on Saturday morning and Howletts on Saturday afternoon – he has some great tales to tell.” and I understand will even be bringing along one of Choukk’s old prosthetic limbs.’

For information including entry prices, opening times and special events visit www.aspinallfoundation.org