We run these meetings in conjunction with Counterpoint Networking, so please click here for details.

At this meeting at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, hosted in conjunction with Counterpoint Networking in Hythe, we had a talk from Phil Ridges one of the leading experts in gorilla husbandry. His talk was very informative, in fact it was so interesting and compelling that he spoke for long enough to miss his session at the gym! (But this was very much appreciated by all who attended!)

Phil shared his vast knowledge of gorilla husbandry while the very interested local businesspeople who attended fired questions at him! He talked about rearing gorillas from babies, the different ways in which gorillas can live together (including bachelor groups) and how gorillas are reintroduced to the wild. Gorillas have a similar gestation period to humans, although gorilla babies reach maturity much more quickly than we do. We heard about gorilla feeding times and how just like in humans some gorillas love marmite, while others don’t!! Phil’s passion and knowledge on the subject was astounding and we were all so interested we could have listened to him talk all night!

Visit this site regularly as we will have updates on all the animals including the gorillas.

We had a great networking meeting with Counterpoint Networking this week where our networkers got to feed the De Brazza’s and Colobus monkeys. Most people were very surprised to find that they were actually hand feeding the monkeys in their enclosure – some people thought they’d just be throwing food over the fence!

For a full report of the meeting, hope over to the Counterpoint Networking website.

For more details of, and to book for, our next meeting in January 2010, where we will be having a talk about Gorillas, go here.

We had a report from one of our members, Gordon Haining M.N.A.T.
Member of the National Association of Toastmasters after the Hootenannie at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park on Saturday 7th November. Gordon kindly donated his time as a Toastmaster to help at the event. Before the report, here is a little bit of information about the Scottish wildcat and the reason for the hootenanny.

THE SCOTTISH WILDCAT

This wildcat is critically endangered with as few as four hundred Scottish wildcats said to exist in the wild. There are fears that the majority have been hybridised with domestic cats with the likelihood that a species on our own doorstep could die out within the next 10 years. This is mainly due to the loss of habitat, harassment and crossbreeding with the domestic cat. These are the only remaining indigenous large cat since the lynx vanished about 1,500 years ago.

The Hootananny featured live music by BuRsT, a champagne reception, buffet, charity auction, raffle and celebrity guests – all in the elegant surroundings of Port Lympne mansion.

The Aspinall foundation is aiming to raise £20,000 for the construction of a new enclosure at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park for Sid and Skye. Head Small Cat Keeper at Port Lympne, Neville Buck, is the studbook holder for Scottish Wildcats and it is hoped that the new surroundings will provide the ideal conditions for breeding these rare cats for release into their native habitat of the Scottish Highlands. The Aspinall Foundation wouldbe happy to receive help in the form of donations.

Gordon said:

“I attach a photograph taken at the Port Lympne Hootenanny in the evening on Saturday 7th November. This is to prove Neville Buck does wear trousers from time to time.

He had a very successful night, raising approximately £5,500.00 toward the Scottish Wild Cat fund. Considering the weather, about 100 people attended, and at one time, even with the aid of a microphone, we were drowned out by the hail thundering on the roof of the garden room during the auction, conducted by James Emson. All bar one item sold, that being an original bronze of a large cat. I believe it is still available if you can meet the reserve price of £2000.00 !!!!

The band “Burst” played for dancing, while the silent auction continued in the Long Room, and there was also a quiz on the Wild Cat which went on through the evening.

The evening ended at 12 midnight, when we all made a dash for the car park in the pouring rain.

Gordon”

I’m really excited to announce that we now have this website and blog set up; so watch this space for regular updates about the Aspinall Business Club and from the Grumpy Old Men!