Wild about Wildcats at the BWC!

The British Wildlife Centre near Lingfield is celebrating a bumper breeding season for the rare Scottish wildcat, thanks to two new males acquired by the Centre earlier this year. Macavity and McTavish have each sired litters of gorgeous wildcat kittens, which are now on display and charming visitors to the Centre.

In spring female wildcat, Iona, gave birth to three kittens. She proved to be a cautious, careful mum and they are thriving. Growing bigger by the day, they are full of energy and so playful; leaping on each other as well as Macavity, their very patient dad! There was more good news at the end of June, when Kendra produced a litter of kittens. Kendra has successfully raised kittens in recent years, so their prospects are very good. Still tiny, these youngsters will start to explore their world within the next week or two. As one of the UK's most critically endangered native mammals, these kittens and future offspring will play a vital role in the efforts to save the last British wildcat species from extinction.

Owner, David Mills said: "Summer is a very special time to visit the Centre when there is an abundance of wonderful new life. Our other baby boomers include red squirrel kits, playful polecat kits, stoat kits and, on our deer park, beautiful red deer calves and fallow deer fawns can now be seen".

The Centre is easily accessible, located on the A22, Newchapel, near Lingfield, and is open every weekend and public holiday from March to the end of October and daily during state school holidays. Summer Holiday opening: Thursday 25 July - Monday 2 September. Opening times: 10 am to 5 pm (last admissions 4 pm).