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Lincolnshire Wildlife Park gives a roar of approval for the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces covenant signing was followed by a private tour of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park for the party of dignitaries in attendance. The tour was hosted by owner and Chief Executive, Steve Nicholls, who described in fascinating detail the work that goes into giving the animals a good home.

Two blue parrots enjoying the sunshine

Steve first opened the Park in 2003, but since then it has grown beyond recognition to become one of the largest parrot sanctuaries in the UK. It is also home to 10 Bengal tigers, and a host of other animals, from monkeys to reptiles and even reindeer.  All the animals have been re-homed, following either their domestic owners – or in the case of the tigers – various businesses being unable to house them anymore.

One of the 10 Bengal tigers at the Park resting after lunch

Commenting on signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Steve referenced his own family, which includes a good number of service people and Veterans, and that of many of his staff. With Lincolnshire being ‘bomber county’, they have close links to the RAF, but many also have families involved in the other services.

Park offers special discounts to Armed Forces

Steve Nicholls with Toby Dennis, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and Major Mitch Pegg, 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment

The Park offers a discount to Service families, recognising the importance of family time together for those who are often apart.  The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, is also a Patron of the Park, and was present to witness the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Major Mitch Pegg, Officer Commanding of 4 (Lincolnshire) Company, 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, represented the military. Major Pegg said: “We are delighted to be here today to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. It means so much to our Reserves, Veterans and the wider community that organisations such as this are willing to go the extra mile to show their support. We’ve had a wonderful visit today, we have been made to feel part of the team.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to ensure that Armed Forces Veterans, Reservists and military families are not disadvantaged by their service. This can mean flexible HR policies, continuation of services from one posting to the next, or offering a discount to Service families. Each organisation chooses the pledges they feel able to commit to.

An african grey parakeet, one of many re-homed at the Park

Find out more about visiting Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, or if you are wondering how your business can support the Armed Forces community, find out more here about the Armed Force Covenant.