Thornton Wildlife Park was first opened in 1997 by Joanna Ferguson and her brother Joshua Ferguson. Joanna and Joshua ran the park (known as Happy Valley Animal Retreat (HVAR)) for 4 years.
Since changing hands with the Thornton family, Thornton Wildlife Park now has no entry fees and is funded by local community donations.
The Thornton family have owned the park for nearly 7 years now and on the 5th of October at 10am, all visitors are welcome to join in the celebrations of our official 7th birthday since opening.