When Wingham Wildlife Park was taken over by Tony Binskin and his wife Jackie, the attraction was on its knees. As they reach their fifth year of tenure, Chris Price looks at how they have turned the park’s fortunes around.

Walking past the newly-built enclosure for the five European wolves which arrived at Wingham Wildlife Park earlier this year, it is hard to think that the attraction had fallen on hard times not so long ago.

“When we took over, the park was very run down and really had a bad name,” said chief executive Tony Binskin, whose job title gives a false impression of his appearance. Tony is not the suited and booted boss but is instead a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up, hiking-boots-wearing kind of guy.

“There was a lack of care and the enclosures were falling down. A lot of customers are happy with what we are doing now. Most people come and find us to say what a wonderful day they have had. It makes you want to do it more.”