The Marlow Coati – an update from Lady McAlpine!

| |

coati1
Photo by Wendy Turnbull

At the weekend, we posted on our Facebook page about a Coati having been spotted in Marlow (click here too view post). The animal is more usually found in Brazilian rainforests, so it was a tad unusual to say the least!

We had some great responses of other sightings, including Wendy Turnbull who spotted it down at Gossmore and sent us these  photos.  Numerous other reports too, including Matthew Judkins and Pablo Camilleri wondering if the beer was to blame for them spotting it as they sat outside the Two Brewers pub!

coati2
Photo by Wendy Turnbull

There was speculation over where it came from, mostly assuming it was from the McAlpine estate near Fawley where they are known to keep some exotic animals. Well, now we have been contacted by Lady McAlpine herself, who explains a bit about the animal – and clarifies why they have such animals on the estate.

 “The Coati that is currently wandering around Marlow is one of our Males who has been chased out by the females.  He is friendly and pretty omomnivorous but LOVES peanuts and fruit and sausages.  BUT they do have very sharp teeth and claws.

If you have him in the garden, do please call Roy Twigger on 07802805893 or the house on 01491 571373 and we will come out with the net we bought for this purpose and bring him back to the “Boys’ club” we have created for boys the girls throw out of the main enclosure.

Just to clarify:  We house animals for which zoos and wildlife parks have no space.  When there are surplus animals (mostly males) all the zoos and wilflife parks in Europe are notified and animals are of course moved around to keep blood lines clear: but if no-one can house them and we didn’t take them they would have to be put down.  They have a tranquil life here, living “wild” with no predators and no human interference other than feeding. When an animal dies here it is usually found to have had the longest life of any of that species that has been recorded.  We also take all the animals that Tiggywinkles can’t release into the wild – hence a large herd of 3-legged deer and wobbly ducks and geese!”

Article author: Paul Merchant

About the author: Founded MyMarlow.co.uk in its original version back in 2000 - yes the internet DID exist back then. Brought up in Marlow, went to school here, now has children at the same schools. Quite clearly loves all things Marlow - hence spending over 2 decades doing this!

Previous article

Coxless Crew visit Marlow

Prince of Wales – Jam Night, gigs, and rugby

Next article