Predator Park was not built overnight. It was shaped by years of dedication, discovery and an unshakable passion for predators. From childhood fascinations to careers in conservation, our journey has always been about learning from nature, allowing others to experience the weight of instinct, the power of silence – the strength of the pack.
Daniel & Dee
Daniel’s journey
From humble beginnings to the present, accumulating in some 40yrs of experience working within the natural world of predators. Daniel has had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most amazing animals and birds, including raptors to reptiles, large Carnivora, big cats and wolves. Daniel studied wildlife management and behaviour, whilst educating and presenting animals to a variety of live audiences of up to 9000 people. In addition Daniel has assisted on numerous TV and radio programmes, shaping his own unique and entertaining and approachable style.
Breaking the Mould
Having previously both managed zoo’s and zoo licenses for others over the years. Daniel along with his wife Dee, decided the time had come to enact real change in the way animals were cared for and presented them with respect and the natural ethology of the animal at the forefront of everything. Daniel and Dee joined forces in their professions, with a clear vision and together they forged a path for the future.
Dee’s journey
Dee’s journey began in Cumbria, surrounded by woodlands and wildlife from an early age. Her connection to animals was instinctive, growing up exploring the land, learning from nature and feeling completely at home in the wild.
Like Daniel, falconry became a defining part of her life. She got her first hawk and quickly became involved in demonstrations, developing her skills at Layton Hall’s Bird of Prey Centre. But for Dee, it was always about more than the display, it was about conservation.
Driven by a desire to protect and educate, she launched conservation programmes, including Peregrine Watch, which brought together 42 volunteers to monitor and protect nesting peregrine falcons.
Her work in the field gained recognition, and she was soon co-opted onto The Hawk Board, where she helped shape the first official falconry qualification in the UK. Her work extended beyond Britain, representing falconry in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Programme, advocating for the protection of birds of prey across 42 countries. She organised and hosted educational exhibits at international conservation festivals, sharing her expertise with the world.
And it was at one of these events, at Englefield Estate in Reading, that Daniel and Dee met.
A shared vision
It started with a simple conversation, Daniel was looking for a hood for his golden eagle. But what followed was a meeting of minds, a shared passion for conservation and a belief that wildlife should be experienced as naturally as possible.
Together, they began taking their birds into wild spaces, free-flying eagles in the mountains and working hawks through woodlands rather than using artificial settings. It was about bringing people into the animals’ world, not forcing animals into ours.
This philosophy extended beyond birds of prey. Both had a deep understanding of predators, not just in the sky but on the ground. Over the years, they have also worked with cheetahs, studying behaviour, raising awareness and used this experience to promote the role of predators in conservation ecology.
Their understanding of predator psychology grew, and with it, their ambition to create something real, more natural that better reflects the animal, their environment, and their way of life.
The birth of Predator Park
In 2009, Predator Experience was born. An opportunity for people could connect with wildlife in a meaningful way. The goal was always to expand, to create a permanent home that truly served the needs of the animals.
But the challenges were real. Bird flu, changing weather patterns, and shifting regulations all had an impact.
Their journey was one of evolution, constantly adapting, always looking for the right conditions to take the next step.
A place where nature leads
Now well into its second decade, Predator Experience has successfully rebranded to Predator Park. As such, it’s now building a dedicated, purpose-built education and conservation resource centre. What began on a small patch of rented land is now a permanent home, shaped by a deep respect for wildlife. A place where ethical goals for both animals and rewilding can start to take shape, far away from the modern world.
Here, animals live on their terms, moving freely, behaving instinctively and being experienced as they were meant to be. It’s a space where people reconnect with the wild as it truly is.
An experience you will never forget
