In 2010, whilst I was still in the UK working out my notice with City College Plymouth and organising the sale of our house, Gatti was contacted by Detlev Gattner who, as it turned out was Gatti’s older half-brother from her father’s previous marriage. A meeting was arranged, and Gatti was introduced to Detlev’s wife Wendy and young son, Sammy.
The first family outing we all went on together was a visit to the Eekholt wildlife park near Großenaspe (Schleswig-Holstein), which is between fifty and sixty kilometres north of Hamburg. The park provides a protected environment for many indigenous species of plants, animals, and insects. Habitats include bogs, wetlands, and both coniferous and deciduous woodland.
The privately owned park provides facilities for children such as an adventure playground, and areas where they can interact with and learn about animals. Children are encouraged to lean about the wildlife in the park and the importance of the natural habitats that support them.
Various special events are organised at the park throughout the year, and information displays and exhibits in strategic locations inform visitors about the roles of different plants, animals and insects in maintaining the ecological balance.
There is also a regional environmental education centre – the Wildlife Park School – that offers guided learning experiences for school and kindergarten groups. And of course you can enjoy a meal in the park restaurant, or book one of several available barbecue sites (but please don’t eat the local wildlife!).