A rude tiger, a snorting goat, an angry peacock and a four-day-old baby penguin all in one visit to Wingham Wildlife Park. Kaynat Choudhury and her brother Eirfath explore.

We stared at the majestic tiger lying on its back in front of us. We’ve never been up so close to a big cat before – we could hear every belch, sniff every smell and watch every movement. The tiger had been rolling on the ground playfully, as if asking for a tummy rub.

It was our first time at Wingham and we didn’t quite know what to expect. My brother, Eirfath, said it would be like a zoo where we would see animals from a distance. He was proved wrong.

The open space of the park, between Canterbury and Sandwich, ran amok with different breeds of fowl, macaws and other tropical birds. They roamed free of all restraints, pecking everywhere and eating out of our hands.

And it wasn’t just the birds, goats, deer, reindeers, wallabies, llamas and a donkey all came rushing up to us to be fed.

Eirfath had decided to feed one of the kids a pellet of food and ended up with the kid snorting it back out into his hand. It seemed neither were too impressed.

The reptile house was packed with snakes, crocodiles, frogs and lizards staring at us from every direction. The tropical house was probably my favourite with a mixture of fish, butterflies, hornbills, turacos and a range of other birds. One of the most interesting residents was Alfie the cockatoo. He only has one leg, the other was supposedly bitten off by one of his parents, and according to the keepers he is one of the biggest show-offs in the park.

We luckily made it in time to see the penguins being fed. Here we learnt about how Humboldt penguins feed, attract each other and reproduce. I never knew penguins could be found in rocky desert areas and can live comfortably enough in highs of 30 degrees C.

There were 12 penguins in total and we were introduced to all the pairs. The couple that caught my eye, Kermit and Jumbs, are both male but have struck up a relationship and are trying, rather unsuccessfully, to breed... Watch this space?

Becky Johnson, head penguin keeper said: “They started nesting last year. They’re actually one of our strongest pairs – they’ve collected the most nesting material.”

We also found out a little secret too. One of the couples had hatched a baby penguin, believed to be the first Humboldt to be born in Kent.

Alongside the penguin enclosure is an adventure playground with the most amazing climbing frame I have ever seen. Eirfath loved it and I left him to it while I sat on a bench, taking in the beautiful setting. A peacock was fanning its feathers nearby, children were laughing and birds were singing a melodious tune.

Andrew Pidduck from Bapchild, near Sittingbourne, was sitting nearby with his wife watching his children on the climbing frame. It was the second time they had been at the park in two weeks.

“I think we all find different things special,” Andrew explained. “Our children like the climbing, I like the penguins, my wife likes the tigers. It’s just somewhere we can relax and the kids don’t get bored. There’s always something they can do. It gives us a break as well.”

Everything seemed perfect. Until I heard my brother scream.

The peacock that had been fanning amorously was chasing my little brother round the playground, although I later found out he had tried to touch one of the feathers.

We made our way round the rest of the park leisurely, staying away from all the peacocks, before we caught up with Anthony Binskin, the managing director of the park.

“We have the most species of animals in Kent in one area,” said Andrew .

“Our animals are set so that you can get nice and close, you get the feeling you’re in there with the animals.”

It’s definitely a hidden gem in Kent with its amazing range of animals, good cafes on location, easy parking and friendly keepers. I’m already planning my next visit – with the whole family this time.

Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury, is open seven days a week all summer from 10am to 6pm. Tickets £11, children £9. Don’t miss out on seeing the penguins dine at 1pm and the tigers being fed at 2.30pm. More details at www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk