SPARSHOLT College’s Animal Management Centre is opening its doors for some festive frolics and fun tomorrow and Sunday, from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

There will be plenty to keep the entire family entertained, with seasonal activities such as Christmas card making, a festive pantomime themed quiz, face painting, nail art and hand massages, plus some shopping opportunities with book sales and plant sales including poinsettias and Christmas wreaths.

The Animal Management Centre, which is home to more than 500 animals from more than 100 species, includes red pandas, meerkats, marmoset monkeys, reptiles, amphibians and many birds, will be open for visitors to view the animals and to meet the donkeys – Paddy, Murphy and Smokey.

There will also be a number of keeper talks for some extra in-depth knowledge on some of the more interesting animals.

Catharine Potter, Animal Management Centre deputy manager, said: “We have some fascinating animals here at Sparsholt and normally it is just our students who get to see them.

“So it’s great to open our doors to the public so they too can enjoy the animals and meet some of the keepers here.

“We are planning to get people into the festive spirit with lots of frolics and fun!”

Tickets will be available on the day. Family tickets (two adults and two children) cost £10, adults £5, children £3 and under-twos free.

No dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Most activities are free, though some may incur a small charge.