Chelsea Pensioner leads tribute at Cotswold Wildlife Park
Chelsea Pensioner leads tribute to fallen animal heroes at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
This week, the Park was honoured to welcome a very special guest – 87-year-old Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer who proudly launched the UK arm of International War Animal Day - a day when animal and service organisations in six countries come together to seek long overdue recognition for the part that animals have played in countless wars and conflicts. For the third year in a row, animals at the Park showed their support with hand-knitted purple poppies – the symbol of remembrance for the tens of millions of animals who lost their lives at war. Army veteran Roy also announced his attempt to cycle 1,000 miles for peace in May.
Over 16 million animals served in the First World War alone. They were used for transport, communication and companionship. Horse and camel-mounted troops were used in the desert campaigns throughout the conflict. Giraffes were also used during wartime to sabotage communications lines by bringing down vital signalling cables routed through the treetops. Horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to soldiers at the Front. Dogs and pigeons carried messages. Canaries and even slugs were used to detect poisonous gas. They didn't volunteer but were taken from their farms, homes and from the streets to fuel the War effort. Few returned.
The octogenarian poet and animal lover was introduced to many of the Park’s residents, including new White Rhino calves Markus and Mo who were both born in the autumn. Roy says he’s proud and honoured to be an ambassador for International War Animal Day, which is a partnership between the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America, and France. He explains; “In war animals can frequently be the forgotten casualties, and yet with their help history tells us battles can often be won. In their name, The War Horse Memorial fundraises for animal sanctuaries, and I’m hoping that my ride will contribute funds and raise awareness of the work they do.”
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens commented: “It was such an honour to welcome Roy to the Park for this year’s launch. As well as meeting our Bactrian Camels, Giraffes, Horses and Donkeys (animals that historically played vital roles in wartime), Roy also adorned the Park’s oldest resident, 90-year-old Giant Tortoise George, with a special purple poppy blanket gardener Mandy knitted to remember all the brave fallen animal heroes. Made of 100 hand-knitted poppies, it fits perfectly over George’s enormous shell. Roy also delighted and rather surprised us all by giving an impromptu talk to visitors at the daily Penguin feed. He shared stories about the role thousands of brave animals played during wartime to a captivated audience. Also a town crier, no microphone was needed for Roy to be heard! Everyone who met Roy on the day left with a huge smile on their face”.
No stranger to a challenge with a recent wing walk (which he found boring) and two 15,000ft parachute jumps under his belt, Chelsea Pensioner Roy acknowledges he will be taking on his biggest yet when he attempts to cycle 1,000 miles for peace on 2nd May 2026 on the very bike he rode into the Park on. He will carry with him a lamp which will be lit at a special ceremony later in the year to signify the Lamp Light of Peace - an initiative to encourage people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds in the UK to hope for a peaceful world free of conflict and war. Roy has chosen May 2nd to set off on the 1,000-mile journey in memory of his wife Muriel who sadly died on that day eight years ago after 54 years and 266 days of marriage.
Roy adds “I love a challenge, and when I heard about this fantastic initiative, I wanted to play my part. My wife always said I was a bit crazy, and some will say mad for even attempting this at my age. But I’m an old soldier and I’ve lived a full life and I feel it’s important we all make a stand for peace to leave our precious world safe and secure for our children and their children.’
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is located half way between Oxford and Cheltenham and is open all year.
Explore Gloucestershire
26 February 2026
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