An East Anglian zoo specializing in rare and endangered species has taken delivery of a new rare breed, but this time it’s not an exotic animal or an unusual living creature, but an exceptionally rare vehicle.
Hamerton Zoo Park has become one of the first businesses in the country to take delivery of a Volkswagen Amarok, which is currently the UK’s rarest vehicle, rarer even than a Bentley or Ferrari.
Due to worldwide demand only 900 units of the four-wheel drive double-cab Amarok are available to UK customers this year, but currently less than 50 can be seen on the nation’s roads.
Andrew Swales, director of Hamerton Zoo Park, took delivery of the vehicle from Volkswagen Van Centre (Kings Lynn).
He said: “I’ve been looking for a vehicle to fulfill both work and personal requirements and the Amarok is perfect for both.
“We presently operate a fleet of Volkswagen Transporter vans and had looked at other alternatives but nothing came close to the spec, appeal and strong residual value of the Amarok; it’s such a useful and practical vehicle.”
The family run zoo opened in 1990 and features over 600 animals from 100 different species across its 25 acre site. The attraction specialises in rare and endangered animals including the White Bengal Tiger as well as being home to one of the largest breeding coalitions of cheetahs.
Sales manager for Volkswagen Van Centre (Kings Lynn), Kelvin Clarke, said: “The Amarok is an impressive work-tool that offers increased versatility for van operators and enables the Van Centre to enter new markets.
“Its popularity is incredible and it will certainly be a rare vehicle on the road this year.
We’re sure Andrew will enjoy the Amarok and will have many people admiring it.”