In memory of John Palmer, Founder of Porfell Wildlife Parks

Porfell Wildlife Park and Animal Sanctuary loses one of its co-founders

It is with great sadness that we have to inform everyone that John Palmer passed away on Wednesday 30th April. Since opening Porfell to the public in 1989 John worked tirelessly with Joy to establish a sanctuary for unwanted exotic animals. The best way of celebrating his work is for people to continue visiting Porfell. We will be closed for one day on May 14th, 2014 for the funeral.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage c/o Ugalde & Sons, 16 Castle Street, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 3AU.

There are 9 comments. Add Yours.

Jim and Maggi Newbery — May 7, 2014 @ 2:27 pm

John was a truly inspirational man and we shall greatly miss him. We send our love and best wishes to Joy, Naz and all John’s family

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MIKE PALMER — May 21, 2014 @ 9:04 am

It is with great sadness that I have only just learned of John’s passing. For everyone who knew him, the loss of such a wonderful man will be immensely painful. John was always hard working, dedicated to his animals and a truly decent human being – one of the good guys. My thoughts go out to Joy and the rest of his family. x

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Penny Spreckley — June 7, 2014 @ 9:44 pm

We were so terribly sorry to hear about John. Our guests who stay at Tremaine Green love Porfell and we always promote you. We send our love to Joy and all the family.

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ann — June 17, 2014 @ 8:01 pm

Friends when you first moved to Cornwall, sad

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Karyn Knight — July 20, 2014 @ 11:22 am

Such sad news. We visit Porfell frequently as a family and this gentleman was always visible and available to discuss what was happening at the park. We remember him a few years ago busily building a new enclosure and he didn’t hesitate in stopping to chat with us and inform us of what he was creating and for what animals it would house. Such a lovely guy. We shall continue to visit with fond memories of him. RIP.

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Jamie Chown — August 31, 2014 @ 4:58 pm

So sad to hear about John’s passing. Only found out today when I enquired about him, as we didn’t see him around the park fixing enclosures. He always made our visits memorable – especially seeing the Savannah cats up close and personal last year. I can only imagine how sorely he will be missed by other visitors too. Thoughts go out to Joy and her family too.

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Mia Giudetti — October 4, 2014 @ 9:25 am

So sorry to hear this, I have many fond memories of John and his adventures at Porfell. My thoughts and prayers are with you Joy at this time xxxx

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Janet Pearce — June 18, 2015 @ 9:09 am

So so sad to hear of John’s passing. I worked with him every Monday as a volunteer keeper for a year. He had me howling with all of his tales and was a thoroughly interesting and wonderful man. I will always treasure the time I had at the park, meeting his lovely family and staff.

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