The Royal Entomological Society bids a fond farewell to its much-loved giant leafcutter ant model as it begins an exciting new chapter at The Bug Parc, Norfolk.
Looking for something fun and educational to do with the children as we approach the summer holidays?
If you live nearby or are planning a trip to or around Lenwade, Norwich, you’ll spot this local attraction at The Bug Parc from the middle of May 2026!
For many fascinating years, “Anthony” has welcomed visitors, sparked conversations and helped inspire curiosity about the fascinating world of insects. Now, as the Society prepares for its move to its new London headquarters later this year, the time has come for Anthony to embark on an adventure of their own.
The giant leafcutter ant is being rehomed to The Bug Parc, Norfolk, where it will continue delighting visitors and championing insect science in its new permanent home.
Known for its immersive insect experiences and passion for public engagement, The Bug Parc is the perfect place for Anthony to continue inspiring future entomologists and insect enthusiasts.
Image: “Anthony” the Leafcutter Ant standing sentinel at the entrance of Mansion House, St Albans as a RES Mascot from 2017-2026.
Leafcutter ants are among the most remarkable insects on Earth, famous for their complex societies and fungus-farming behaviour.
As a larger-than-life ambassador for entomology, Anthony has helped shine a spotlight on the incredible importance of insects to ecosystems, science and society.
Fun fact:
The staff team based at the RES St Albans HQ affectionately named the worker ant “Anthony” – though this hardworking leafcutter is actually female! She didn’t seem to mind, however, and the name stuck.
“We are delighted that Anthony the ant will have a new home at The Bug Parc, where we hope she will continue to inspire even more people to discover the fascinating world of insects.
Leafcutter ants are among the most remarkable insects on Earth, famous for carrying pieces of leaf many times their own size and for their extraordinary fungus-farming behaviour. The Royal Entomological Society and The Bug Parc share a passion for making insects and insect science feel accessible and understandable to everyone.Anthony has long helped spark curiosity about the important role insects play in science, ecosystems and everyday life, and we are sure this much-loved giant ant will continue to do so in its new home.”
– Simon Ward – CEO, Royal Entomological Society
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Anthony to Norfolk and to The Bug Parc. Our whole mission is about helping children and families discover just how fascinating and important insects really are through fun, hands-on, memorable experiences.
Anthony will be a wonderful addition to the parc and we are incredibly excited for visitors to meet our new insect resident.“
– Martin French – CEO and Founder, The Bug Parc
Anthony will certainly feel right at home at The Bug Parc, which is already home to an extraordinary colony of Atta cephalotes. Spread across three rooms, the impressive colony scales walls and traverses high hanging ropes, offering visitors a remarkable insight into the complex world of leafcutter ants. Starting from just 2,000 individuals, the colony has grown over four years to an estimated two to three million ants – making it one of the Parc’s most fascinating attractions and the perfect new environment for Anthony to continue inspiring curiosity about insect life.
The Society extends its thanks to everyone who has met, photographed and shared memories with Anthony over the years and wishes it all the best in Norfolk – Please do visit and tag us in your social media posts!
This may be the end of an era – but it’s also the beginning of an exciting new journey. Fondest farewells to Anthony Ant – May you make many an adult and child smile in your new home!
Bug Parc Opening Hours
The Bug Parc is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm, and daily during school and bank holidays.
Find The Bug Parc: Nowhere Lane, Lenwade, Norfolk, NR9 5PD. What3Words: multiples.tribes.buggy
Editor’s notes:
PRESS RELEASE
About the Royal Entomological Society
The Royal Entomological Society is devoted to the understanding and development of insect science. Founded in 1833, the Society supports insect research, education and public engagement, helping people better understand just how remarkable and valuable insects are, and enriching the world through insect science.
About The Bug Parc
The Bug Parc is the UK’s largest all-invertebrate zoo and teaching centre, home to hundreds of tropical insects and other invertebrates from around the world. Based in Norfolk, the parc offers immersive, hands-on experiences designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about the fascinating world of bugs and minibeasts.
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