6 wonderful animal experiences in England

Wildlife parks have been evolving and are very different from the traditional zoo that was simply a place exhibiting exotic animals – not always making the welfare of these animals the prime consideration. Nowadays wild animals are kept in enclosures as close as possible to their natural habitats. Visitor viewing has also improved with animal walk-throughs and elevated board walks. The emphasis on breeding and conservation is a priority in these six wildlife parks funded by entrance fees and special experiences including close encounters with a variety of animals.

My personal experience of visiting six wildlife parks this year has changed my view of these attractions all of which offer different experiences to their visitors. But they all ensure visitors of all ages and abilities will enjoy good facilities including eateries, picnic sites plus playgrounds and attractions especially for the children.

Bristol Zoo Project

Sitting on the steps of a small viewing area and watching the wolves prowling through its glass front is a magical moment at the Bristol Zoo Project. A treetop walkway through Bear Wood leads to this viewpoint. Bear Wood replicates a wood in ancient Britain and features information boards along the way describing these woods at different points in time. Bears do live in these woods but they hibernate in the winter however it is possible to see them curled up and asleep on the webcams. The red panda spends most of the time feeding up a tree so easy to spot and a delight to watch. This fluffy little mammal with its white face bears no resemblance to the large black and white panda. They are linked only by name as panda means bamboo eater, a characteristic both animals have in common. Don’t miss the lemur walk throughs – these animals are close enough to touch but, of course, that is not allowed. Children will love the Explorers Basecamp; a multi-level adventure play area.

Bristol Zoo Project, formerly known as Wild Place Project, is a wildlife conservation park in North Bristol run by Bristol Zoological Society and covers 136 Acres.

Chester Zoo

Heart of Africa is a recent addition to Chester Zoo. The focal point of this new area is a Savannah-like grazing area where visitors can enjoy the unusual sight of mixed grazing in a wildlife park. Zebras, giraffes and ostriches all have access to it from their separate enclosures. Luxury lodges are available in The Reserve, adjacent to the Heart of Africa. The giant otters racing across their large pool and chasing each other through the trees that surround it are always entertaining to watch. . The seriously endangered Komodo dragon, a large venomous lizard, is part of an important breeding programme at this zoo in order to conserve this species for future generations. The Madagascar Zone here features several different species of the lemur, native only to the island of Madagascar, but also its only natural predator, the very unusual Fossa. This strange creature resembles an elongated weasel with the head of a cat.

Chester Zoo is located in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, in the North West of England. Covering 128 acres it is one of the largest wildlife parks in the UK

Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens

The beautiful Cotswolds Wildlife Park was created on an old country estate. Animal enclosures are interspersed amongst shrubs and flower beds and inside the old kitchen gardens. The latter includes the otter pool where the Asian short-clawed otters are as curious about us as we are about them and take up a stance resembling a meerkat while they peak over the wall surrounding their pool. Most wildlife parks nowadays offer close encounter experiences with a selection of their animals. Not only does this raise money for wildlife conservations projects both in the UK and abroad but it also offers visitors a rare and memorable experience. Close encounters here include feeding the lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit and meeting the rhinos in the Rhino house. Despite their terrifying appearance rhinos enjoy socialising with humans – at a distance.

Cotswolds Wildlife Park is located in Burford, Oxfordshire and covers an area of 160 acres.

Marwell Zoo

At Marwell Zoo The Keeper’s Kitchen located in the plaza at the entrance is open all day serving breakfast, lunch and early evening drinks. Entrance to this eatery is free but great views across the wildlife park beyond will no doubt encourage patrons to venture inside the park itself. Here they will find a great variety of animals including several members of the big cat family from the magnificent tiger to the elegant serval. Marwell also features a Wallaby walk-through which has been designed as a relaxing area for both visitors and wallabies. Benches scattered around this open area allow visitors to relax while watching these fascinating animals. A tourist train (charges apply) that meanders around the perimeter of this park offers easy access to all visitors and an opportunity to enjoy the sight of a wide variety of animals grazing in the open fields.

Marwell Zoo is located in Hampshire, England between Colden Common and Bishops Waltham, 8 miles from Winchester. It occupies 140 acres of parkland. 

Twycross Zoo

A day out here is perfect for families with young children as it features both an indoor play area, an outdoor play area, a splash area and plenty of spaces to enjoy a picnic. This zoo is run by an award-winning conservation charity. It is the only zoo in the UK that has all four of the great apes, the gorilla, the chimpanzee, the orangutan and the bonobo. Twycross is the only place in the UK where the bonobo can be seen. A successful breeding programme for this endangered species has been established here.  The Lorikeet Landing walkthrough is popular with visitors here as they can hand-feed the colourful rainbow lorikeets that flit amongst the trees in this large enclosure (special bird seed available to purchase). The Gruffalo Discovery Land is a ground-breaking experience that aims to teach children about the importance of protecting the natural world that surrounds us through storytelling. Group sleepovers are also available here (minimum numbers apply).

Twycross Zoo is located on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border in Atherstone and it is approximately 100 acres in size.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park occupies a large expanse of open countryside traversed by accessible wooden boardwalks that wind through various habitats. At Point Lobos where Californian Sea Lions frolic in two naturalistic lakes; Inside  Leopard Heights, home to the critically endangered Amur Leopard, a viewing platform goes up to the same level as the top of the leopard’s climbing frame. Project Polar houses the only polar bears in the UK. Six magnificent males enjoy a habitat that reflects there natural summer home – lakes, caves and grassy areas. These males are part of a breeding programme and are often out on loan. Dinosaurs on the Pangea Trail offer an interesting insight into the animals of ancient times. And a large hotel in a retail and dining complex means visitors can enjoy an incredible short break here.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. It is 150+ acres in size and features several walk-through animal reserves. 

Not only are these six attractions amazing places to visit but they are also increasing awareness of the number of endangered species and supporting projects designed to protect and preserve them. Just one visit to one of these attractions is a contribution to wildlife conservation as well as a memorable day out.