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Whipsnade Zoo

The Zoological Society of London runs ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Set in over 600 acres of parkland, the zoo has over 2,500 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffe in huge outdoor enclosures.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

The 70-acre Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster is the UK’s fastest growing attraction, and is constantly adding new experiences for visitors. For 2014, the first polar bear in England will arrive to live in a 10-acre reserve divided into four sections, featuring landscaped hills, valleys and a main lake with streams, pools and waterfalls.

Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire has over 80 species of wild animal roaming across 300 acres. The park has a long history of species conservation, and was established by the 13th Duke of Bedford in the grounds of Woburn Abbey, opening in 1970.

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park opened in 1983 with six tank buildings aiming to present and educate visitors about local marine conservation. Since then, the park has tripled in size and now houses over 1,000 marine creatures from penguins, seals, otters, sharks and crocodiles.

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

The origins of West Midland Safari & Leisure Park can be traced back to the 18th century and Spring Grove House, which still stands at the attraction, but the estate first opened as the safari park in 1973. The park boasts 1,700 animal encounters along with some great family fun rides and attractions, all set in 200 acres of leafy Worcestershire.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

The National Zoological Society of Wales runs the Welsh Mountain Zoo – the National Zoo of Wales in Conwy, North Wales. Amongst the society’s successful research projects has been an investigation into the possibility of the captive breeding and release of red squirrels as an aid to the species’ survival in the British Isles.

The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

The Penguin Ice Adventure at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham features 12 Gentoo penguins. The birds are classified as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List, and have been bred together at the SEA LIFE Centre Melbourne as part of the Breed, Rescue, Protect programme.

Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Seaview Wildlife Encounter on the Isle of Wight is the only attraction on the island offering one-on-one Penguin and Meerkat Encounters. Found on the north east coast of the island, on the outskirts of the yachting village of Seaview, it is a hidden gem.

Port Lympne Reserve

In Kent, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is popular with visitors, and is run by the Aspinall Foundation along with Howletts Wild Animal Park. John Aspinall purchased Port Lympne in 1973 to support his growing animal collection, with it opening to the public in 1976.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol was developed in 1998 from a dairy farm by Anthony Bush, who was a tenant dairy farmer. Amongst its many animals are white rhinos, giraffe, tigers and African lions, and primates including Siamang gibbons and ring-tailed lemurs.

New Forest Wildlife Park

New Forest Wildlife Park in Hampshire is owned by Carol and Roger Heap, who are dedicated to wildlife conservation. The park is home to many native or adoptive species, including Eurasian, Asian short-clawed and North American river otters and the endangered giant otter.