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Chessington Zoo was founded in 1931 in the grounds of a mansion of considerable history, which can be traced back to 1348. The estate was acquired by entrepreneur Reginald Goddard, a Flight Lieutenant from the Great War, who needed a place to house his exotic animal collection. The Zoo at Chessington has developed into an … Read more
Dartmoor Zoo is set within 33 acres of beautiful parkland just 20 mins from Plymouth, with an impressive collection of big cats, bear, wolves, meerkats, tapir and much more. The Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Mee wrote a book about buying the zoo called, We Bought a Zoo, which later became the subject of a major Hollywood … Read more
Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens is part of Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus and was set up as an educational training facility for the college’s Animal Care students, as well as becoming a tourist attraction on weekends and school holidays.
Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Gardens is one of the UK’s newest and most interactive small zoos. Currently set within approximately two acres of Hertfordshire countryside this unique zoo offers visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to get up close to a variety of wild animals. The zoo is home to many animal species including zebras, … Read more
Five Sisters Zoo has over 160 different species of mammal, birds and reptiles. There are daily keeper talks, feeding and handling sessions and a large outdoor play & picnic area, the Five Sisters Zoo is a great day out for everyone all year round!
Banham Zoo is an award winning family attraction and one of the most exciting wildlife attractions in the country with over 2,000 animals from around the world. Throughout the day there are plenty of activities to thrill and entertain families, including daily animal feeding talks and displays, one of the largest ‘Birds of Prey’ displays … Read more
Dudley Zoo is much more than a zoo; hundreds of exotic and endangered animals inhabit an ancient wooded hillside, with a rich geological history, around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle and share a site with the world’s largest single collection of Modernist Tecton structures – and the country’s only vintage chairlift!
Linton Zoo has lots to see including Lion, Tigers, Snow Leopards, Tapir, Zebras, Red Kangaroo, Binturong, Owls, Toucans, Storks, Hornbills, Lemurs, Parrots, Giant Tortoises, Spiders and many others set in 18 acres of spectacular gardens; many featuring aviaries landscaped with rockeries and waterfalls. Linton Zoo also has a play area, keeper talks, animal feeds and … Read more
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is a family-run attraction with a special interest in big cats and Madagascan animals. It was built within the ruins of a Victorian Fort created to guard Sandown’s coast, which means it faces one of the Isle of Wight’s nicest beaches.
Enjoy a day out in North Devon experiencing wildlife from around the world by visiting Exmoor Zoo! From the creepy crawlies of the Amazon to the wobbly wallaby joeys of Australia there are plenty of hands on activities with our animals for you to take part in.
With over 50 different species amounting to more than 250 animals, Folly Farm Zoo in Wales is a whole day out in its own right. Folly Farm is an essential destination for any age group and they have been awarded ‘top paid-for attraction in Wales’ and ‘Best family day out in Wales’ for two years … Read more
As you step inside Colchester Zoo you are transported into a world full of magnificent animals waiting to be discovered. Learn about the animals as you see them up close and why not watch one of many daily displays. You even get the opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride … Read more
Set in more than 80-acres, Twycross Zoo have around 500 animals of almost 150 species to see, including many endangered animals and native species in the Zoo’s Nature Reserve. Twycross Zoo was founded in 1963 and is now renowned as a World Primate Centre and has a wide variety of monkeys and apes including the … Read more
The Berlin Zoological Garden is the oldest and best known zoo in Germany. Opened in 1844 it covers 34 hectares (84 acres) and is located in Berlin’s Tiergarten. With about 1,500 different species and almost 20,500 animals the zoo presents the most comprehensive collection of species in the world.
The eccentric millionaire Herbert Whitley founded Paignton Zoo in Devon in 1923 and today it is one of the UK’s leading zoos, an important conservation charity and a great family day out. Thousands of animals are housed in a range of different global habitats, from desert to rainforest, all set in an 80-acre park.
The zoo near Winchester opened in 1972, with conservation very much at its heart. It is set within the environs of Marwell Hall, which was built in the early 14th century (around 1320) by Walter Woodlock, a relative of the Bishop of Winchester and subsequently owned by the Seymour family.
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.
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.
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.
Living Coasts in Torquay, run by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, is the best in Europe for breeding a number of key species including African penguins, blue spotted stingrays and Inca terns, for which the attraction manages the European studbook.
Edinburgh Zoo is owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which was founded in 1909, with the zoo opening in 1913. Set in 82 acres, over 1,000 rare and endangered animals are looked after here.
Drusillas Park near Alfriston in East Sussex is a family-run business, founded in 1922 when the late Captain Ann bought a derelict farm and 20 acres of land and opened a tea room, named after his first wife, Drusilla, adding attractions and animals to help boost trade.
A much loved part of Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire, Drayton Manor Zoo has over 100 different species of animal. Originally started in 1957 to provide an educational aspect to trips by visiting school children, the zoo now covers 15 acres and is home to endangered species such as a pair of black leopards.
Chester Zoo is one of the top 15 zoos in the world. It was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead after he bought Oakfield Manor and seven acres of land for £3,500. With him, he brought a group of animals from a zoo at Shavington near Crewe – the first animals of Chester Zoo.
First opened nearly 180 years ago, Bristol Zoo Gardens is first and foremost a conservation charity, protecting species both in the UK and across the globe. It allows visitors to learn more about animals in the wild – especially endangered ones.
One of the UK’s flagship attractions, ZSL London Zoo, is run by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Founded in 1826, the society’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.
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