New Year, New Zoo? Which zoos are open and where to pre-book your tickets

By
Katrina Rowe
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Following the Government’s latest review of the tier system, here at JBH we’re delighted to discover that zoos all over the UK are reopening and welcoming visitors back once again.

Webcams and virtual tours were the perfect way to ‘bring the zoo to you’ during the summer, but we’re sure you’ll agree that there’s nothing more thrilling than getting face-to-face with a herd of elephants.

Intrigued by Adelaide Zoo animal experiences? Discover the amazing encounters available!

In May 2020, the government pledged £14 million to help zoos survive, but they still need our support so they can continue the fantastic conservation work, whether that’s through pre-booking tickets to your local zoo, donations or adoptions. 

So, with this in mind, the JBH research team have searched high and low to bring you the ultimate guide to visiting the zoo in 2021, which includes: 

  • Links to pre-book tickets
  • How to offer support via donations
  • How to adopt animals
  • All COVID-19 health and safety guidelines
  • Virtual tours and webcams if you can’t visit in person

Please note that you should only visit your local zoo and respect the COVID-19 regulations put in place by each zoo on the list – all information is correct as of 31st December 2020. 

London Zoo

London zoo is one of the capital’s most popular attractions and the world’s oldest scientific zoo. The zoo is home to almost 700 different species and over 20,000 individual animals, making it one of the largest zoos in the UK. Located in Regent’s Park, visitors can explore the grounds and see their favourite animals in all of their glory. 

How to enjoy London Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Chester Zoo

The beloved Chester Zoo has been entertaining and teaching the North West for almost 100 years. In recent years they have seen over 2 million visitors flock to the zoo annually which is not surprising as the 130 acres of land is bursting with tens of thousands of animals and even more plants. 

How to enjoy Chester Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo is the largest zoo in the UK and covers over 600 acres of land on the Chiltern Hills. Home to almost 3,000 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes and a herd of Asian elephants, Whipsnade has the largest collection of wildlife of all the zoos in England. 

Due to the sheer size of the zoo, guests can ride around via a bus or train service, or visitors can drive around in their cars, like on a safari. 

How to enjoy Whipsnade Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Bristol Zoo

This small but mighty zoo has become the beacon of zoological information and entertainment in the South. Currently preparing for the grand opening of the 136 acre new Bristol Zoo, the Bristol Zoo Gardens are still open for visitors to explore and learn. 

How to enjoy Bristol Zoo during COVID-19 Restrictions

Marwell Zoo 

Home to over 250 endangered species and around 1200 animals, Marwell Zoo never fails to disappoint those looking for a roaring day out. As well as the impressive variety of animals to discover, the zoo hosts a plethora of activities so that little zoologists and parents can become wild explorers and learn all about the exotic wildlife at Marwell. 

How to enjoy Marwell Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Edinburgh Zoo  

 

The Scottish capital’s zoo is home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals, including chimpanzees, meerkats and the first giant panda and koalas in the UK. There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor enclosures as well as plenty of interactive attractions, from Wallaby Outback to Budongo Trail and Living Links. 

How to enjoy Edinburgh Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Dudley Zoo 

Dudley Zoo is a unique find, boasting the 11th century Dudley Castle and hundreds of endangered animals who roam the ancient grounds. The zoo also holds the world’s largest collection of Tectons, now accredited as a World Monument. Whether you are visiting the Madagascan lemurs or the castle ruins, Dudley Zoo makes for the perfect day out. 

How to enjoy Dudley Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Twycross Zoo 

The home to the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the western world, Twycross Zoo – The World Primate Centre cares for around 500 animals. The zoo holds many animals that are part of the Conservation Breeding Programme to help bring endangered animals off of the red list and into the public’s heart. 

How to enjoy Twycross Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Howletts Wildlife Park 

 

Howletts Wildlife Park offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the world’s most impressive creatures, from western gorillas to amur tigers and monkeys. Spread across 90 acres of parkland, guests can join animal talks, watch animals being fed and visit the Howletts educational centre. 

How to enjoy Howletts Wildlife Park during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Paignton Zoo

 

80 acres home over 2500 animals at Paignton Zoo, walking through the zoo’s expertly designed habitats will make you feel like you are in the Amazon rainforest or the African savanna, from the safety and comfort of Devon. The zoo has the added excitement of the Jungle Express which completes the immersive experience perfect for the whole family.

How to enjoy Paignton Zoo during COVID-19 Restrictions

Woburn Safari Park 

Take a drive through the Woburn Safari Park and you’ll soon feel like you have been transported from the roads of Bedfordshire to the wild African grasslands. On the Woburn Safari path, you can travel through the Northern Plains, Savannah Grasslands, Kingdom of the Carnivores, Giraffe Junction and the African Forest, where you will discover over 1000 wild animals. 

How to enjoy Woburn Safari Park during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

West Midlands Safari Park

This fun-filled park is an excellent escape for families with many attractions including the safari drive-through, adventure park and Ice Age Attraction. This immersive experience will bring you closer than ever before to your favourite animals. 

How to enjoy West Midlands Safari Park during COVID-19 Restrictions

Knowsley Safari Park 

There’s plenty to explore at Knowsley Safari Park, as this park boasts the longest safari drive in the UK. Stretching over five miles, you’ll discover everything from the breathtaking lion pride and the misbehaving meerkats to European bison, baboons and white rhinos. 

How to enjoy Knowsley Safari Park during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Newquay Zoo 

This Cornwall zoo sits on 13 acres of tropical gardens, whether you are there to see the new baby tapir or watch the lions feast on their dinner the Newquay Zoo is an excellent day out. With over 1000 rare animals you will definitely be able to explore animals you never knew existed. 

How to enjoy Newquay Zoo during COVID-19 Restrictions

South Lakes Zoo 

This 38.07 acre park near Cumbria is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals, ranging from kangaroos to lions and emus. Visitors can watch big cats including tigers and lions hunt for their lunch, interact with roaming monkeys and kangaroos and hand free giraffes, penguins and camels. 

How to enjoy South Lakes Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Blackpool Zoo

Housing around 1500 rare and exotic animals including big cats and mischievous monkeys, Blackpool Zoo is an award-winning attraction perfect for little zoologists. Watching the lion residents hunting for their lunch and enjoying the comical antics of the latest additions to the gorilla family are just some of the exciting things you can expect during your visit. 

How to enjoy Blackpool Zoo during COVID-19 Tier 4 Restrictions

Yorkshire Wildlife Park 

Enjoy a walk on the wild-side with Yorkshire Wildlife park where most animals are endangered or threatened, by visiting the park you will be taking part in the fight against animal extinction. From tigers to polar bears, every step you take will transport you around the globe. 

How to enjoy Yorkshire Wildlife Park during COVID-19 Restrictions

Birdworld 

The UK’s largest bird park, with a sprawling 26 acres full of aviaries in East Hampshire. Although named birdworld, there is also a farm with furry friends from rabbits to reindeers. Over 2000 birds live at Birdworld including two types of penguins that are full of character.

How to enjoy Birdworld during COVID-19 Restrictions

Dartmoor Zoo 

Dartmoor Zoo is one of the top zoos in the UK and a leader in conservation of rare and endangered species. So guests should set aside a full day to visit Dartmoors collection of animals, including slender-tailed meerkat, common marmoset, leopard tortoise, reptiles, birds and amphibians. 

How to enjoy Dartmoor during COVID-19 Restrictions

How to Support Zoos and Wildlife Parks Unable to Open 

Six of the zoo’s on our list are sadly unable to open, and even though we can’t visit them at the moment, we can still support their conservation programmes through their donation pages, linked below.  

Donation links to help support your local zoo 

Support Colchester Zoo here

Support Cotswold Wildlife Park here

Support Banham Zoo here

Support Longleat’s Koala Charity here

Support the Welsh Mountain Zoo here

Support Belfast Zoo here

Contents provided by https://jbh.co.uk/

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