Zooreviewsuk
Well-Known Member
Peak Wildlife Park
Review 14th May 2017
The Uk hosts a number of small wildlife parks you may have not heard of but Peak Wildlife Park which opened in June 2015 on the site of Blackbrook Zoo gives the impression that it could be a park with a big future.
With entry set at £10.95 for adults, £8.95 for Children and Free for under 2yo's, as well as a concessions price of £9.95 the Park has priced itself right for what is a half day experience.
Having only been opened for 2 years, many of the old exhibits (Formerly an attraction with many birds) are still in full view but many remain untouched and a bit overgrown!
The Park itself whilst small can be applauded for having sizable exhibits for it's small range of animals. With three sizable walk through exhibits, a natural nature reserve and entertaining and informative talks which keep visitors entertained.
Peak Wildlife Park is very much a work in progress but it has a nice family feel, good catering facilities, is inviting and clean and has staff who are passionate about their job.
Pricing- 8/10
At only £10.95 an adult (£22 a season pass) Peak Wildlife Park has a low entry fee. On the doorstep of Alton Towers, with a RSPB Reserve within 5 minutes drive and a £2 entry farm park close to hand, this half day attraction can be combined with others to make a full day out. Unlike some small parks who charge for Parking, Peak offer free parking and there is enough space for around 150-200 cars which would comfortably cater for more business as they progress. The park is small but with good talks, and pleasing experiences you feel you get value for money and therefore I am happy to award it an 8.
Staff Interaction- 8/10
Staffing can't be faulted at this place, with talks outside the Pigs enclosure, Penguin Feed Talks, Wallaby Feed Talks (where you can join in) and a guide in the Lemur enclosure at all times happy to show you up close the Lemur's you feel a real passion from the Zookeepers and the talks were very good. The Penguin talk told me much more about all species of Penguin not just the ones on show and was entertaining and well informed, helped by a Keeper who clearly loves his job. Introducing the Zoo intruder Grey Heron as well was also something worth noting.
When in the Rabbit area, it was nice to be able to stroke the rabbit and chat to a young volunteer who was grooming the rabbits and happy to chat about the park as a whole, and give her own time out in being pleasant. I couldn't fault the staff who were happy to chat and done their talks to the highest of standard. I would have scored the staffing higher but I found the cafe staff a tad slow, whilst only one person on the entrance till at 10am made entry into the park slower than it needed to be.
Exhibits - 16/20
With very few exhibits people may question such a high score, but every exhibit has brilliant photo opportunity which scores highly for me and it is the only Park I have been to where I have been able to view Otters and up close. The fact they use sound proof glass and one way viewing glass means the Otters are happy to play around without being spooked by guests and therefore you get a much more exciting view. A large paddock for Sheep and Pigs is also a boost, especially given a good level of grassland. The one maneless Zebra does look slightly lonely but hopefully a mate will arrive soon. I was most impressed by such a great paddock for the Tortoise, and the sand dunes for the Meerkats and what was noticeable is the amount of baby animals which clearly shows the animals are happy to breed in the exhibit's conditions. The Penguin Cove offers the opportunity to view them on land and under water as well as giving them a large free to roam exhibit.
With a large tree area and grassland for Lemurs and Wallaby's everything feels like it is done professionally and to suit the animals needs. A nature reserve full of wetland is perfect for the Deer's and I was fortunate to see an Adder basking in the sun. A Flemish Rabbit area as well opened up a whole new area of the park, as well as a Dik Dik who was in a large netted exhibit for temporary measure. Many of the old smaller exhibits from it being Blackbrook were empty on show, but the design of the new park is very much applauded and offers a lot of scope for expansion.
Catering - 7/10
Albeit relatively pricey it made a change not to have burger and chips or a hotdog. Peak offers Freshly cooked stonebaked Pizza's, freshly made sandwiches, a range of homemade cakes and slices, as well as soup, jacket potatoes, kids lunch boxes and a selection of hot and cold drinks. A nice indoor cafe (slow service) as well as an outdoor eatery the Park offers a decent choice and when I even suggested I was Vegan (I'm not) they had 2 options on the menu for me. Their range of catering has to be applauded.
Range Of Animals - 9/20
It's hard to knock Peak Wildlife Park but it has to lose points on it's range of animals. With basic farm type animals in the shape of Pigs, Goats and Sheep you want to see more from a Wildlife Park, and whilst Meerkats, Mara's, Zebra, Skia Deer, Otters, Penguins, Lemurs, Tortoise and Wallaby add to the collection, these are basic animals found in all zoo's. The introduction of Flemish Rabbits in natural environment adds something different, whilst a Dik Dik on show suggests there is more to come. With Tapir, Ibis, Peacock, Red Panda and Capybara off show, it is likely the range of animals will increase as time progresses with the above expected to have exhibits in the next year. Just adding those animals will increase the amount of animals on show by 50% but there is masses of land to expand into and whilst the score of 9 is based on what is currently on show, this will only go up over time.
Animal Experiences - 14/20
Good honest talks for most of the parks animals is a start and I hope this continues as more exhibits are created. Being able to partake in Wallaby Feeds as well is something the Park can be proud of. However with the potential to feed Lemur's and Pengiun's a bit more could be offered, and whilst the talks are very good, I can't see children standing still and listening without too much involvement for 20 minutes. They are planning to add keeper experiences, and behind the scenes packages which will be good but whilst what they offer is good, there needs to be more involvement to rate higher.
Potential - 10/10
I must admit I leave Peak Wildlife Park excited about it's future. I counted at least 15/20 empty exhibits and saw great potential in what could become from the park, some of the off limits terrain gives the impression they could bring in many forms of Highland Wildlife such as Elk and Brown Bears, whilst forestry areas scream Porcupines, Red Panda and Coati's. Wetland areas which could easily house many types of birds or hooved animals are just the start, as well as grassland areas which could easily home Giraffes and Rhino's in time. The park has raised and lowered graveled areas, perfect to build Reptile enclosures, and an unused building with a heated glass window and Rainforest floor inside gives the impression a tropical house would not be out of the question. There are also a mass of aviaries untouched from the Blackbrook days which could house birds of prey or primates and you just get a feeling with the right vision and support this park over the next 2/3 years could really take off. It's hard not to score it top marks for potential.
Overall - 72/100
When you enter this small quaint park you don't expect it to score so highly but professionally run and superbly set up in its surroundings with much to see from close range and with informative talks, this Park has to score highly. The range of animals on show, might not compete with bigger Zoo's but with much scope for growth and improvement and the high standard of exhibits that it's current range of animal's live in gives the impression this Park will just get better and better. It's affordable, clean, friendly, informative and enjoyable. No you won't see big cats or get up close and feed many exotic animals, but this is a family park which the family will enjoy visiting. As it expands and progresses I'm sure it will gain more fans and I am really excited about the potential this park has.
More impressed with just how accommodating and welcoming the staff are and impressed with the content of keeper talks which go beyond the bland and boring repetitive plugs other parks give you before pushing their conservation fund appeal constantly. You don't get that here, you feel welcome, you are encouraged to learn and know more, and you get to see Wildlife in natural surroundings up close where the animals are happy and breeding rates are high. Nearly every exhibit had young in it, a sign of a good breeding program and happy animals.
Don't come to this park expecting a mass of animals but if you want to enjoy yourself, see animals close up, interact with keepers, get great close up photo opportunities and see a Park that is run correctly and professionally and has the scope to improve and only get better, then Peak Wildlife Park is definitely worth a visit.
Review 14th May 2017
The Uk hosts a number of small wildlife parks you may have not heard of but Peak Wildlife Park which opened in June 2015 on the site of Blackbrook Zoo gives the impression that it could be a park with a big future.
With entry set at £10.95 for adults, £8.95 for Children and Free for under 2yo's, as well as a concessions price of £9.95 the Park has priced itself right for what is a half day experience.
Having only been opened for 2 years, many of the old exhibits (Formerly an attraction with many birds) are still in full view but many remain untouched and a bit overgrown!
The Park itself whilst small can be applauded for having sizable exhibits for it's small range of animals. With three sizable walk through exhibits, a natural nature reserve and entertaining and informative talks which keep visitors entertained.
Peak Wildlife Park is very much a work in progress but it has a nice family feel, good catering facilities, is inviting and clean and has staff who are passionate about their job.
Pricing- 8/10
At only £10.95 an adult (£22 a season pass) Peak Wildlife Park has a low entry fee. On the doorstep of Alton Towers, with a RSPB Reserve within 5 minutes drive and a £2 entry farm park close to hand, this half day attraction can be combined with others to make a full day out. Unlike some small parks who charge for Parking, Peak offer free parking and there is enough space for around 150-200 cars which would comfortably cater for more business as they progress. The park is small but with good talks, and pleasing experiences you feel you get value for money and therefore I am happy to award it an 8.
Staff Interaction- 8/10
Staffing can't be faulted at this place, with talks outside the Pigs enclosure, Penguin Feed Talks, Wallaby Feed Talks (where you can join in) and a guide in the Lemur enclosure at all times happy to show you up close the Lemur's you feel a real passion from the Zookeepers and the talks were very good. The Penguin talk told me much more about all species of Penguin not just the ones on show and was entertaining and well informed, helped by a Keeper who clearly loves his job. Introducing the Zoo intruder Grey Heron as well was also something worth noting.
When in the Rabbit area, it was nice to be able to stroke the rabbit and chat to a young volunteer who was grooming the rabbits and happy to chat about the park as a whole, and give her own time out in being pleasant. I couldn't fault the staff who were happy to chat and done their talks to the highest of standard. I would have scored the staffing higher but I found the cafe staff a tad slow, whilst only one person on the entrance till at 10am made entry into the park slower than it needed to be.
Exhibits - 16/20
With very few exhibits people may question such a high score, but every exhibit has brilliant photo opportunity which scores highly for me and it is the only Park I have been to where I have been able to view Otters and up close. The fact they use sound proof glass and one way viewing glass means the Otters are happy to play around without being spooked by guests and therefore you get a much more exciting view. A large paddock for Sheep and Pigs is also a boost, especially given a good level of grassland. The one maneless Zebra does look slightly lonely but hopefully a mate will arrive soon. I was most impressed by such a great paddock for the Tortoise, and the sand dunes for the Meerkats and what was noticeable is the amount of baby animals which clearly shows the animals are happy to breed in the exhibit's conditions. The Penguin Cove offers the opportunity to view them on land and under water as well as giving them a large free to roam exhibit.
With a large tree area and grassland for Lemurs and Wallaby's everything feels like it is done professionally and to suit the animals needs. A nature reserve full of wetland is perfect for the Deer's and I was fortunate to see an Adder basking in the sun. A Flemish Rabbit area as well opened up a whole new area of the park, as well as a Dik Dik who was in a large netted exhibit for temporary measure. Many of the old smaller exhibits from it being Blackbrook were empty on show, but the design of the new park is very much applauded and offers a lot of scope for expansion.
Catering - 7/10
Albeit relatively pricey it made a change not to have burger and chips or a hotdog. Peak offers Freshly cooked stonebaked Pizza's, freshly made sandwiches, a range of homemade cakes and slices, as well as soup, jacket potatoes, kids lunch boxes and a selection of hot and cold drinks. A nice indoor cafe (slow service) as well as an outdoor eatery the Park offers a decent choice and when I even suggested I was Vegan (I'm not) they had 2 options on the menu for me. Their range of catering has to be applauded.
Range Of Animals - 9/20
It's hard to knock Peak Wildlife Park but it has to lose points on it's range of animals. With basic farm type animals in the shape of Pigs, Goats and Sheep you want to see more from a Wildlife Park, and whilst Meerkats, Mara's, Zebra, Skia Deer, Otters, Penguins, Lemurs, Tortoise and Wallaby add to the collection, these are basic animals found in all zoo's. The introduction of Flemish Rabbits in natural environment adds something different, whilst a Dik Dik on show suggests there is more to come. With Tapir, Ibis, Peacock, Red Panda and Capybara off show, it is likely the range of animals will increase as time progresses with the above expected to have exhibits in the next year. Just adding those animals will increase the amount of animals on show by 50% but there is masses of land to expand into and whilst the score of 9 is based on what is currently on show, this will only go up over time.
Animal Experiences - 14/20
Good honest talks for most of the parks animals is a start and I hope this continues as more exhibits are created. Being able to partake in Wallaby Feeds as well is something the Park can be proud of. However with the potential to feed Lemur's and Pengiun's a bit more could be offered, and whilst the talks are very good, I can't see children standing still and listening without too much involvement for 20 minutes. They are planning to add keeper experiences, and behind the scenes packages which will be good but whilst what they offer is good, there needs to be more involvement to rate higher.
Potential - 10/10
I must admit I leave Peak Wildlife Park excited about it's future. I counted at least 15/20 empty exhibits and saw great potential in what could become from the park, some of the off limits terrain gives the impression they could bring in many forms of Highland Wildlife such as Elk and Brown Bears, whilst forestry areas scream Porcupines, Red Panda and Coati's. Wetland areas which could easily house many types of birds or hooved animals are just the start, as well as grassland areas which could easily home Giraffes and Rhino's in time. The park has raised and lowered graveled areas, perfect to build Reptile enclosures, and an unused building with a heated glass window and Rainforest floor inside gives the impression a tropical house would not be out of the question. There are also a mass of aviaries untouched from the Blackbrook days which could house birds of prey or primates and you just get a feeling with the right vision and support this park over the next 2/3 years could really take off. It's hard not to score it top marks for potential.
Overall - 72/100
When you enter this small quaint park you don't expect it to score so highly but professionally run and superbly set up in its surroundings with much to see from close range and with informative talks, this Park has to score highly. The range of animals on show, might not compete with bigger Zoo's but with much scope for growth and improvement and the high standard of exhibits that it's current range of animal's live in gives the impression this Park will just get better and better. It's affordable, clean, friendly, informative and enjoyable. No you won't see big cats or get up close and feed many exotic animals, but this is a family park which the family will enjoy visiting. As it expands and progresses I'm sure it will gain more fans and I am really excited about the potential this park has.
More impressed with just how accommodating and welcoming the staff are and impressed with the content of keeper talks which go beyond the bland and boring repetitive plugs other parks give you before pushing their conservation fund appeal constantly. You don't get that here, you feel welcome, you are encouraged to learn and know more, and you get to see Wildlife in natural surroundings up close where the animals are happy and breeding rates are high. Nearly every exhibit had young in it, a sign of a good breeding program and happy animals.
Don't come to this park expecting a mass of animals but if you want to enjoy yourself, see animals close up, interact with keepers, get great close up photo opportunities and see a Park that is run correctly and professionally and has the scope to improve and only get better, then Peak Wildlife Park is definitely worth a visit.
other than Meerkat and Ringtailed Lemur, the Asian Short-clawed Otter is probably the most common mammal in UK zoological collections!
with a climate which has killed off rather a lot of species in *both* of the collections which have been at the site!
