Your Five Favourite UK Zoos

[GeeZee]

I think TealovingDave just included the animal areas.

The car park is pretty big but lots of the city zoos have car parks almost as big as the zoo, CWP's overflow car park is a bit nicer as it's all greenfield and you can wander across it to the reindeer and people picnic in it which I am guessing doesn't happen in many zoo car parks.

I’m not so sure, because the wildlife park area of CWP is 48 acres which ranks it considerably smaller than Edinburgh at 82 acres, monkey world at 65, and the safari parks are considerably larger than any of these…

I think Dave is trying to get a bit of a “gotcha” moment but regardless I just personally feel CWP is a bit overrated for a number of reasons although it seems to be liked in this community which is fine too.

 

[Crowthorne]

It's been a long time since I was a regular zoo-goer (pandemic put the ky-bosh on that, and am still not used to being able to do thing again yet; the pandemic seems to have institutionalised me), but here is a list from what I can remember of the zoos I've visited, in no particular order:

London: mostly because it is a special place to me, especially the Clore and Blackburn pavilions and the gorilla family. Have watched it change a lot during regular visits between 2014 and 2019, and really hope to get back sometime to see what the recent developments are like. The zoo that got me into zoo history

Whipsnade: similar to London, a zoo with a lot of memories. Shame it's nigh-on impossible to visit using public transport now.

Paignton: The only zoo I've travelled a long way twice to visit. Lovely and open, but have been following the difficult times it has been having the last few years, hoping it can keep moving forwards.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park: Small, but with a wonderful selection of animals, some quite a surprise for such a little place (Komodo Dragon for example!). Two nocturnal houses are also a big plus

Dudley: have only been once but would really like to get back there sometime to see the new developments. The enclosures around the sides of the castle mound, such as the gibbons and the geladas, left a unique impression, and there is lots of London-eque history with all the Tectons. The Lory house was also wonderful.

Honourable mentions to Howletts (for the gorillas), Tropical Birdland (I like making friends with parrots), Shaldon (small but perfectly formed) and the sorely missed Living Coasts and Bristol.

 

[TNT]

It's been a long time since I was a regular zoo-goer (pandemic put the ky-bosh on that, and am still not used to being able to do thing again yet; the pandemic seems to have institutionalised me), but here is a list from what I can remember of the zoos I've visited, in no particular order:

London: mostly because it is a special place to me, especially the Clore and Blackburn pavilions and the gorilla family. Have watched it change a lot during regular visits between 2014 and 2019, and really hope to get back sometime to see what the recent developments are like. The zoo that got me into zoo history

Whipsnade: similar to London, a zoo with a lot of memories. Shame it's nigh-on impossible to visit using public transport now.

Paignton: The only zoo I've travelled a long way twice to visit. Lovely and open, but have been following the difficult times it has been having the last few years, hoping it can keep moving forwards.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park: Small, but with a wonderful selection of animals, some quite a surprise for such a little place (Komodo Dragon for example!). Two nocturnal houses are also a big plus

Dudley: have only been once but would really like to get back there sometime to see the new developments. The enclosures around the sides of the castle mound, such as the gibbons and the geladas, left a unique impression, and there is lots of London-eque history with all the Tectons. The Lory house was also wonderful.

Honourable mentions to Howletts (for the gorillas), Tropical Birdland (I like making friends with parrots), Shaldon (small but perfectly formed) and the sorely missed Living Coasts and Bristol.

You've touched on a couple of zoos here that I wish I'd given honourable mentions to! Birmingham WCP and Dudley. We really do have a great, though unique, zoo scene here in the UK.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Seems reasonable to me though, the landmass they have means they’d be less excuse for the smaller enclosures - besides the figure you gave , does that not include the large car park- that a lot of city zoos wouldn’t have?

As I explicitly noted in my initial post, I only included the on-foot areas of the zoo and onshow animal exhibits for all of the collections in question; so, for instance, I omitted the onsite parking areas for all five collections, any large undeveloped areas, and so forth.

Moreover, your initial claim was that Cotswold Wildlife Park was "very small" and this is what I contested, yet you seem to have shifted your argument to claiming the exhibits within the zoo are very small even if the zoo itself is not. That said.....

the wildlife park area of CWP is 48 acres which ranks it considerably smaller than Edinburgh at 82 acres, monkey world at 65, and the safari parks are considerably larger than any of these…

...this post suggests you are trying to have it both ways although you are providing a figure which seems to only be mentioned on Wikipedia with no citation, and is entirely unmentioned elsewhere online!

I've redone the area plot for Cotswold using the zoo map to make sure I don't overshoot into non-exhibit areas, and the same for Edinburgh (as the zoo I am most familiar with and therefore best able to plot the area accurately):

I think Dave is trying to get a bit of a “gotcha” moment but regardless I just personally feel CWP is a bit overrated for a number of reasons although it seems to be liked in this community which is fine too.

Not aiming for a "gotcha moment" at all as I noted, feeling CWP is overrated is entirely fine, as are your various other opinions regarding exhibit quality, animal displays and so forth.... but your initial two claims about the size of the zoo and the animal collection being largely comprised of domestic animals were empirically untrue and worthy of refuting, and I find it somewhat offensive that you imply I am deliberately falsifying information and cherry-picking statistics for a "gotcha moment" I do note that you have meticulously avoided addressing anyone's points about the domestic animal claim!

 

[GeeZee]

I still think it’s small for a zoo, both in terms of some of the enclosures and the park itself, and for your map you’ve included the large area to the right of the car park.

I’m not trying to be disagreeable but I don’t personally count that as the size of the zoo itself that’s why the area of the wildlife park is more accurate and that’s what I initially (and still refer to).

A few months ago we had another dispute on another thread about the visitor numbers of which you also claimed my figures were incorrect and unrealiable, yet they came from an organisation that is regularly cited in official and media reports and they got their figures direct from the zoo in question.

The size of CWP has been discussed a few times on this site and other people are using lower figures than the ones your quoting too…

Hopefully I’ll visit the CWP again soon in any case lol, but as I mentioned I still stand by the fact that some of the enclosures were small and some of them dated too, but I’d say the same for a number of zoos these days, for instance - as much as I loved it Bristol Zoo would be a big example.

Again, CWP isn’t bad - just not in my top 5.

 

[Lafone]

I still think it’s small for a zoo, both in terms of some of the enclosures and the park itself, and for your map you’ve included the large area to the right of the car park.

I’m not trying to be disagreeable but I don’t personally count that as the size of the zoo itself that’s why the area of the wildlife park is more accurate and that’s what I initially (and still refer to).

A few months ago we had another dispute on another thread about the visitor numbers of which you also claimed my figures were incorrect and unrealiable, yet they came from an organisation that is regularly cited in official and media reports and they got their figures direct from the zoo in question.

The size of CWP has been discussed a few times on this site and other people are using lower figures than the ones your quoting too…

Hopefully I’ll visit the CWP again soon in any case lol, but as I mentioned I still stand by the fact that some of the enclosures were small and some of them dated too, but I’d say the same for a number of zoos these days, for instance - as much as I loved it Bristol Zoo would be a big example.

Again, CWP isn’t bad - just not in my top 5.

That area to the right of the car park is occupied by reindeer, sheep (not a British breed) and llamas on one side of the road and the group of ostriches on the other. The route accurately traces their fence lines and you can see also their housing in the corner on the map.

You should go across to their paddocks when you next visit - they are spacious and have some lovely trees as well as animals to look at.

It’s an animal area however same as any other. Why wouldn’t it be included?

I get you don’t want to be wrong about it being smaller than somewhere else but you can’t just remove animal enclosures from the space to decide to make it smaller.

As well as knowing the animals are there I’ve also screenshotted the park map which shows those areas below.

https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/plan-your-visit/park-map/

 

[TNT]

I still think it’s small for a zoo, both in terms of some of the enclosures and the park itself, and for your map you’ve included the large area to the right of the car park.

I’m not trying to be disagreeable but I don’t personally count that as the size of the zoo itself that’s why the area of the wildlife park is more accurate and that’s what I initially (and still refer to).

A few months ago we had another dispute on another thread about the visitor numbers of which you also claimed my figures were incorrect and unrealiable, yet they came from an organisation that is regularly cited in official and media reports and they got their figures direct from the zoo in question.

The size of CWP has been discussed a few times on this site and other people are using lower figures than the ones your quoting too…

Hopefully I’ll visit the CWP again soon in any case lol, but as I mentioned I still stand by the fact that some of the enclosures were small and some of them dated too, but I’d say the same for a number of zoos these days, for instance - as much as I loved it Bristol Zoo would be a big example.

Again, CWP isn’t bad - just not in my top 5.

What you are yet to defend is your claim that it's collection is mostly comprised of domestic animals. I would appreciate some clarification.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

and for your map you’ve included the large area to the right of the car park.

Which comprises a pair of large exhibits for (if memory serves me correctly) llamas, ostriches and oryx.

However, in the name of fairness, here is the map omitting these enclosures:



....which is still larger than Edinburgh Zoo. At this stage I believe you are shifting goalposts back-and-forth at will (from claiming the zoo is very small, to claiming you mean the exhibits are very small, to once again claiming the zoo is very small and some exhibits do not count) whenever your claims are disproven (or, as with the domestics claim, ignoring people and making veiled remarks about people being able to use statistics to prove anything) so I think we're best off leaving the discussion here.

A few months ago we had another dispute on another thread about the visitor numbers of which you also claimed my figures were incorrect and unrealiable, yet they came from an organisation that is regularly cited in official and media reports and they got their figures direct from the zoo in question.

I recall that discussion - where I demonstrated that every single piece of visitor information published by the zoo contradicted your claims. I'd tend to argue that given a choice between trusting the information provided within the financial statements and annual reports of the zoological organisation in question, and those provided by an unrelated tourist statistics organisation which do not directly cite their evidence, the former is the more reliable. The applicable term, where historical documents are concerned, is primary evidence vs secondary evidence.

 

[GeeZee]

Which comprises a pair of large exhibits for (if memory serves me correctly) llamas, ostriches and oryx.

However, in the name of fairness, here is the map omitting these enclosures:

View attachment 617744

....which is still larger than Edinburgh Zoo. At this stage I believe you are shifting goalposts back-and-forth at will (from claiming the zoo is very small, to claiming you mean the exhibits are very small, to once again claiming the zoo is very small and some exhibits do not count) whenever your claims are disproven (or, as with the domestics claim, ignoring people and making veiled remarks about people being able to use statistics to prove anything) so I think we're best off leaving the discussion here.



I recall that discussion - where I demonstrated that every single piece of visitor information published by the zoo contradicted your claims. I'd tend to argue that given a choice between trusting the information provided within the financial statements and annual reports of the zoological organisation in question, and those provided by an unrelated tourist statistics organisation which do not directly cite their evidence, the former is the more reliable. The applicable term, where historical documents are concerned, is primary evidence vs secondary evidence.

Thanks Dave I agree, but as for the latter point - I actually contacted them and they get their statistics direct from the zoological organisation in question, the figures you provided me did not include events, I’m just stating this for the record.

Some of these things are matter of opinion, I’ve given some examples of some of the enclosures at CWP I found small, some people here (and elsewhere) agree and some do not and to me , like anything. I did feel that the zoo itself was small and I’m sorry that you feel you have to dispute these.

Both of these points, in my personal opinion are valid, I’m not trying to change any goalposts but I admit I should of been specific in what I was critiquing, I’m not trying to ruffle anyone’s feathers either as were a small community here.

As to the domestic animals point which I know you and TNT want me to elaborate on, I always got the impression they emphasise their goats / donkeys for the kids etc which is what I was getting at and I always felt they were a lot of them, but that was my own perception.

 

[Brum]

No particular order, and probably no surprises here -

Exmoor - probably the best selection of unusual small and furry things in the country, and small furry things are my Kryptonite. Ratel, Fanaloka, Tayra, Yellow-throated Marten,so many cats... Just great!

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park - the zoo I've visited most, my childhood collection, and a place where the keepers know me by name. It's only small but perfectly formed, and some very choice species, and the reptile collection and nocturnal buildings are definitely the highlights but there's still a lot of other stuff to see on a 6.5 acre site. Probably only on here for nostalgic purposes but it's my list so it stays.

Chester - simply the best this country has to offer, a well-rounded collection with most of the big-hitters and loads of unusual stuff as well. Not perfect, and those of us with a cynical eye are watching the new ventures with caution, but at the moment it's still a great day out.

Cotswold Wildlife Park - charming, elegant, and peaceful. Probably my favourite place to spend time, especially on a warm autumn afternoon. The Walled Garden is a zoo within a zoo, Madagascar is propably the best walk-through in the country (sifaka definitely swinging it), the rhino's on the lawn is the most iconic zoo view I can think of, and even the restaurant has Gundis galore! Add in a well rounded collection and it's close to a perfect half day zoo.

Dudley - another one where nostalgia is definitely doing a lot of the heavy lifting, but again, my list, my rules! To be fair the zoo is a place that's far removed from the place I went to as a child, and still strives to improve. It uses a lot of its older exhibits well and embraces its history where it can. Also holds many memories for me so it was always going to squeeze in.

Honourable mentions go to Hamerton, Paignton, Shaldon, Whipsnade, and London.

 

[pipaluk]

I posted my 10 favourite on another thread only a few days ago but already I can't even remember what I listed as 4 and 5 ! Positions 4-8 are fairly interchangeable depending on my most recent experience. I will have to give some thought to my reasons so will post on here later

My current favourite 5 are probably very different to the original thread- I can honestly say I haven't looked back but suspect possibly only one remains from last time.
I am generally more interested in seeing rarely seen species than admiring fancy enclosures, which will become apparent although number 5:contradicts that statement to some extent!

What l also like about the first 3 in my list is that they improve every time I visit, new species being added and usually rarities. Although back on the up a bit , Whipsnade and Marwell have been in decline over the last decade, similarly Edinburgh and Paignton but I can't see many signs of recent improvement there. London zoo will always be a favourite to an extent, but a zoo that once needed the best part of 2 days to see everything properly and can now be seen in 2 hours cannot make any top 10 list be it favourite or best!

So here we go

1 Exmoor
2 Hamerton

Both packed with rarities some unique to the UK and even Europe. I first visited Exmoor in 2019 and have visited every year since (twice last year to see the shoebill even though it is 4-5 hours drive) It's impressive carnivore collection and better setting shades Hamerton and its amazing Australian animals , Grison, spot nosed guenon, Syrian bears etc slightly although as a passholder I visit at least monthly.

3 Yorkshire Wildlife Park - visited annually since 2015 and always improving. Polar bears in excellent exhibits is the big draw for me . All enclosures are good and includes several UK rarities including Roloway monkey, red howler monkey .

4 Chester - undisputedly the best zoo in the UK but it isn't my favourite. It is usually just too packed with visitors and Realm of the Red Ape, one of its flagship exhibits , i will always consider heavily overrated by others on here following an unpleasant experience on a hot bank holiday.

5 Highland Wildlife Park

I always wondered why a zoo with so few species could be so highly rated by others - until my first visit in September 2021. Incredible, natural setting with great exhibits and several rarities including of course the polar bears.

Special mentions to Whipsnade and Colchester, definitely 2 of the best 5 for me and zoos I visit regularly as a fellow and passholder, they just don't excite me like the others on the list do currently. Linton zoo will always be a special place for me too.
Cotswold wildlife park is a favourite but just doesn't have enough to make the top 5.
I could go on and on giving credit to a few more too but will leave it here for now

 

[TeaLovingDave]

My current favourite 5 are probably very different to the original thread- I can honestly say I haven't looked back but suspect possibly only one remains from last time.

Interestingly you were more consistent than you thought, with three zoological collections retained. Moreover, the two collections you demoted this time are the pair you highlighted as worthy of special remark:

Special mentions to Whipsnade and Colchester, definitely 2 of the best 5 for me and zoos I visit regularly as a fellow and passholder, they just don't excite me like the others on the list do currently.

Your new additions were Exmoor and Highland FWIW.

 

[pipaluk]

Interestingly you were more consistent than you thought, with three zoological collections retained. Moreover, the two collections you demoted this time are the pair you highlighted as worthy of special remark:



Your new additions were Exmoor and Highland FWIW.

Thanks, the other thread must not have been as old as I thought! I know there was one where I listed Edinburgh as number 1 but that was based on my visit in 2009 before my return there in 2015.

 

[Alwaysevergreen]

Having read some of these, I can’t believe I forgot to mention Tropical Birdland. I love this place and being able to get up close to the Hyacinth Macaws. It really is a mental health paradise day out!

 

[demonmoth]

ive seen exmoor zoo being listed quite high, i was thinkng of going is it worth a 2.5 hrs drive to it?

 

[Alwaysevergreen]

ive seen exmoor zoo being listed quite high, i was thinkng of going is it worth a 2.5 hrs drive to it?

Yes

 

[pipaluk]

Yes

Definitely!

 

[twilighter]

ive seen exmoor zoo being listed quite high, i was thinkng of going is it worth a 2.5 hrs drive to it?

It deserves 2.5 hrs flight

 

[mrcriss]

See this is why I don’t like rating things because someone’s always going to say something unpleasant and it’s going to knock someone’s nose out of joint, whether that be publicly or privately. You need to remember that although they may not be very vocal, there are industry people on here, and you may be putting down their hard work. Not very nice, is it?

Speaking as an insider, some of the places that people on here hold in high regard are….well let’s say, ‘less than perfect’; and other folk that express negative opinions are even contradicting themselves somewhat hypocritically by raving on their reviews about places that are seriously questionable!

On the matter of Cotswolds seeming to be large/small, it might be worth remembering that Beale Wildlife Park is considerably larger than Colchester! It’s all a matter of perspective.

 

[mrcriss]