Over the years I have been to some collections mostly the bigger ones, due to ill health family bereavement and the pandemic I have not been able to go to any.
My query to the good members on here is which collections should I do before the end of the year as I feel much better these days and must admit do miss my days out around collections.
I would like a few suggestions that are not Chester, London, Cotswold wildlife park or any Bird parks please.
The collection doesn’t have to be full of rare species just a good day out is what I’m looking for
I travel mainly on Saturdays by public transport as it’s the cheapest day for me and I am based in the midlands so getting trains from Birmingham is not a problem.
Much will depend what you are into, I don't know what public transport links are like but these five are ones you could consider.
All Things Wild - Honeybourne - Evesham
- This is quite a nice collection and in time they plan to move to a new site, but they have a few oddities, notably Pardine Genet, Golden Jackal and Beavers, as well as a very enjoyable reptile house, with Egg Eating Snakes. It's not really got any big draw animals, but Zebra and Camel are the biggest species there, but one of the nicest South American paddocks, which is very big for Capybara and Rhea. It's an enjoyable day out though.
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis - Milnthorpe - Cumbria
- Not really a full day visit, but there is a train station at Silverdale which is a short taxi ride from the Zoo, and if you like native wildlife, it's in close proximity to Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve, but for me Lakeland Wildlife Oasis has to be one of the best small zoos around.
Snow Leopard, Scottish Wildcat, Fossa, Snowy Owls, Parma Wallaby's, the original African Aviary with Turaco, Roller, Superb Starling, and Hornbills, as well as a cool invert house, and a nice range of reptiles, with Bats in the tropical house. Perhaps one of my favourite parts is the fact they have Degu, Gundi and Giant Pouched Rat as well. Lovely collection and they offer good value experiences as well, which often can be purchased on the day. Good talks and a lovely cafe as well, For a zoo, no bigger than 3 acre's, I have always thought it was one of the best small zoo days out.
Tropical Birdland - Desford - Leicester
- I know you said no Bird parks, but I would encourage you or anyone to visit this collection. They have a Parrot area, where you can handle and meet a lot of parrots, including many species of Macaws and parrots and you can feed all the birds in the park, except the Flamingo's. Many walkthrough aviaries, loads of free flying birds, and some very active Kea's. Being able to handle Hyacinth Macaws was a highlight when I went, and I have to say the cafe does exceptional food. I think even if you are not a birdy, you would love it. I never used to be a birdy, but now I am fascinated by birds, and after reptiles, I would say birds come a close second for me, and I have learned so much about some amazing species. This bird park is not your typical birdworld or birdland, it's an experience in itself and its very cheap, under £20 for entry and a big bag of fruit, nuts, mealworms and plants to feed the birds with.
Wolds Wildlife Park - Horncastle - Lincoln
- If you like carnivores and big ones, you'll like Wolds. Bears, Lions, Tigers, Hyena's, Puma and Leopard. That before camel, zebra, tapir, capybara, raccoons, Coati, 2 species of camel, lynx and a couple of species of primate not seen in many other zoos, notably bearded saki and pig tailed macaque. It's close enough to visit Woodside/Ark or Lincolnshire Wildlife Park as well on the same day, but Wolds is definitely worth a visit.
Telford Exotic Zoo - Telford Town park
- I am sure given you are from Birmingham, you may have been here, but its a really cool small zoo, although bigger than the old set up, but with active Genets, Palm Civet, two species of Tenrec, Mara, Otters, Lemurs, Armadillos, Some cool reptiles, a cracking farm and some cool species of Mongoose, it's a very enjoyable small zoo, and can be coupled with a visit to Hoo Dinosaur Zoo, which is ten minutes max from it. It's got no big draw animals, but some very enjoyable talks, and some nice oddities in regards of species and a bit of a baby boom at present.
I only went to Beale for the first time in about 7 years the other day, and that has changed big time. Sadly the vast amount of birds seem to have disappeared, but they are growing and building and from the thread it appears there is a twilight zone opening soon. I think Beale is another that is going in the right direction and there is lots going on, so definitely worth a visit.
Hope these give you some ideas of some small zoos out there worth visiting, I chose not to pick the obvious big ones, in hope something from the above appeals.
