Top 10 Largest Zoos

Zambar

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
Just thought it would be an interesting reference point. Corrections would be welcome of course. Safari Parks not included.

1. Whipsnade & Port Lymnpe - 600 acres
2. Highland Wildlife Park - 259 acres
3. Marwell - 140 acres
4. Chester - 111 acres
5. Howletts - 90 acres
6. Edinburgh - 82 acres
7. Paignton & Africa Alive! - 80 acres
8. Colchester - 60 acres
9. Belfast - 55 acres
10. Twycross - 50 acres


As I say, this list may well not be truly accurate, and discussion would be welcomed. :)
 
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Oddly enough i always think Marwell is pretty small but then as i know it so well it probably seems smaller to me than the normal visitor. Whipsnade ive been to and to walk round the zoo gives you leg ache at the end of the day!, im asuming Port Lymnpe is the same.
 
Can't find the size of Africa Alive! on the net, so would like definite confirmation. And Dudley's 40 acres.
 
Im pretty sure Cotswold is there somewhere in its leaflet it states itself as being as one of the largest 5 zoos in the country.Africa Alive im pretty sure is about 80 acres or so.
Regards
 
The Gardens Cotswold Wildlife Park is settled in is 150 acres or so, but the actual Wildlife Park is only 48 acres.

Thanks for the AA info. :)
 
Thanks for that Marwell Dalek and ive just checked on the web Africa Alive is around 80 Acres in size :)
Whilst we are on the subject how big is Cricket St Thomas?
 
I've been there, certainly seemed large but I can't find the exact size. I'm certain it'll make the top ten though.
 
I went last summer it certainly wasnt as good as i expected.
I didnt think Blackbrrok was as big as 75 acres! Oh well.......
Regards
 
Thanks Nayer i think its the same set up as Cotswold The wildlife Park is only a bit of the estate.
 
Highland wildlife park - 259 acres
The enclosed area of Slimbridge is about 123 acres
 
I knew HWP was very big, but not sure whether to count it as a zoo or safari park. And the WWT centres I don't include as they are mainly wildlife reserves.
 
I knew HWP was very big, but not sure whether to count it as a zoo or safari park. And the WWT centres I don't include as they are mainly wildlife reserves.

I believe you can take your car round Whipsnade too:p
A large part of Slimbridge is a reserve but there is a large captive collection separate from the reserve.
 
Chessington Zoo

Just thought it would be an interesting reference point. Corrections would be welcome of course. Safari Parks not included.

1. Whipsnade & Port Lymnpe - 600 acres
2. Highland Wildlife Park - 259 acres
3. Marwell - 140 acres
4. Chester - 111 acres
5. Howletts - 90 acres
6. Edinburgh - 82 acres
7. Paignton & Africa Alive! - 80 acres
8. Colchester - 60 acres
9. Belfast - 55 acres
10. Twycross - 50 acres

As I say, this list may well not be truly accurate, and discussion would be welcomed. :)


The original Chessington Zoo was 65 acres. Nowhere near that now as it is mostly taken up with the World of Adventures. I wonder what Mr. Goddard would say if he saw Chessington these days.
 
The original Chessington Zoo was 65 acres. Nowhere near that now as it is mostly taken up with the World of Adventures. I wonder what Mr. Goddard would say if he saw Chessington these days.

if he was a true zoo man, he would be furious:mad:, (or thats what i would be)
 
Least the standards are far better nowadays (points to old ape house). I personally don't mind it as both a zoo and theme park.
 
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