Your Five Favourite UK Zoos
- Thread starter snowleopard
- Start date
Extremely debatable, but not for this thread.
Not debatable at all, I reckon.
Having visited both during the David Gill years and immediately after he was ousted, and having heard and seen a lot of information relating to subsequent developments, it is nowhere near as bad now as it was a decade ago. The matter of debate, rather, lies in how much improvement and development is still required..... but even if one was to argue a lot remains to be done, it cannot be denied a vast amount has already been done.
GeeZee
Well-Known Member
No doubt I’ll get slaughtered for this but I do think Chester Zoo is somewhat overrated (and very crowded) but each to their own, I’m suprised that so many people here rate the Cotswold wildlife park highly as well, I thought it was very small and it’s mostly domestic animals, plus the staff weren’t that friendly.
Edinburgh Zoo would be my number one, I’m
suprised it’s not been mentioned much here - I’ve always found the staff to be very friendly and helpful, and I love seeing the Pandas and the Giraffes (who have a much nicer and newer enclosure than the giraffes at the CWP) and they also host a large range of public events, including events at the mansion house.
I admit I haven’t actually been to the wild place project yet, but I suspect that is also very good from what I’ve heard and seen and will probably be on my list in the near future but as for my no2 I’d probably say Monkey World, which I’m suprised is also not mentioned here, although I haven’t been since before covid.
3. Id probably say Longleat although I did have a bad experience going on a bank holiday one year, again it’s very busy and I was on the coach for hours.
4. West Midlands safari park, smaller but less busier version of longleat and even though it’s in addition to the ticket price I did like the amusement park too, as a kid it was one of the first “theme parks” I went to.
5. Chester Zoo for its variety and layout.
I still need to visit the Highland wildlife park and Colchester zoo at somepoint also.
Edinburgh Zoo would be my number one, I’m
suprised it’s not been mentioned much here - I’ve always found the staff to be very friendly and helpful, and I love seeing the Pandas and the Giraffes (who have a much nicer and newer enclosure than the giraffes at the CWP) and they also host a large range of public events, including events at the mansion house.
I admit I haven’t actually been to the wild place project yet, but I suspect that is also very good from what I’ve heard and seen and will probably be on my list in the near future but as for my no2 I’d probably say Monkey World, which I’m suprised is also not mentioned here, although I haven’t been since before covid.
3. Id probably say Longleat although I did have a bad experience going on a bank holiday one year, again it’s very busy and I was on the coach for hours.
4. West Midlands safari park, smaller but less busier version of longleat and even though it’s in addition to the ticket price I did like the amusement park too, as a kid it was one of the first “theme parks” I went to.
5. Chester Zoo for its variety and layout.
I still need to visit the Highland wildlife park and Colchester zoo at somepoint also.
Of course! Like a cheetah, well spotted.May I gently point out that the Welsh Mountain Zoo is not "in England".
There's a clue in the name.
I'm not sure we've visited the same Cotswold Wildlife Park...
Per Zootierliste (which, although only as accurate as the updates made by users, is reasonably correct for Cotswold Wildlife Park as far as I can tell).....
Total - 246 taxa (not including invertebrates)
Mammals - 63 taxa
Birds - 106 taxa
Domestic Birds and Mammals - 21 taxa
Reptiles - 39 taxa
Amphibians - 9 taxa
Fish - 8 taxa
As such, less than one-tenth of the taxa held by the collection represent domestic animals.
As for your claim regarding the size of the zoo.... using the area tool on Google maps (and restricting myself to animal exhibit areas rather than the wider estate within which the zoo is located, which would more than double the area) it appears that Cotswold Wildlife Park covers approximately 282,000 m². For comparison, the on-foot portions of your top five come out as follows:
Longleat - 52,000 m²
West Midlands - 62,000 m²
Monkey World - 93,000 m²
Edinburgh Zoo - 200,000 m²
Chester Zoo - 425,000 m² (public footprint, not including undeveloped area owned by the zoo and offshow areas)
So, Cotswold Wildlife Park is actually larger than all-but-one of the zoological collections you cited in your 5 favourites as regards "walkable area"
Alwaysevergreen
Well-Known Member
That is a fair comment, but for me, what I dislike most is now it seems their driving force is to have the public feeding as many animals as possible, certainly a lot more than when it was in the DG era.
Public unsupervised feeding of Kangaroo's which is potentially life ending, especially with young children running around.
Twice a day anything from 25-50 people feeding Giraffes, often leads to Giraffe standing on the fence line when they see a number of people as they think it's feed time.
Jaguars being fed twice a day by 10 people at a time, often sees them congregate in that area as if they are waiting to be fed.
I've nothing against training/healthcare/enrichment public feeds, or limited hand feeding which can help for welfare checks, but providing it is not done every day, and en masse. South Lakes, every time they have a new animal, they have an encounter, they have far too much public to animal interaction, and makes me feel they keep animals for human reasons and not animal reasons.
They keep a Sloth in an old Pygmy Hippo house, with NO arboreal living quarters. In fact he sleeps on the floor by the heater and red light, around a number of Sulcata tortoises. I have personally witnessed, the Anteater and Sloth having disagreements and both swiping for each other, when the Anteater has come into the Sloth's housing area and the Sloth is on the ground, and as a result, the head keeper had to come and move the Anteater outside and not give it access back into that house. But with no heating high up, and no platforms for the sloth, he is forced to sleep in a unnatural area to keep warm! mainly laying around faeces from Tortoises, and approached by the Anteater.
Add to this Rhino's having very little outside access in winter months for a group of this size, and next to no grazing when they are allowed access anyway, and a cramped indoor house for such a group that size, it surprises me that they continue to breed them with such limited space.
Plus hybrid Lemurs on public show (appreciate accidents happen, but they should not be in public view), I think there is a hell of a lot more they should and could do, before it could be sensibly seen as a "improved" place.
The Sloth used to be in the tropical house, with more heating, arboreal platforms, etc. But now he is in an exhibit once designed for Pygmy Hippo, with very little arboreal access and he spends most of his day on the floor in the house, or outside around 3-4ft off the ground in a bush! Oh with people feeding him twice a day.
I personally feel, that South Lakes have too much public involvement with their animals, increasing unneeded stress levels, making them show many unnatural behaviours and for all there have been improvements, ie lovely Red Panda exhibit, reduced numbers in the wildlife safari walk, better housing for its Spectacled Bears, the suitability to all year access for things like the Rhino/Giraffe, and inadequate exhibits for a Sloth really should not be happening in this day and age.
I'm not doubting they have improved many aspects, but they are still doing so much wrong, both for the animals and ethically. Their response is the animals like it, and it's good for the public!
I can't bring myself to visit there anymore. For me it feels like the animals are used for human benefit, which no zoo should be doing. I appreciate many wont feel this way, that is fine, but in my eyes, the sooner the place is closed down for good and the animals move to more suitable collections, the better.
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
kjhkj
On CWP the post above by tea loving Dave highlights the numbers and I was going to ask how often you had visited. I think if you’ve just seen animal corner (which houses all the small number of domestic animals they aren’t in varied locations in the zoo) and the giraffes there might be areas of the zoo you’ve missed seeing.
In my experience people ask for directions quite a lot (while I’m standing around enclosures with the camera) though there is a map as they haven’t seen the walled garden or the wolves or the bird walk etc.
Of course you’re entitled to not like a collection! However I’ve never heard the CWP described as small or domestic focused so it is a bit surprising that’s all. It doesn’t feel massive or inaccessible / too big to go round again but that’s part of the charm.
On CWP the post above by tea loving Dave highlights the numbers and I was going to ask how often you had visited. I think if you’ve just seen animal corner (which houses all the small number of domestic animals they aren’t in varied locations in the zoo) and the giraffes there might be areas of the zoo you’ve missed seeing.
In my experience people ask for directions quite a lot (while I’m standing around enclosures with the camera) though there is a map as they haven’t seen the walled garden or the wolves or the bird walk etc.
Of course you’re entitled to not like a collection! However I’ve never heard the CWP described as small or domestic focused so it is a bit surprising that’s all. It doesn’t feel massive or inaccessible / too big to go round again but that’s part of the charm.
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Just wondering - is it actually the Cotwsold Wildlife Park you're describing here? There is also the Cotswold Farm Park, which is mostly (entirely?) domestic animals and has a pretty similar name.
ZooAtHome
Well-Known Member
100% this^
I have never heard it described in that way, and a good response from Dave with a breakdown of the stats. I think some confusion here maybe.
GeeZee
Well-Known Member
I knew I’d get some backlash, lol - it’s just a matter of opinion to be honest.
It’s the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, I actually live not that far from there and I’ve been going for a number of years, it’s not a bad zoo I just feel that it’s a bit overrated by some people here when compared to other zoos.
I don’t think it matters about how many square km it is, to me it gives the impression of being small (maybe it’s the design) and I do feel that, if anything the fact that it does actually cover a lot of land proves that the enclosures could be bigger. It’s not just me I’ve had a look at some of the reviews on Google and tripadvisor that say the same thing, so maybe it’s not just me.
Sure, the Rhinos & the camels have a large area but i felt the leopard enclosure and some of the other cats was a bit small and as mentioned the giraffe area was not as nice as the one at Edinburgh and a bit dated. Although the penguin enclosure was a lot nicer than the one at Birdland for example, which isn’t too far.
Also the CWP park doesn’t, as far as I know have many events like light shows ,workshops etc that other zoos such as Edinburgh have, I know the events are only a small part but again I don’t think this has been mentioned either but I think some of the events add an extra dimension to any zoo , especially for families etc which is why I think they are important too.
It’s the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, I actually live not that far from there and I’ve been going for a number of years, it’s not a bad zoo I just feel that it’s a bit overrated by some people here when compared to other zoos.
I don’t think it matters about how many square km it is, to me it gives the impression of being small (maybe it’s the design) and I do feel that, if anything the fact that it does actually cover a lot of land proves that the enclosures could be bigger. It’s not just me I’ve had a look at some of the reviews on Google and tripadvisor that say the same thing, so maybe it’s not just me.
Sure, the Rhinos & the camels have a large area but i felt the leopard enclosure and some of the other cats was a bit small and as mentioned the giraffe area was not as nice as the one at Edinburgh and a bit dated. Although the penguin enclosure was a lot nicer than the one at Birdland for example, which isn’t too far.
Also the CWP park doesn’t, as far as I know have many events like light shows ,workshops etc that other zoos such as Edinburgh have, I know the events are only a small part but again I don’t think this has been mentioned either but I think some of the events add an extra dimension to any zoo , especially for families etc which is why I think they are important too.
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Considering they likely have the largest clouded leopard exhibit in the country, this comment is wild; their off show exhibit is probably larger than the enclosure at Thrigby Hall. Their other cat facilities are pretty good (especially the new lion house). Though I would agree that the Pallas' cat exhibits are on the smaller side, they have filled the space very well.
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Lafone
Well-Known Member
CWP has a pretty busy event programme if you look at the site or their facebook page, including guest visits (by Cotswold falconry centre a couple of weeks ago), events in the house and regular workshops on zoo design, exhibits and animal care etc.
It doesn't have light shows or concerts, but as I think those aren't core to zoos it's not a criteria I included when submitting my top 5. I can understand that if those are important to you, CWP wouldn't rate highly.
I'd agree the giraffe area at Edinburgh is pretty good and it should be given it cost c£2m and was updated recently, but the same features are actually present at CWP - similar sized paddock, walkway and in house viewing, good inside capacity. It isn't as shiny though.
The new lion house and expanded lion area are recent developments at CWP. I am a bit surprised you think the clouded leopard enclosure is small; from a lot of the places I've visited it seems larger and higher than many for the species.
I don't really read trip advisor reviews on zoos as I don't think they reflect what I want to see, but taking a look I notice Edinburgh zoo has a rating of 4 vs CWP 4.5 and if I look at the April 2023 2 star review it says it is poor, filthy in terms of enclosure and glass and has no animals in it compared to how it used to be. I don't actually believe that is true at all tbh, but it reflects the general issue with picking out reviews etc to make a point. I don't normally look at them though so might be being harsh on trip advisor use.
It is all opinion and it's valid not liking a collection (there are a few I don't like people have nominated for example) but I was just surprised by small and domestic focused as the conclusion about CWP that's all.
It doesn't have light shows or concerts, but as I think those aren't core to zoos it's not a criteria I included when submitting my top 5. I can understand that if those are important to you, CWP wouldn't rate highly.
I'd agree the giraffe area at Edinburgh is pretty good and it should be given it cost c£2m and was updated recently, but the same features are actually present at CWP - similar sized paddock, walkway and in house viewing, good inside capacity. It isn't as shiny though.
The new lion house and expanded lion area are recent developments at CWP. I am a bit surprised you think the clouded leopard enclosure is small; from a lot of the places I've visited it seems larger and higher than many for the species.
I don't really read trip advisor reviews on zoos as I don't think they reflect what I want to see, but taking a look I notice Edinburgh zoo has a rating of 4 vs CWP 4.5 and if I look at the April 2023 2 star review it says it is poor, filthy in terms of enclosure and glass and has no animals in it compared to how it used to be. I don't actually believe that is true at all tbh, but it reflects the general issue with picking out reviews etc to make a point. I don't normally look at them though so might be being harsh on trip advisor use.
It is all opinion and it's valid not liking a collection (there are a few I don't like people have nominated for example) but I was just surprised by small and domestic focused as the conclusion about CWP that's all.
Oh, matters of opinion (such as your feelings about a relative lack of shows and experiences, and exhibit quality) are entirely fair and justified; however, empirical claims about the composition of the species collection such as the one you made are something entirely different and could not be left uncontested
as for your claims about the size of the zoo, the fact that you have now expanded your argument to "it doesn't matter if it's physically larger than the zoos I cited as good, that just proves it's too small" speaks for itself! One might as well say that the fact Monkey World keeps so many primate species proves they don't keep enough primate species
GeeZee
Well-Known Member
Oh no I agree, you can pick reviews (and for that matter stats) to make a point in any side of the ledger (Edinburgh has more than twice the amount of reviews than CWP on TP for example) I thought I’d mention them because someone was saying they hadn’t heard anyone say that before.
GeeZee
Well-Known Member
Oh, matters of opinion (such as your feelings about a relative lack of shows and experiences, and exhibit quality) are entirely fair and justified; however, empirical claims about the composition of the species collection such as the one you made are something entirely different and could not be left uncontested
One might as well say that the fact Monkey World keeps so many primate species proves they don't keep enough primate species
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?
I still don't get the comment about CWP being domestic focused? They have a farm corner... That's basically it. 
As for the enclosures being too small, I tend to disagree, I think the majority of the enclosures are pretty good size wise. The only one I can think off the top of my head that might be a little small is the one for siamangs? It's been a bit though and I can't remember it's exact size.
In fact, when I've been to CWP with family they always comment on how big and spacious the enclosures are.
As for the enclosures being too small, I tend to disagree, I think the majority of the enclosures are pretty good size wise. The only one I can think off the top of my head that might be a little small is the one for siamangs? It's been a bit though and I can't remember it's exact size.
In fact, when I've been to CWP with family they always comment on how big and spacious the enclosures are.
Alwaysevergreen
Well-Known Member
For me, one of the concepts I find not mentioned above which I like about the CWP is the gardens, and the planting throughout the site. I like how certain plants have signs as well, mainly in the walled garden.
I feel a lot of CWP's exhibits are incredible well planted and give an naturalistic feel to the exhibit.
I often feel that CWP, as well as Paignton and Marwell, are streets ahead of many zoos (with exception of the now closed Bristol Zoo) which focus not just on animals but the importance of plants as well.
Places like Yorkshire and it's large exhibits are nice and all that, but it's a lot of grass exhibits, without much in the way of foliage. I sometimes find myself appreciating the gardens at CWP, more than some of the animals and the Walled Garden section of the zoo, I must admit is one of my favourite parts.
I guess to some, it may not have the draw of all the big named animals, but it still has Rhino, Giraffe & Lion and I like Little Africa as a nice side draw to the larger carnivore areas. I would also say of all the zoos which still have an old fashioned reptile house, it has by far the nicest collection, and I like that the play areas are away from the animals in some regards.
I personally enjoy a trip to CWP, and never felt they are lacking in exotic animals. Admittedly I would like to see more smaller mammals and unique species, but I personally feel it is a well complemented park, with beautiful scenery to boot.
I feel a lot of CWP's exhibits are incredible well planted and give an naturalistic feel to the exhibit.
I often feel that CWP, as well as Paignton and Marwell, are streets ahead of many zoos (with exception of the now closed Bristol Zoo) which focus not just on animals but the importance of plants as well.
Places like Yorkshire and it's large exhibits are nice and all that, but it's a lot of grass exhibits, without much in the way of foliage. I sometimes find myself appreciating the gardens at CWP, more than some of the animals and the Walled Garden section of the zoo, I must admit is one of my favourite parts.
I guess to some, it may not have the draw of all the big named animals, but it still has Rhino, Giraffe & Lion and I like Little Africa as a nice side draw to the larger carnivore areas. I would also say of all the zoos which still have an old fashioned reptile house, it has by far the nicest collection, and I like that the play areas are away from the animals in some regards.
I personally enjoy a trip to CWP, and never felt they are lacking in exotic animals. Admittedly I would like to see more smaller mammals and unique species, but I personally feel it is a well complemented park, with beautiful scenery to boot.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
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.