Get Up Close with Our Animals
Have you ever wanted to get up close with some of your favourite animals? At our zoo, our animal experiences offer a unique chance to step behind the scenes and meet incredible creatures in a way you never have before. Whether you’re feeding the tapir, learning about our capybaras, or watching the curious antics of our binturongs, these experiences are perfect for all animal lovers.
Ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a day out, our interactive experiences give you the chance to connect with wildlife, learn facts from our expert keepers, and make unforgettable memories. Ready to embark on an adventure like no other? Keep reading to find out more!
Meet Nev, our gentle giant
Have you ever met a Brazilian Tapir before? Well now you can! Meet Nev, our friendly gentle giant, who is a serious fan-favourite at our zoo, by visitors and staff. With his distinctive and flexible snout (that you could say makes him look like a mix between a horse and an elephant) and his thick, dark fur, it’s hard to not want to meet him.
We have to admit, Nev was (and still is) one of our favourite animals to do an experience with. There’s nothing quite like stepping into his enclosure alongside one of our wonderful and knowledgeable zookeepers, ready to feed him his favourite snack—leek!
While petting Nev isn’t always guaranteed, simply spending time with him and learning fascinating facts makes the experience truly special. Did you know that tapirs are herbivores? That means the food you’ll be feeding Nev includes leaves, fruits, and branches—just like he would eat in the wild.
If you could ask a zookeeper one question about tapirs, what would it be?
Meet Gary and Sharon, our chill capybaras
Meet Gary and Sharon, our resident capybaras and the ultimate relaxation experts at our zoo! These gentle giants are total fan-favourites, loved for their chilled-out vibe, adorable round faces, and love of lounging by the water.
We’ve only had the chance to do one experience with these amazing capybaras, but let us tell you – it was unforgettable! Dougie, one of our fantastic zookeepers, led the experience, and it was clear just how much trust he shares with these lovable creatures. He was full of knowledge and answered all of our questions with ease—it was seriously impressive!
While petting them isn’t always guaranteed, just hanging out with them and learning fun capybara facts makes the experience truly special. Did you know capybaras are the world’s largest rodents? They’re also semi-aquatic, using their webbed feet to glide through the water with ease.
Meet our Oddballs
Do you want to get to know our quirky crew? You can meet three fascinating animals of your choice, from our playful Genets to our spiky Porcupines, all while our amazing keepers spill the beans on fun facts and happily answer all your burning questions!
We had an absolutely amazing time with the animals! Ben, who guided our experience, was so knowledgeable, and getting up close with the animals was truly unforgettable. One of the highlights was visiting the Twilight Zone to feed the Cus Cus, who was happily munching on carrots—it was such a magical moment that we’ll never forget!
General
You might be wondering—why do we offer animal experiences? Well, there are plenty of great reasons! Not only do they contribute to our animals’ welfare, but they also help support the zoo and allow us to educate the public. Whether it’s learning about different species or discovering the important role zoos play in wildlife conservation, these experiences give visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature while making a real difference.
Here are a few handy tips to help you make the most of your animal experience:
- Book your tickets in advance – Be sure to grab your general admission ticket along with your experience ticket.
- Arrive on time – You won’t want to keep your keeper waiting (and neither will the animals)!
- Know where you’re going – Not sure? No problem! Our friendly staff are always happy to point you in the right direction.
- And most importantly… have fun and enjoy every moment!