Paradise Wildlife Park

4.6/5 based on 7563 reviews
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Great little zoo. Best for kids and younger families.
google.com
Source: google.com
We went with 4 kids, ranging from 2yrs to 10yrs, and each one was excited by it. There were miniature activities for the elder children, with a walkway above the pathway with great visibility of the lion enclosure.

The bird shows were a great attraction too.

Enough for a half day out...with a picnic afterwards. There is also a kids swimming pool, which is worth it too on a sunny day, so make sure you take their costumes and towels. This just adds to the days activities.

Also, try to book tickets online, as it saves on the queue time which was long when we were there. Thankfully we thought ahead!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very disappointed took my grandchildren who were really excited at the bird show that was advertised for 1 30 but never materialised
Quite small and cramped and quite expensive for what it was
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pretty well maintained, plenty for kids to do (though a lot of equipment and rides aimed mainly at under 8s rather than older ones).

As others have commented, animal enclosures feel a bit on the small side, though well within legal limits I'm sure. I'm not really a fan of keeping animals like big cats and zebra in such surroundings and didn't enjoy the cheetah just pacing endlessly in circles round the enclosure, but they are not the only zoo to do this. Animals seem well cared for.

Staff pleasant and helpful. It's a decent day out and just about worth the money (got 20% off booking online), but probably wouldn't do it again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wonderful wife decided to treat me to shadow a big cat keeper for the day for the day, and it was I have to say, brilliant.

Before the park opened to the public we were greeted with teas, coffees, biscuits etc, then offered a walk around before we met our keeper for the day. Ross was a friendly, welcoming, wealth of knowledge on the big cats having worked with them for 7 years. He took us around all of the enclosures, introduced us to the animals, and we started to get up close and more personal.

Having been to a lot of other zoological parks in my life, and vowing never to return, I can honestly say that when the surprise was dropped on me the day before, I was very trepidatious. Those who remember the poor black Jaguar/ Leopard at Marwell will understand this feeling. I vowed never to return... however, with a hopeful outlook we hit the road to PWP.

As we wandered round and Ross explained to us that PWP donates a lot (almost all) of their profits to conservation, and they also have a sister site in Kent called the Wildlife Heritage Foundation (please check them out), that focuses more on conservation and breeding programmes. We were able to witness the training and feeding of the white tiger, we even got to hand feed, and touch him throughout the experience. My other half fed the white lions, and even got a lick from Moto. We got involved in a little bit of cleaning of the Snow Leopard enclosure, got to put some enrichments in their enclosure, and generally got a much better, deeper view of how PWP operates, some of the ideas they have for the future, and how the staff interact with the animals.

It’s certainly clear the staff care deeply about the animals, they want the very best for them, however, like most things in life, a lot of improvements cost a lot of money. If the staff, and PWP suddenly won the euro millions, I'm sure the entire amount would be spent on the park to ensure the animals continuing happiness. The staff are the biggest asset, and I think Ross will go far.

Having said all of that, the park is not perfect, but it is doing the best job it can. If I can recommended anything it would be to publicise more the work they do at WHF, tell the background stories of the animals such as Sheena. A leopard rescued from a private collector who had her in an enclosure far too small for 11 years of her life. The enclosures themselves are not acres, there just isn’t the space. But what the cats do have is a pretty good sized place to run, jump, climb, and do the things that cats want to do. Billy the Oceleot, and Sheena both have huge enclosures, multi level, semi junglefied, where they can hide if it all becomes too much. The lions have a nice big run, as do the tigers. In short the cats are definitely not mistreated, nor when I saw were they pacing up and down (expect for feeding time, which you have to expect), and they are very healthy, cared for, and they are happy as they can be. If anyone saw me feeding Balkeil (cant remember how to spell his name) the white tiger, and how he was rolling around afterwards, snuffling Ross' fingers, and generally looking very pleased with himself, they would realise just how well the cats are doing.

If anyone visiting the park has any concerns, please just stop, and talk to the keepers, they were all friendly, and I can pretty much guarantee that they will take the time out of their busy day to discuss, and probably address any concerns.

Thank you to all at PWP, you've changed my mind about zoological parks.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Took my grandchildren on last min if looking what to do just wish I'd found it sooner , my granddaughter has visual impairment and the animals with her camera were closer than most places we have been so one happy girl
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I can not fault the playground, entertainment and other various attractions but I'm afraid to say the animal aspect of the park lets it down.

I wasn't going to leave a review but I feel I must if only for the sake of the poor animals. I'm no expert or tree hugger but I couldn't help but feel the animals are in cages that are far too small.

Some animals especially the big cats seemed on the edge of insanity - pacing up and down in very small enclosures. Children learing through the windows at them constantly.

When I visit other zoos like whipsnade I feel like they are part of a bigger picture - conservation and animal welfare - although here I had a sense of guilt that I had just paid (a lot!!) to come and see animals in some kind of freak show.

These beautiful creatures deserve better.

Other than that we had a nice day at the park and paid extra for the little rides etc. glad the bouncy castle was free but felt it should be manned for health and safety reasons.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A big thankyou for a lovely day , My great nieces and great nephew really enjoyed it ages 7yrs 5yrs 3yrs , loved the play area , But some bigger kids were running and pushing the younger kids , need more of a age limit or at least height ,
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Took our little boy for his 2nd birthday and he loved it. First time hes been to this type of place and from beginning to end the things for him to do was endless. Adventure play areas soft play areas farm and the animals brilliant day out and good value for money me and his dad had a good day too would definitely visit again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As the title suggests this is my third visit to the Park and I noted the improvemnts and changes since my last visit (3 years ago). The only drawback to an otherwise lovely day was 1) the noise of the music blaring out from the speakers by the stage. We could not even talk to each other and 2) by far the worst was the Hygiene not coplied with by the attendant in Sams Kiosk. We had 2 cheese and onion rolls and the attendent picked up the cheese with his fingers! Disgusting. This Park could be closed down because of the poor catering standards if the owners are not careful
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We enjoyed seeing all of the rare animals, especially the snow leopard.
A good day out, lots to do.
Cost of entry a bit expensive had there been more than the one adult and one child it would have been out of our price bracket.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm glad we made a visit but having thought about it I am left feeling that keeping what should be wild animals in tiny enclosures is not right. I think quality of life now means these animals should be free, and if that means we loose them then for the sake of the animal that's what I'd prefer. Keeping big cats, primates and zebra, to name but a few, in enclosures of the size we saw is wrong.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow what a brilliant day. I bought my partner and myself a Tiger Feeding Experience for his birthday.
The Wildlife Park is superb, very clean and lots of keepers around working hard looking after their animals.
We fed tigers meat at 3pm by hand which was awesome, our keeper was lovely and very informative about your safety and the tigers.
We would definitely go to the park again and are now saving to go to their sister park in Kent, this is by appointment only for experiences, not open to the public.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place with a nice selection of animals on display. Would be great to visit if you have kids. Easily spend a whole day here.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I helped facilitate a group of 30 young people attend the park as part of an organised event.

The park seems to have grown from strength to strength in relation to the animals available to enjoy and the information and education promoting the welfare and preservation of the animals.

It rained quite heavily during our visit and my only gripe was the female more mature member of staff who works in the indoor soft play area. She had an unfriendly, unhelpful approach to any questions, shouted at some of the children in a way that I didn't feel was appropriate for a children's service and looked scary!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Me and my husband took our four children, 15yrs, 8yrs and 6yr old twins. They all had a great time in both the play areas and seeing the animals. There was plenty to see and lots of places to eat your own picnic or buy food. We used Tesco vouchers which is also handy as it would've cost us £102!! There was a stage with entertainers on but we did'nt watch them so I can't really comment but it looked ok. The younger children enjoyed the little pool. We did visit 2 years ago and they have updated things.I would definatley visit again. There was lots of access for wheelchairs and a small playground called"a special place" which I thought was a nice touch.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of the few zoo's to offer attraction of seeing a few rare animals...snow leopard/white tiger..so that was a treat however..the day was spoilt with some unforgivable areas that need sorting out 1. The food was both diabolical and expensive..we were given a dried up slab of meat in a dry bun no garnish... It looked and tasted like a dead animal left in the desert dead for 2weeks... Even with a drink it was a job to swallow it..and was about £12 with chips and drink. The canteen staff consisted of underage youngsters who unsupervised were just enjoying chatting and joking with each other... You cant blame them at that age..but i can pass blame to the zoo..they were ill trained and unsupervised and it reflected in the food offered. I did highlight on email to broxbourne/paradise..they didnt even have the courtesy to respond...many reviews knock the food yet no improvements put in place to address-take it or leave it attitude. The staff working..we found a couple good ones but also saw young staff in pens...chatting on their mobile phones..again..unsupervised doing what they want... This was disconcerting to see-an accident waiting to happen for one of them no doubt! .. There didnt seem to be anyone around staff wise and visitors were allowing their children to run and climb where they shouldnt and tease the animals... Notices shd be up and checks to address such behaviour. Everyone allowed to do as they please..the place had a feeling of unorganised chaos to it. Some animals were showing signs of frustration... In other zoo's -Colchester for example they put enough toys to occupy them and build surroundings akin to the outside for the animals to feel comfortable in... Paradise Wild Park looked careless in comparison. On the plus side - the park overall was nice.. And there was a chance to see rarer animals...and there was a bus service to and from station which other locations lack...but it was severely let down by its carelessness and inability to address issues mentioned above which are shown in many reviews of the park...as i've pointed out even emails are ignored... Paradise Wild Park have a lot going for them if they could only be bothered addressing their very easily solvable issues.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Definitely have to bring a camera if you go, as even though the park sells items such as sunglasses and zip pulls, they don't have any sort of camera. If you bring one, you'd be able to capture and save momentous animals as Boa Constrictors, Chinese Alligators, Lions, Cheetahs, Tigers and many more on your cameras/phones. The gift shop is stuffed full of items such as mugs, stuffed animals and pens and pencils. A great place to spend time with your family, and the food is also great. 11/10! There are also animal feeds that you don't want to miss.
google.com
Source: google.com
I loved the day out here seeing all the animals and and walking around the park. There are things to keep children entertained and lots of information about the animals that kept my interest. However, the cafe had very little choice so I would recommend you maybe take a picnic!
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day yesterday at paradise wildlife... They got lots of animals and activities.. I'm giving 3 stars only because the cages were to small..
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've just got back from a wonderful day out at PWP, having taken our young grandson there for his first trip to a zoo. There is so much to keep the kids occupied and entertained, the Tumble Jungle soft play centre went down well with us and the little fella. The big cats are awesome, especially the snow leopards, so beautiful.
It was lovely to see so many families enjoying a day out, I highly recommend PWP as a good summer family attraction.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my two boys here and we had a lovely day. We only live a few miles away so visit a few times a year and my children always enjoy themselves and cant wait to come back. I prefer it here to london zoo because of the play areas and little splash pool so although its not cheap to get in you can make a whole day of it. im not a animal welfare expert but the animals all seem to be well looked after the staff genuinely look like they care for them and are happy to answer questions. Will be visiting again soon
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are pass holder for pwp and it is like our second home we really love going and the kids never get bored thank you pwp
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great family day out for all. Plenty to do and see for all the family. Nice to see animals so well cared for and truly loved. We'll sign posted good clear information on the animals. Easy to get around with a buggy. Good facilities you have all you need. Great places to eat. As well as places to have a picnic. A really great fun playground for the kids. I had to drag the kids out. We will be going again and again. My tip look out for discount codes and voucher deals, this makes the day even better and good value.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went here today £70 for 2 small children and 2 adults animals all appear soooo well looked after great to be so close but ....
All other entertainment I e train diggers you have to pay £1 per person so costly day out food good value with salads burgers etc
Would not go back again
tripadvisor.co.uk
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