Paradise Wildlife Park
Latest Reviews
My sister got me the Shadow a Keeper experience for my birthday and it was amazing. I'm sure that I would have had a good time at any zoo offering a similar experience, but I'm not sure at all that going anywhere else would have been as totally wonderful as it was here.
The keepers we met were all brilliant; they were clearly passionate about their work, were friendly and very informative, they seemed genuinely happy to have us, and were dedicated to the zoo's commitment to exceeding minimum standards and enriching the animals' lives. There were clear bonds between the keepers and the animals they worked with, which was lovely and meant that we were given an insight into the animals' personalities through the stories we were told and the behaviours and relationships we observed. A lot of respect was given to the animals, with the keepers giving them the choice of how close we could get to them; they came to us rather than us going into their space to get to them. The animals all seemed relaxed and happy; compared to other tigers I've seen in zoos for example, which often pace back and forth looking under-stimulated and unhappy, the white tiger here seemed particularly at ease and comfortable.
Highlights included: feeding red pandas (they are so cute I WILL DIE) and lemurs, which jumped all over us and were amazing, the super incredible trained crow, flying an owl, holding a beautiful snake, a stupidly massive anaconda, the otters, the coati, a little tenrec, which I didn't know existed before, holding an armadillo (TOO CUTE), stroking some lovely, smelly tapirs, a rogue toucan, the gorgeous skunk which I loved and the keepers who were all amazing. The only lowlight was, I made a completely hilarious Jurassic Park joke and no one heard.
It has been nearly a week since we went and we are both still gushing about how great it was. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, educational, memorable experience.
The keepers we met were all brilliant; they were clearly passionate about their work, were friendly and very informative, they seemed genuinely happy to have us, and were dedicated to the zoo's commitment to exceeding minimum standards and enriching the animals' lives. There were clear bonds between the keepers and the animals they worked with, which was lovely and meant that we were given an insight into the animals' personalities through the stories we were told and the behaviours and relationships we observed. A lot of respect was given to the animals, with the keepers giving them the choice of how close we could get to them; they came to us rather than us going into their space to get to them. The animals all seemed relaxed and happy; compared to other tigers I've seen in zoos for example, which often pace back and forth looking under-stimulated and unhappy, the white tiger here seemed particularly at ease and comfortable.
Highlights included: feeding red pandas (they are so cute I WILL DIE) and lemurs, which jumped all over us and were amazing, the super incredible trained crow, flying an owl, holding a beautiful snake, a stupidly massive anaconda, the otters, the coati, a little tenrec, which I didn't know existed before, holding an armadillo (TOO CUTE), stroking some lovely, smelly tapirs, a rogue toucan, the gorgeous skunk which I loved and the keepers who were all amazing. The only lowlight was, I made a completely hilarious Jurassic Park joke and no one heard.
It has been nearly a week since we went and we are both still gushing about how great it was. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, educational, memorable experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Found Paradise Wildfife park quite easy to get to, depending on route ,one or two narrow country lanes. We exchanged £5.00 Tesco vouchers for £20.00 ,this covered my Husband(Disabled) and myself (carer). There are two large car parks, entry was very quick to the park. There are toilets in the car park and just inside the park enterence as well as further in. The Park is on level ground unless you want to use the higher veiwing levels,with steps up, to see the lions, cheeters, tigers. Next to one of the cafes is a shallow paddling pool, with outside seating ,so you can watch the children while eating your pack lunch.You could see all in a couple of hours, but if you have the time it is nice to see once, have luch or coffee and go round again for the smaller areas that you might have missed eg Birds of Paradise,( off to one side of the park.).There is also a small museum on speedway bikes. Friendly staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just spent a most excellent day shadowing zookeepers.From arriving at the park, it was very organised. I was taken to all areas of the park(apart from the big cats ), and was met by the different keepers.
All the keepers were informative, friendly and very passionate about the animals.
The animals were happy, clean and well kept.
Loved the shows and talks, and seeing the work keepers do.
The best was handling and feeding a variety of animals!! but even enjoyed cleaning out the camel and alpacas !!!
Was amazing, and i am ready to book my next experience !! Thanks to all involved.
The only downside, was the lunch was tasteless and at 1pm the cafe had run out of sandwiches ! this was however included in the experience, and didn,t spoil it.
All the keepers were informative, friendly and very passionate about the animals.
The animals were happy, clean and well kept.
Loved the shows and talks, and seeing the work keepers do.
The best was handling and feeding a variety of animals!! but even enjoyed cleaning out the camel and alpacas !!!
Was amazing, and i am ready to book my next experience !! Thanks to all involved.
The only downside, was the lunch was tasteless and at 1pm the cafe had run out of sandwiches ! this was however included in the experience, and didn,t spoil it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the park with our grand daughter who is three.
She had a fantastic time with so much for her to see and do. As we are local its a great place for a day out. The site is clean and the staff are very friendly. We ate at the outdoor barbeque in the children's area and this would be the only negative point we had. As the food was flavourless and the onions still almost raw with a lumpy hot chocolate. This didn't spoil our day though , keep up the good work paradise park.
She had a fantastic time with so much for her to see and do. As we are local its a great place for a day out. The site is clean and the staff are very friendly. We ate at the outdoor barbeque in the children's area and this would be the only negative point we had. As the food was flavourless and the onions still almost raw with a lumpy hot chocolate. This didn't spoil our day though , keep up the good work paradise park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From when we arrived we were looked after extremely well, coffee tea biscuits etc. we were then taken to the treetop brunch area and a very well laid out spread of food put on and you could eat as much as you wanted. The view from the tree top was beautiful. We then had a very nice guide ( sorry can't remember her name). The information she held in her head about all the big cats was amazing and every area she gave us so much. Clearly loving her job. The animals were all looking amazing and the park very well maintained. Well worth a trip and great value for money. Thank you for an amazing day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out on 7th May , was my 75th birthday treat from my wife , really enjoyable day . the keepers/staff are all very friendly and knowledgable . Was amazing to see the big cats lazing about as well as prowling around .. A very well kept park ..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Regular visitor as it's just around the corner. Herts CC have issued Carers' Passports and PWP have very kindly opted in meaning carers get in free. Massive bonus; Down's Syndrome daughter loves it there and we will go more often.
Got very busy (Bank Holiday Monday) but still enjoyable and to those who criticise the keeping of the animals, I believe they are happy and in good hands.
Got very busy (Bank Holiday Monday) but still enjoyable and to those who criticise the keeping of the animals, I believe they are happy and in good hands.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on May 3rd. Not for the first time this year! Loads of good photos taken. Too many to choose the best ones. Good for children with the rides and that it is not too big for little feet. Love the raised viewing as this lends to good photos. Staff are all very helpful but queue is slow moving when going in. Prebooking good as takes the cost down. Has a covered picnic area in case of inclement weather and Also Love the tiger cafe. Some updating on eclosures required as they look a little shabby in places.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Small park , easy to get around with the usual animals and birds. Lots of things for children to do.
My husband and I were there for the experience of "Meet the Meerkats" - a gift given to us by our son.
Staff were friendly and very professional . After a warm welcome in the reception centre (which included tea and chocolate biscuits !) we were handed over to Amy - the keeper.
She gave us a clear and detailed briefing before we entered the enclosure.
The experience was absolutely fabulous. I didn't feel that we compromised the creatures in any way and we were rewarded by being turned into human climbing frames/lookout points.
I defy anyone not to fall in love with these little critters after an experience like this!
My husband and I were there for the experience of "Meet the Meerkats" - a gift given to us by our son.
Staff were friendly and very professional . After a warm welcome in the reception centre (which included tea and chocolate biscuits !) we were handed over to Amy - the keeper.
She gave us a clear and detailed briefing before we entered the enclosure.
The experience was absolutely fabulous. I didn't feel that we compromised the creatures in any way and we were rewarded by being turned into human climbing frames/lookout points.
I defy anyone not to fall in love with these little critters after an experience like this!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on bank holiday Monday with two friends and our young kids. Was a great day out - lots to do. Take £1 coins for the train ride and kids go karts. The animals had plenty of space to roam around and the picnic areas were lovely too. The extra play areas and things for the kids was lovely. We arrived at opening time 9.30am and left at 5.30pm. Tip –arrive there opening time as there was short queues are car parking was easy although even if you got there later the car parking is very close to the main entrance. Plenty of animals to see ! We will be going back for sure.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been here before but some years ago I was surprised at all the improvements. Got money off the entry via Groupon so it was good value for a day out. This is a great place for children as not only do they get to see animals there is a playground, paddling pool, crazy golf etc. The animals all looked well cared for and there was a good variety to see. The talks were good especially the bird show.
My only criticism is the lack of customer skills from some of the kiosk staff selling ice-creams plus charging £1.40 for a can of coke and also for sauces in the diner is bit much. Next time I'd bring a packed lunch as the food was very average.
My only criticism is the lack of customer skills from some of the kiosk staff selling ice-creams plus charging £1.40 for a can of coke and also for sauces in the diner is bit much. Next time I'd bring a packed lunch as the food was very average.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our three year old daughter to the park as a birthday treat. We had a great time. We found the venue to be very clean and well kept. The park has a wonderful array of animals and has a very 'hands-on' approach as you are allowed to feed the animals like sheep and goats, which was ideal for a child of her age. There are plenty of up close photo opportunities too. The park rangers are always around, and are very informative. There is a small tour around the venue that allows you to take in the park views whilst being told about the animals. There are plenty of restrooms, and the refreshment outlets are reasonably priced. We will certainly go again and would happily recommend this venue as a great day out. Suitable for all ages. Well done. Thank you Paradise Wildlife Park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Paradise Animal Park after a couple of recommends. Lovely relaxed atmosphere on a spring Sunday and not overly busy.
Animals generally seem in good condition and staff appear to be knowledgeable.
With high vantage points it's great to take some pictures without cages in shot.
Little girl loved the play areas (despite some boys whose parents were oblivious to the fact their sons tried to chase and terrorise my daughter on the soft play area whilst they drank their coffee. (NO FAULT OF PARK FOR PEOPLE LACKING SOCIAL AND PARENTING SKILLS!)
Their was a restaurant serving hot food and a licensed bar for those who wished to use it.
Children's rides gave a feeling like the place that had not moved on For 25 years which added to the experience for me as it retained an element of tradition and innocence.
Only negative for me is some of the cat enclosures I felt were not big enough when compared to some other zoos I have visited.
Animals generally seem in good condition and staff appear to be knowledgeable.
With high vantage points it's great to take some pictures without cages in shot.
Little girl loved the play areas (despite some boys whose parents were oblivious to the fact their sons tried to chase and terrorise my daughter on the soft play area whilst they drank their coffee. (NO FAULT OF PARK FOR PEOPLE LACKING SOCIAL AND PARENTING SKILLS!)
Their was a restaurant serving hot food and a licensed bar for those who wished to use it.
Children's rides gave a feeling like the place that had not moved on For 25 years which added to the experience for me as it retained an element of tradition and innocence.
Only negative for me is some of the cat enclosures I felt were not big enough when compared to some other zoos I have visited.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth researching the various discounts available - I printed an online voucher just before setting off and saved a tenner, although much of this promptly disappeared into various 'pound eating machines' in the excellent play area between the entrance and the animal section.
Although the car parks were fairly busy, the site didn't feel at all crowded which made for a relaxed afternoon's visit.
The big cats are undoubtedly the stars of the show, but there was a wide variety of other animals of all sizes in well designed enclosures, many with elevated walkways that provided a good view. Don't miss the free flying fruit bats!
Although the car parks were fairly busy, the site didn't feel at all crowded which made for a relaxed afternoon's visit.
The big cats are undoubtedly the stars of the show, but there was a wide variety of other animals of all sizes in well designed enclosures, many with elevated walkways that provided a good view. Don't miss the free flying fruit bats!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Make sure you book your tickets online as it saved us about £10 for two adults and a child.
Good day out, they have some unusual animals here, white tigers, white lions.......
Food and drink not overly expensive and parking is free.
Good day out, they have some unusual animals here, white tigers, white lions.......
Food and drink not overly expensive and parking is free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There were 10 of us (with a Groupon voucher) of mixed ability and we were taken around by Maggie and Tony. It was a beautiful warm, sunny day and we gathered at noon and finished at 4pm. We met the zoo keepers at every stop and could ask lots of questions about the animals and they went inside their special areas to attract the animals nearer to us so that we could get excellent fence-free photographs (apart from the tigers etc. but we were allowed to get closer in and watch them being fed).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Birthday present. Day included early arrival and personal tour around big cat enclosures. Very knowledgable, animated informative, and enthusiastic friendly guide (Aaron). This lasted about an hour. We then had breakfast (very basic) in the restaurant with glass windows overlooking the tigers. In fact up here is not such a good view as the downstairs large windows.
Rest of the day spent in the zoo. Very friendly helpful staff. Very clean everywhere. Animals have good accommodation. It is the first zoo I have been to where the animals are 'communicating' with each other. Nearly every species was doing that, particularly Moto, the lion, who every so often roars. That is quite an experience.
Feeding lorokeets not as good as I had hoped. All in all had a very good day. It was also out of school holidays so not over crowded. I can imagine it could be heaving!
Good day out and well worth a visit.
Rest of the day spent in the zoo. Very friendly helpful staff. Very clean everywhere. Animals have good accommodation. It is the first zoo I have been to where the animals are 'communicating' with each other. Nearly every species was doing that, particularly Moto, the lion, who every so often roars. That is quite an experience.
Feeding lorokeets not as good as I had hoped. All in all had a very good day. It was also out of school holidays so not over crowded. I can imagine it could be heaving!
Good day out and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a nice visit on a lovely, warm Saturday afternoon. It was my first time at Paradise Wildlife Park and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The food was a bit pricey but that's to be expected.
Really impressed with the friendly environment and the wide range of animals. I'd say it's definitely more suited to children than adults, again that is mostly expected :)
Really impressed with the friendly environment and the wide range of animals. I'd say it's definitely more suited to children than adults, again that is mostly expected :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Considering the apace available to display, I can only say how impressed I was with the amount and quality of the exhibits, and the real thought that actually must have gone into setting it all up to make it so really interesting. It really is worthy the money to enter Paradise Park just to see this, let alone the zoo as well. Dave, on the museum staff, was excellent and a real pleasure to chat to about Hackney and Rayleigh Speedways. If you're into speedway, then this place has got to be on your visit list. Excellent in all respects.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited Paradise Wildlife Park on numerous occasions over the years, mainly with grandchildren, but on each visit it seems to be going downhill somewhat and there seems to be an increasing amount of money spent on play areas for young children, and in my opinion, this is to the cost the the animals and their enclosures. Some of the animals appeared stressed and their living environments left a lot to be desired. Quite a few of the cages appeared empty and dirty and the picnic area near the pool was abysmal. We arrived at opening time and the toilet floors and bins appeared not to have been dealt with. Sadly we shall not be returning.....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent parking and facilities. Staff are excellent and very happy to answer questions. The animals appear to be very well looked after, and have a decent amount of space. Check your guide for talks and feeds during the day - they are informative. Also available are a wide selection of experiences.. I have bought the Tiger Breakfast twice and bought a friend the monkey keeper experience. All have been good value for money. Recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came down from Newcastle to visit family in hertfordshire, our day out here was the highlight of the week good value for money, great views of all the animals we got some lovely photograghs. We will definitely be returning on our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My children were zoo keepers for the day and it was a fantastic experience. The staff are all incredible, friendly, dedicated and just so helpful. The animals are really well looked after and the cages are immaculate. I love this place and would thoroughly recommend it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. This is an informative zoo with so much fun things to do for the children. Reasonably priced,and thoughtfully laid out for all to enjoy . Some zoo's leave you tired having walked round but here it is all on the level and very compact. We were so impressed we've bought an annual pass
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Advise you to purchase tickets online as you get a discount. Weather helped being sunny. Bit disappointed that quite a few enclosures where closed for refurbishment, but this gave us a chance to see some of the shows. Would also advise you take a pack lunch as food is expensive. Kids wanted to go on other attractions but this is at an additional cost. Remember this is not a zoo so don't expect to see a vast amount of different animals. Kids enjoyed the play area more than the animals!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
