Paradise Wildlife Park
Latest Reviews
I bought a 2 adult deal from Groupon, saving half the price. It was a rainy, cold day but it didn't matter as this park was such a pleasant surprise. Planty of activities for little ones, including a slide made out of a digger. The large paddling pool would have been crowded on a hot day I'm sure.
Most important were the animal enclosures though. The animals were glossy coated, friendly, clearly comfortable with humans and some, such as the ocelot, genuinely love being handled. Large, clean enclosures with plenty of play material were in evidence. The leopard was pacing which was quite worrying, but a keeper soon noticed, got into the enclosure with the animal and was soon talking to another keeper about calling the vet.
The keepers and grounds staff were helpful, friendly and keen to share their knowledge, plus there were plenty of signs giving information, such as the one explaining that the reindeer were moulting and not losing their hair through stress or something equally nasty.
The park is of a compact size, so easy to get around in a couple of hours.
Only negatives are: 1) not great disabled access. My mother walks with a stick and we got stuck on a high walkway trying to find the way back to the exit. Mother really struggled with the steps. Someone in a wheelchair would be very restricted. 2) the portakabin loos just inside the entrance were filthy and very small cubicles, with no room to turn round as it were. 3) Cafe prices are high, nearly £3 for a coffee is a bit too much and the cafe staff could do with a bit of charm school - get the keepers to show how.
Otherwise a very morning out. I'd recommend
Most important were the animal enclosures though. The animals were glossy coated, friendly, clearly comfortable with humans and some, such as the ocelot, genuinely love being handled. Large, clean enclosures with plenty of play material were in evidence. The leopard was pacing which was quite worrying, but a keeper soon noticed, got into the enclosure with the animal and was soon talking to another keeper about calling the vet.
The keepers and grounds staff were helpful, friendly and keen to share their knowledge, plus there were plenty of signs giving information, such as the one explaining that the reindeer were moulting and not losing their hair through stress or something equally nasty.
The park is of a compact size, so easy to get around in a couple of hours.
Only negatives are: 1) not great disabled access. My mother walks with a stick and we got stuck on a high walkway trying to find the way back to the exit. Mother really struggled with the steps. Someone in a wheelchair would be very restricted. 2) the portakabin loos just inside the entrance were filthy and very small cubicles, with no room to turn round as it were. 3) Cafe prices are high, nearly £3 for a coffee is a bit too much and the cafe staff could do with a bit of charm school - get the keepers to show how.
Otherwise a very morning out. I'd recommend
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent 4 hours here on our way to Watford and must say it was a pleasant experience.
Not overly large but quite well laid out and plenty of variety for children. The baby meerkats were absolutely adorable. A good day out enjoyed by all.
Not overly large but quite well laid out and plenty of variety for children. The baby meerkats were absolutely adorable. A good day out enjoyed by all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Food cost a fortune and not too much to do if its raining. This place appears to be all about making a profit. the animals are limited and the `experiences` are pricey.
Location was poorly sign posted and difficult to get to through lots of narrow country lanes.
The one redeeming feature was the white tigers. A rare and beautiful sight!
Location was poorly sign posted and difficult to get to through lots of narrow country lanes.
The one redeeming feature was the white tigers. A rare and beautiful sight!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My family and visited Paradise Park for an 'Ideal Day'. Tom C was our guide and he had such a vast knowledge of all of the animals, not just the ones he specialised in. He gave us all the background o the animals we saw and how long they had been at the park. I did hear people complaining about the size of the leopard enclosure. The leopard had been aquired from a private collector that had passed away. The leopard would have been in a smaller enclosure and therefore would be nervous about so much space straight away, the closure has recently been highered and they are teaching 'Sheena' to climb. This will gradually get bigger as time goes on. ALL the animals are in great condition and if the other keepers are anything like Tom was then I imagine they are truely loved. I fully reccomend one of the tours to get the 'real' stories behind the animals, breeding plans and rescue stories. I will definately be returning to support this family run park and all of their residents!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the park during jubilee weekend when the park was busy but still not too crowded and it was comfortable to walk around.
Overall we had a nice day because our 3 year old son had so much fun - he loved the animals, playgrounds, train and tractor rides and shows
.
However it was so upsetting for us to see some of the animals in really small enclosures. We have visited other animals parks and this was the worst we have seen. Personally for this reason I would not visit this park again. It was just too heartbreaking to look.
Other points:
Staff was very nice and friendly everywhere around the park
place was not very clean (especially toilets)
not many sinks or hand sanitizer around to clean your hands after feeding/touching animals - many of hand sanitizer were empty on the day
food was average
Overall we had a nice day because our 3 year old son had so much fun - he loved the animals, playgrounds, train and tractor rides and shows
.
However it was so upsetting for us to see some of the animals in really small enclosures. We have visited other animals parks and this was the worst we have seen. Personally for this reason I would not visit this park again. It was just too heartbreaking to look.
Other points:
Staff was very nice and friendly everywhere around the park
place was not very clean (especially toilets)
not many sinks or hand sanitizer around to clean your hands after feeding/touching animals - many of hand sanitizer were empty on the day
food was average
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited this zoo many times over the years and have many fond memories of being there. Significantly smaller than, say, London (Regents Park) Zoo, it is probably the perfect sized place to visit if you're not looking to spend the whole day there.
Restaurant and Shop are both a good size, and there is a good children's play area, offset from the restaurant and picnic area. Being able to hand-feed some of the animals is a nice touch.
As with all Zoos, I worry a little that some of the pens may not be large enough...
Restaurant and Shop are both a good size, and there is a good children's play area, offset from the restaurant and picnic area. Being able to hand-feed some of the animals is a nice touch.
As with all Zoos, I worry a little that some of the pens may not be large enough...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Althouh the paradise wildlife partk isn't large you can get very close to the animals which is amazing. The various feeding times give you the opportunity to see some of the more 'shy' animals and the snow leopard is a site to behold. Highly recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fantastic place to visit. Everyone was very friendly to us. Especially the mini bus driver, he was lovely. U can get catch a mini bus from Broxbourne station. We got a train from Liverpool Street Station in London. It isn't a huge place but its packed with very interesting animals. My favourite were the white lions and white tigers. I have never seen these before (only in pictures). Evert animal i saw was happy and healthy. We also had lunch with the tigers which was very lovely too. They have so many different animals - snow leopards, tigers, lions, cheetah, racoons, monkeys, zebras, tapirs, wolves, meerkats, rabbits, goats, red pandas and so many more. The thing i was amazed about the most was how clean and tidy the place was. I just can't wait to return again. Their also a beautiful area for children to play in. It also has a large car park too. If you like animals this is defo the place to visit and its very children friendly too. Watch out for the little black cat. It's so cute.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on the Tea with Tigers Experience, which was great. Ricky our guide was very informative and all the cats are well looked after. Not quite as up close and personal as I thought we would be with the animals but you can get pretty close and it is all very safe.
The conservation work they do at Paradise is fantastic.
Would recommend doing one of the experiences they have to offer, but some are not suitable for young children.
This is a brilliant place to take young children, I would imagine there is enough to keep them occupied for a whole day.
The conservation work they do at Paradise is fantastic.
Would recommend doing one of the experiences they have to offer, but some are not suitable for young children.
This is a brilliant place to take young children, I would imagine there is enough to keep them occupied for a whole day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been numerous times, lovely size to spend a day to see all without feeling your feet will drop off.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
lovely place to spend a day with grandchildren, informative and fun
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Park is well kept, fun-filled and very nice. My visit was to meet the meerkats and i was not disappointed. The staff are polite and friendly and the park is very security conscious as regards childrens safety.
The meerkat experience is one i will never forget,
The meerkat experience is one i will never forget,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
what a pleasant surprise, my better half got a groupon deal and after our trip today im so glad she did, Clean, friendly family orientated fun.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We don't have children but were amazed at the variety of activities for little ones, petting zoo, rides, slides and games plus the animals to see.
The animals looked to be well cared for and in nice enclosures with lots of enrichment.
We went for 'Afternoon tea with the tigers' I booked it on a BOGOF offer and thought it was reasonable value, I wouldn't have been pleased if I'd paid full price. The place you have the tea is open to the public so you could pay the normal admission price and eat there anyway. The talk we got was informative though and the staff friendly.
I'd recommend it for a nice day out.
The animals looked to be well cared for and in nice enclosures with lots of enrichment.
We went for 'Afternoon tea with the tigers' I booked it on a BOGOF offer and thought it was reasonable value, I wouldn't have been pleased if I'd paid full price. The place you have the tea is open to the public so you could pay the normal admission price and eat there anyway. The talk we got was informative though and the staff friendly.
I'd recommend it for a nice day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went there on 20/5/2012. a group mixture with young kids, teenage and an elderly. we were enjoyed it very much. We walked very closed to the animal and touched them. hahaa of course not the lion, tiger and fox.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the Paradise Wildlife Park at the end of April as I had booked to feed the white lions as a gift for my boyfriend on the website Groupon. We had booked in for 3pm, so arrived early as entrance was included in the price. There are many animals to see there and also lots of areas for children. As I had paid a lower price than was advertised on the website to feed the lions, we weren't sure what to expect as there was another option called 'Tea with the Tigers' and when we arrived there were a lot of people in a group doing this. We were surprised, as to feed the white lions it is just the 2 of you and we were met in reception by a keeper. We were told about what the lions eat, and shown the fridge with all the meat in. Then, as we weren't squeamish we were shown the meat we were going to be feeding them (gloves are an option if you don't want to touch the meat). We then went to the enclosure, and as it was raining on the day we visited the 3 lions were all in the enclosure. It was really exciting, as we were told about the history of the lions and breeding, then we were able to feed them ourselves through the fence after being shown how to do it safely. The lions are lovely to see and are obviously well treated and cared for, as well as all the other animals too. We enjoyed watching the otters as they seemed to enjoy the rainy weather! But there are also many other animals, from ferrets and chickens, to the lions, tigers and cheetahs. After feeding the lions we were also given a t shirt, certificate and wrist band which was a nice touch.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Along with its sister-site the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, you will have the very best up close interaction with animals you can imagine. We had previously paid to feed the big cats at WHF and they recommended we went to Paradise at another time. We therefore decided to buy the red pandas, lemurs, meerkats and penguin feeding sessions and it was just brilliant. The staff were great and we couldn't recommend a visit more highly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Small enough to enjoy looking all over during your visit. Animals interesting for all ages.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on a Tea with Tigers experience. First impression (the cafe!) wasn't great, could do with some customer service training. Much smaller park than we expected (we're used to Cotswold Wildlife Park) and agree with some of the other comments that the enclosures could've been bigger, but the animals are certainly well looked after and the keepers are passionate about ensuring their lives are fulfilled. The white lions were amazing; we watched while another group hand fed them - so jealous. The tour started with coffee, biscuits and a video about big cats. We were taken to the racoon enclosure and told about the history of the zoo. Two lions had been kept where the racoons are now and their lives had been terrible. Fortunately the new owner bought the zoo and the animals lives improved. The keeper walked us around the lions and then onto the white lions, the tigers, the white tigers, cheetah and snow leopards. Very knowledgable, interesting and funny information and stories about each of the animals. Finally tea in Tiger Treetops, overlooking the tiger enclosure. Hard to eat while taking pics of the tiger posing on the elevated platform! A brilliant day, recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have a four year old who thoroughly enjoyed the day. We had a family groupon for £40 for the four of us and my 12 year old and 4 year old had lots of fun. There's a fire engine, train ride, coin operated cars for £1, slides and lots of other outdoor activities as well as lots of animals to see. It's a two centre attraction with a good all round fun for all the family. The food is expensive and rather poor so we tend to take our own picnic when we go. I highly recommend it. It's a little pricy to get into the Park so if you book online or are lucky enough to get vouchers like we had, it is worth it otherwise i personally don't think it's worth near enough £20 each to enter the park. We particularly enjoyed watching the white lions and watched them having their meal which was half a horses head each, fascinating to watch and a great experience. Would definitely go back but only if i get hold of some discounted tickets.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Son (who is 8 years old ) had a Mini Zoo keeper Experience as his Xmas Present and took it in March 2012. The experience was for him and his Dad accompanied him. The Keeper who looked after them Callum was brilliant and full of Knowledge. My Son prepared the animals food met the Bats, Penguins, Monkeys and even payed with the Meerkats. He totally enjoyed himself and didnt want to leave.
As a Family have always loved this Zoo and have visited many times. Well worth a visit even my 16 year old enjoyed hersef although probably mainly suited for under 12's
As a Family have always loved this Zoo and have visited many times. Well worth a visit even my 16 year old enjoyed hersef although probably mainly suited for under 12's
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our visit to Paradise Wildlife Park was part of my 40th Birthday present off my Partner.
He chose the Lemur package for me.
I can not fault the package for the price of £49.99. We found the staff brilliant, very polite and helpful. We were all looked after free tea, coffee, and biscuits. Then a buffet lunch, with cakes galore !!!
After we had eaten, Glen our guide, escorted us around the monkey enclosures. He was very knowledgeable,and obviously knows the animals well.
After the guided tour we spilt into two groups of six and the first group went into the lemur enclosure, I would imagine it was about 15 -20 mins spent in there with them.
Your given some diced apple and they do walk and jump all over you, I got mugged of mine though as soon as we entered !! so try and keep some back.
I do have to say it was a wonderful experience to get up close to these animals and I would do it again.
As for the actual park, well I do have to agree with others, the enclosures for some of the animals such as the lions do appear to be small, and they did seem to be pacing up and down a lot, which is difficult to watch. You can see they are trying their best to give all the animals a decent standard of living but I think more space is needed for them.
The admission price seems a bit hefty too for what they have there, ( although this was included in our package so we did'nt have to pay it ) £16.00 for adults. I am used to West Midland Safari Park which is only £14.99 with free return visit.
He chose the Lemur package for me.
I can not fault the package for the price of £49.99. We found the staff brilliant, very polite and helpful. We were all looked after free tea, coffee, and biscuits. Then a buffet lunch, with cakes galore !!!
After we had eaten, Glen our guide, escorted us around the monkey enclosures. He was very knowledgeable,and obviously knows the animals well.
After the guided tour we spilt into two groups of six and the first group went into the lemur enclosure, I would imagine it was about 15 -20 mins spent in there with them.
Your given some diced apple and they do walk and jump all over you, I got mugged of mine though as soon as we entered !! so try and keep some back.
I do have to say it was a wonderful experience to get up close to these animals and I would do it again.
As for the actual park, well I do have to agree with others, the enclosures for some of the animals such as the lions do appear to be small, and they did seem to be pacing up and down a lot, which is difficult to watch. You can see they are trying their best to give all the animals a decent standard of living but I think more space is needed for them.
The admission price seems a bit hefty too for what they have there, ( although this was included in our package so we did'nt have to pay it ) £16.00 for adults. I am used to West Midland Safari Park which is only £14.99 with free return visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Perfect for children, lots of slides, climbing frames and soft play. Walkways above the big cats (accessible by ramp) so you get a good view. Tractor ride and bouncy castle (free), very friendly staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Travelled from South Yorkshire especially to take part in the red panda experience. It was absolutely excellent. The keeper was great, really knowledgable, friendly and took photos of us feeding the red pandas. The pandas were really active, took food from our hands and one even let us stroke her. We were in the enclosure for about 30 minutes. Would recommend this to anyone.
The zoo itself was also very good, having visited many throughout the country this one somehow seemed different, in a good way, but something I can't quite put my finger on! All the staff were friendly and seemed genuinely passionate about their work and really cared for the animals. The zoo has an excellent selection of big cats, experiences are available to feed these and this is something on my to do list!
Nice to see animals you don't always find in zoos - European wolves, raccoons, red foxes and goats (I love goats!!)
There were talks ongoing throughout the whole day and some were repeated so you don't have to sacrifice one for another!
Will definitely return.
The zoo itself was also very good, having visited many throughout the country this one somehow seemed different, in a good way, but something I can't quite put my finger on! All the staff were friendly and seemed genuinely passionate about their work and really cared for the animals. The zoo has an excellent selection of big cats, experiences are available to feed these and this is something on my to do list!
Nice to see animals you don't always find in zoos - European wolves, raccoons, red foxes and goats (I love goats!!)
There were talks ongoing throughout the whole day and some were repeated so you don't have to sacrifice one for another!
Will definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This park is so much better than I thought, I went as part of a groupon deal and found the staff to be very knowledgable and friendly. The park is really big and you can tell that staff really care about the animals welfare. The staff are hoping to create bigger areas for the lions to go around in and the place offers many 'experiences' like stroking a tiger, feeding them etc.
The place is a wonderland for children, with rides, playground and of course the wildlife. Overall a fantastic day out and we are hoping to go back soon.
The place is a wonderland for children, with rides, playground and of course the wildlife. Overall a fantastic day out and we are hoping to go back soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
