Woburn Safari Park
Sightseeing attraction | Bedford | England | United Kingdom
The Woburn Safari Park in Bedford, England, is one of the most well-known and largest safari parks in the UK, and a fascinating attraction for animal lovers and families. Located in Bedfordshire county, the park covers approximately 150 hectares and is part of the extensive estate of the Duke of Bedford, which also includes Woburn Abbey and a 1,200-hectare deer park. The safari park was established in 1970 by the 13th Duke of Bedford, John Russell, in collaboration with circus entrepreneur Jimmy Chipperfield, with the aim of securing funds for the preservation of the family seat, Woburn Abbey, which was in poor condition after World War II. Since its opening, the park has evolved into an award-winning attraction that provides both entertainment and makes a significant contribution to conservation efforts.
The Woburn Safari Park differs from traditional zoos in its concept, where animals live in spacious, expansive enclosures and visitors can drive through them in their own vehicles. This drive-through experience allows visitors to observe exotic and endangered species such as southern white rhinos, African elephants, Amur tigers, black bears, lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species up close. The route through the different reserves – including the "Kingdom of the Carnivores" with predators and the "African Forest" with monkeys – takes about an hour, with visitors having the freedom to repeat the circuit as many times as they wish. Each drive offers a different experience as the animals roam freely and exhibit different behaviors, similar to in the wild.
In addition to the Road Safari, there is the so-called Foot Safari, a pedestrian area that houses more animal species and additional activities. Here, visitors can encounter smaller and friendlier animals such as ponies, goats, wallabies, lemurs, and alpacas, often with the opportunity to feed them or get to know them better in petting areas. Attractions include modern facilities such as "Land of the Lemurs," a walk-through area with free-roaming lemurs, and "Himalayan Heights," home to red pandas. Another highlight is the "Great Woburn Railway," a narrow-gauge railway that takes visitors through the park and past some animal enclosures. For children, there are numerous play areas, including the "Mammoth Play Ark," a large indoor soft play center with slides and climbing nets, and the "Treetops Action Trail," a junior high ropes course.
The park places a strong emphasis on conservation efforts and is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums as well as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. It participates in international breeding programs for endangered species such as the eastern bongo, whose studbook is maintained here, as well as Somali wild ass and scimitar-horned oryx. Woburn was also one of the first facilities worldwide to save a species from extinction by successfully breeding Pere David's deer in captivity. The Przewalski's horse also owes its rescue to the park's efforts. In addition to these global projects, Woburn is dedicated to protecting native species by regularly conducting "Bio-Blitz" programs where experts document local flora and fauna.
The architecture and infrastructure of the park are also noteworthy. Since its inception, numerous facilities have been modernized, including a state-of-the-art giraffe house that opened in 2018, allowing year-round encounters with Rothschild giraffes, and a new tiger enclosure from 2013 that accommodates up to nine animals. For visitors, there are restaurants, an information center, and a gift shop to enhance their experience. Daily animal keeper demonstrations and feedings provide education and entertainment, while VIP experiences such as off-road tours or giraffe feeding allow for an even more immersive nature experience.
The surroundings of the Woburn Safari Park are characterized by the gentle hills of Bedfordshire, providing animals with ample room to roam and visitors with a sense of spaciousness. The proximity to Woburn Abbey, one of England's most significant stately homes, and the surrounding deer park, home to over 42 species of deer, underscores the park's historical connection to the Bedford family. Despite occasional criticism in the past – such as overcrowded lion enclosures in winter or a fire that killed several monkeys in 2018 – the park has continuously invested in improvements to enhance both animal welfare and visitor experience.
The Woburn Safari Park is a place that combines adventure and education. It offers the rare opportunity to observe wild animals in an environment close to their natural habitat while understanding the importance of conservation. Whether watching majestic elephants from the car window, walking with lemurs, or simply enjoying the beauty of the landscape, the park remains an unforgettable experience that vividly showcases the diversity of wildlife and the efforts to preserve it.
