Hertfordshire Zoo
Sightseeing attraction | Broxbourne | England | United Kingdom
Family-friendly wildlife park in Hertfordshire
The "Hertfordshire Zoo" in Broxbourne, England, is one of the leading family-run wildlife parks in the United Kingdom and a popular attraction that captivates visitors with an impressive variety of animals and attractions. This zoo, formerly known as Paradise Wildlife Park and previously as Broxbourne Zoo, is located amidst the picturesque Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire landscape and has been run by the Sampson family since 1984. In 2017, Lynn Whitnall, the daughter of the original owners, took over management and founded the Hertfordshire Zoological Society, a registered charity that receives no government funding. As part of its 40th anniversary in 2024, the park was officially renamed Hertfordshire Zoo, marking the beginning of a new phase in its development.
Animal experiences for children at the zoo
The Hertfordshire Zoo is home to over 800 exotic animals from around the world, including some of the most impressive and rarest species. Highlights include Amur tigers – the largest tiger species in the world – white lions, snow leopards, jaguars, sun bears, and the smallest known monkey, the pygmy marmoset. The zoo takes pride in offering some of the most innovative habitats in the UK, such as the award-winning "Sun Bear Heights," where sun bears, binturongs, and Asian short-clawed otters coexist in a unique mixed habitat – a first in the country. Equally fascinating is the "Jaguar Jungle," which gives visitors an insight into the natural habitats of South America. In addition to these big cats, there are also penguins, red pandas, anacondas, sloths, lemurs, meerkats, camels, zebras, and tapirs, to name a few.
Future of conservation at Hertfordshire Zoo
In addition to wildlife, the Hertfordshire Zoo offers a variety of attractions that appeal to families. The "World of Dinosaurs" is one of the largest animatronic dinosaur adventure trails in the UK, with over 40 life-size, moving, and roaring dinosaurs that transport visitors back to prehistoric times. For children, there are numerous play areas, including "Tumble Jungle" – an indoor soft play area – "Boulders Beach" with a large paddling pool, as well as several outdoor adventure playgrounds. Other highlights include the "Rex Express" train that travels through the park and the "On Safari Adventure Golf," a themed mini-golf course that provides fun for all ages. The zoo also houses the National Speedway Museum, appealing to motorsport enthusiasts and providing an interesting contrast to nature.
Innovative habitats for exotic animals
A key aspect of the Hertfordshire Zoo is its commitment to conservation and education. As a charity, the revenue from visits and experiences goes directly towards the protection of endangered species, both locally and globally. The zoo participates in over 90 European and international breeding programs and works closely with its sister organization, the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent. Visitors can take part in over 20 different animal experiences, including the famous "Feed a Big Cat," where you can feed an Amur tiger up close, as well as encounters with meerkats, lemurs, or reptiles. These experiences are not only exciting but also educational, providing insights into animal care and conservation. Daily keeper talks and feedings complement the offering, making the zoo a place where knowledge about wildlife and sustainability is shared.
Attractions for families at Hertfordshire Zoo
The design of the zoo places a strong emphasis on naturalistic habitats that provide animals with generous and enriched living spaces. Visitors often praise the opportunity to get up close to animals like lions, tigers, and jaguars through glass panels, creating an intense experience without compromising the safety or well-being of the animals. The zoo strives to be accessible, with wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities, and offers free parking, making the visit more comfortable. Various dining options, from restaurants overlooking the tigers to themed food stands, complete the experience.
The Hertfordshire Zoo is also culturally present, as since 2020 the CBBC series "One Zoo Three" has been filmed here, featuring three brothers – Aaron, Tyler, and Cam Whitnall – who work at the zoo and report on animal care. This connection to the media world has made the zoo known to a wider audience and underscores its role as a family attraction.
