the safari zoo cumbria

South Lakes Safari Zoo

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SOUTH LAKES SAFARI ZOO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
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SOUTH LAKES SAFARI ZOO

For a unique wild animal experience.

South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible to experience the amazing creatures with which we share our planet. Wander amongst kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Be amazed as free-flying macaws soar overhead. Participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day.

ZOO OPENING TIMES

• 1st May – 31st July | 10am – 5pm
• August | 9.30am – 6pm
• 1st Sep – 31st Oct | 10am – 5pm
• November | 10.30am – 4pm
• Check website for Christmas opening

OUR ANIMALS

With so much to do and over 1,000 animals to meet, Cumbria’s South Lakes Safari Zoo is a BIG day out for all the family. Let’s start by introducing the animals. 

• Tigers, Lions & Big Cats are a firm favourite with visitors
• Giraffes can be hand fed during your visit 
• Our lovable Penguins can also be hand fed
• Wander amongst Lemurs, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Emu & Marmots
• Meet an array of large mammals including Rhino, Zebra & Bears
• Enter our aviary and meet the magnificent Macaws 

EAT DRINK & PLAY

Take a break from exploring and drop into one of our food outlets for a delicious bite to eat – from Traditional Hand Battered fish and chips, to pannis, toasties and burgers, ice creams and new whipped pineapple or raspberry, cold drinks, hot dogs and snacks and on some summer days we whack the barbecue out!

Picnics and other food and drink cannot be brought into the zoo but visitors can exit to the car park at any time. 

We have an expansive adventure playground for children to explore and enjoy with swings, slides, scramble nets, zip lines and animal related play equipment. The playground is located near to our refreshment venues so you can enjoy a coffee and relax whilst your children play. The adventure playground is a great way to burn off your child’s energy before you head home. 

SAFARI ZOO IMAGE GALLERY

Contact information.

Safari Zoo Melton Terrace Lindal-in-Furness Ulverston Cumbria LA12 0LU 

FREE parking available Wheelchair friendly 01229 466086 www.southlakessafarizoo.com Follow Us on Facebook Buy Tickets Online

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Postcode: LA12 0LU

Step into the wonders of South Lakes Safari Zoo, where the wilderness of the world awaits in Cumbria's heart. Experience the thrill of free-roaming animals, discover rare species, and journey through thoughtfully crafted habitats. Beyond mere observation, here, you'll dive deep into global conservation efforts and the majestic dance of nature.

Visitor information: south lakes safari zoo.

South Lakes Safari Zoo, nestled in Cumbria’s scenic landscapes, offers an immersive experience into the world of exotic wildlife.

This innovative zoo, spanning over 51 acres, champions a unique approach where many animals roam freely, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with species from around the globe.

From kangaroos hopping beside pathways to free-flying birds overhead, it’s a truly interactive experience. The zoo is home to a myriad of animals, including big cats, primates, and rare birds.

Each habitat is thoughtfully designed to replicate natural environments, ensuring the animals’ well-being while educating visitors about wildlife conservation.

Did you know?

South Lakes Safari Zoo is heavily involved in global conservation efforts, having supported over 40 conservation projects and contributed to the protection of 750,000 hectares of vital wildlife habitat globally.

Free-Roaming Animals: Experience the unique thrill of kangaroos, lemurs, and other creatures roaming freely around the zoo.

Big Cat Encounters: Marvel at the majesty of tigers, lions, and cheetahs in expansive habitats.

Exotic Bird Display: Witness free-flying birds from around the world showcasing their aerial prowess in live displays.

Interactive Feeding Times: Participate in scheduled feeding sessions, learning about animal diets and behaviours.

Conservation Efforts: Dive into the zoo’s dedicated conservation projects, understanding the importance of wildlife protection.

Educational Workshops: Attend informative sessions that delve into animal habits, characteristics, and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Adventure Play Area: Let the little ones burn off energy in the themed play zones, designed to entertain and educate.

Rare Species Showcase: Discover animals you may never have heard of, emphasizing the diversity of our planet.

Picturesque Landscapes: The zoo, set in Cumbria’s beautiful surroundings, offers panoramic views and scenic spots perfect for relaxation.

Themed Events: Throughout the year, the zoo hosts special events, from Halloween haunts to festive celebrations, enhancing the visitor experience.

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Amazing day at Cumbria Zoo / South... - South Lakes Safari Zoo

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Arrived at the car park which is very big and spacious, you assume the zoo is quite small when you... read more

I was sceptical after reading some of the reviews but we had a great time! We got Easter tickets... read more

Amazing day at Cumbria Zoo / South Lakes Safari Zoo

This was our second visit to the South Lakes Safari Zoo - now called Cumbria Zoo. We first went about 15 years ago whilst visiting the Lake District, and had an amazing experience. When we revisited this time, we stayed in Brockholes Cottages, which are owned by the new owners, and the zoo experience was included with the stay. Firstly, for the everyday visitor, the wildlife park was taken over a few years back. It had a turbulent few years prior, but the new owners have done an amazing job in upgrading the park, looking after the animals and focussing on animal protection and preservation across continents. The enclosures are spacious, clean and well maintained, and the animals look healthy and happy. The grounds have some steep slopes, which some people may struggle with. There were a couple food outlets that got very busy at lunchtime - picnics are not allowed in the park as there are free-roaming animals. There is a place that sells paninis, and another that sells fish and chips, sausage etc. Our only suggestion for improvement was perhaps more options for vegetarians - we opted to eat in the fish and chips restaurant as most of our party are not vegetarian (£9.50 of a large portion of haddock and chips), but my daughter could not eat in there - she ordered a portion of chips topped with beans and cheese, but then noticed that the chips were fried in the same oil as the fish. She had to wait until we'd eaten, then we had to take her to get a panini. There are add-ons to your day available (and these were included in our stay), including feeding and close encounters. These were well worth it - our trip included a feeding tour with a keeper prior to the park opening, and close encounter experiences with the sloth and red panda, although there were others to choose from. As well as feeding the sloth and red panda, we got to feed the giraffe, giant otter, lemurs, kangaroos, andean bears, ocelot and more. The trip was so good, we've already rebooked a visit and encounters later in the year.

Visited the zoo for the 2nd time, I love the concept of the place, animals are much free-er to roam around but the catering and public toilets let it down. There were no picnics allowed, which would be okay if there were decent eateries in the place but there isn’t, as you walk in there is a cafe which sells limited overpriced pastries and overpriced drinks and there is a chip shop restaurant, we had to go outside to the car to eat our picnic was really disappointed

Need to greatly improve animal welfare. Big cats in small enclosures & pacing back and forth! Very wet conditions & animals out in mud. Baboons/rhino/zebra shelters open at the front so exposed to elements. Open spaces with no trees/shrubs/hides. Baboons shelter roof broken. One of the baby baboons appeared to have a damaged right arm & unable to use. No areas of interest for animals in their enclosures indoor or out so little stimulus for animal activity. Windows into enclosures very dirty so unable to view them. Bears enclosure thick with faeces! Some of it had been there so long it was mouldy!!!! Whole zoo in very poor state of repair. Needs immediate funding and more staff.

I booked three feeding experiences for my wife’s Christmas present, mini big cat,giant otters and red panda. Each experience was amazing and the keepers were so friendly and knowledgeable. The weather was miserable and drizzly but it didn’t prevent us from having a very enjoyable day. I would definitely recommend a visit to this zoo and if you can, book a feeding experience. I know some reviews have been rather negative but I really don’t understand why. It’s a small independently run zoo and well worth a visit.

If this place isn’t announcing closure within the next year, I’ll be amazed. We took advantage of the offer being run, which only cost us ~£8 for a family of 4, but it’s clearly their only option to get anyone through the door. It’s clear that there isn’t a penny being spent on the place. If it wasn’t for other people being present, you could easily feel like you are walking around a derelict site. One of the most depressing few hours I’ve spent in a long time. Environmental enrichment is non existent for the poor animal who have the misfortune to be housed there. Animals that ordinarily live in large groups such as meerkat and capybara are on their own. Hand feeding seems to be encouraged simply to make money, but this does not allow animals to exhibit their normal behaviours. As someone that has worked in many zoos over the years and totally supportive of the role of zoos, I can honestly say that there is no way this zoo can be claiming to benefit any animal in any way. From a visitor point of view. Blocked toilets. No hot water. No packed lunches allowed. Faded signs. Closed exhibits. Pretty appalling in every way.

We visited today and we all really enjoyed the day. The animals we seen looked healthy which makes it feel right fir us to visit. The baby loved feeding the Giraffe and the birdies

BLACK FRIDAY 2023

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