Zoos and Wildlife Parks

All Year Round

The Dorset area may be famous for its Jurassic Coast, fossils and castles to name but a few things but a visit to the zoo or a wildlife park is undoubtedly popular with the younger members of the family and always helps bring out the child in all of us.

With the possibility of spending the day with Apes, Swans or Sea Life – the choice is entirely up to you!

Here is just a selection:

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre – With over 240 primates of 16 different species it is the largest ape and monkey rescue centre in the world. Set in 65 Acre it is open every day except Christmas.

Oceanarium – an opportunity to explore the ocean and come face to face with lots of magnificent creatures in this underwater adventure.

Abbotsbury Swannery – Walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. Mass feeding of over 600 swans takes place twice a day. From mid-May to late June visitors can be witnesses to hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatching from their eggs.

Weymouth Sea Life Park & Marine Sanctuary – With more than 1000 creatures including giant crabs, sea dragons, crocs, penguins, seals and otters.

Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park – a chance to meet and stroke Ben and Jerry the Alpacas from Peru or Holly the miniature Shetland to name but a few of the animals kept here.