South Lakes Safari Zoo, located in Lindal in Furness, Cumbria, England, is a wildlife park that houses over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals. The zoo offers various animal feeding experiences, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of species.
Hands-on Animal Feeding Experiences
Hand-feed Big Cats
Visitors aged 7 and above can join a big cat keeper to get up close and personal with one or all of the resident big cats, such as Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, African Lions, Jaguars, or Canada Lynxes. This experience allows participants to hand-feed these majestic creatures under the guidance of experienced keepers.
Red Panda Experience
This interactive meet, greet, and feed session allows visitors to get face-to-face with Red Pandas. The experience includes park entry, an introductory briefing, and the opportunity to hand-feed the pandas.
Sloth Encounter
Visitors can meet Stanley, the zoo’s sloth, face-to-face and help prepare his favorite snacks. They may even have the opportunity to hand-feed him.
Kordofan & Rothschild Giraffe Experience
This experience offers insights into giraffe care and allows visitors to meet the resident giraffes up close. Participants learn about their diets and personalities while helping with the feeding regime.
Rhino Encounter
Visitors can join a Rhino Keeper for a close encounter with the White Rhino, including the opportunity to hand-feed them with specially chosen nutritional snacks.
Group and School Visits
South Lakes Safari Zoo offers discounted admission for groups of 15 or more paying visitors booked in advance, as well as meal voucher discounts and free coach parking. A booking pack, including health and safety information, feeding times, and a park map, is emailed upon booking.
Planning Your Visit
The zoo is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission at 4:00 pm. Admission prices vary, with discounts available for advance online bookings.
Feeding Times
The zoo’s feeding times are as follows:
| Animal | Feeding Time |
|---|---|
| Big Cats | 2:00 pm |
| Red Pandas | 11:00 am |
| Sloths | 1:00 pm |
| Giraffes | 12:00 pm |
| Rhinos | 3:00 pm |
It’s important to note that feeding times may be subject to change, so visitors are advised to check the zoo’s website or inquire at the entrance for the most up-to-date information.
Accessibility
South Lakes Safari Zoo is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors. The zoo has designated disabled parking spaces, accessible pathways, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Visitors with special needs are encouraged to contact the zoo in advance to discuss any specific requirements.
Sustainability and Conservation
The zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts, with a focus on protecting endangered species. Visitors can learn about the zoo’s sustainability initiatives and how their visit contributes to these important efforts.
Conclusion
South Lakes Safari Zoo’s animal feeding experiences offer a unique and unforgettable opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or a school group seeking an educational adventure, the zoo’s feeding experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression.