The South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, UK, is a captivating destination that offers a unique and engaging experience for families and children. With a wide range of animal encounters, interactive feeding sessions, and educational talks, this zoo provides a fun-filled day out for visitors of all ages.
Accessibility and Safety at the South Lakes Zoo
The South Lakes Safari Zoo is designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the zoo’s offerings. However, it’s important to note that wheelchair or mobility scooter hire is not available on-site. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly and bring their own assistive devices if needed.
For the safety and well-being of all guests, the zoo has implemented several important rules and regulations. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited within the zoo premises. Additionally, dogs are not allowed, ensuring a comfortable and pet-free environment for visitors.
Unattended children are not permitted, and all visitors must adhere to the zoo’s health and safety guidelines. This includes following the interactive feeding safety advice and utilizing the recycling points provided throughout the zoo.
Engaging Animal Encounters at the South Lakes Zoo
One of the highlights of the South Lakes Safari Zoo is the opportunity to interact with and feed various animal species. The zoo is home to four endangered lemur species from Madagascar, and visitors can participate in scheduled lemur feeding times, which can be pre-booked online or purchased at the admissions desk.
In addition to the lemur feeding, the zoo offers a variety of other interactive experiences, including:
- Big cat hand feeding
- Primate lunch
- Teddy bear’s picnic
- Red panda chat
- Tapir talk and snack time
- Giant otter talk and feeding
These engaging activities allow visitors to get up close and personal with the zoo’s diverse animal residents, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Family Admission and Additional Experiences
The South Lakes Safari Zoo offers a family admission ticket, which covers the entry of a maximum of two adults and two children for £25, valid until September 30th, 2022. These tickets are non-refundable and cannot be extended. Additional visitors beyond the two-adult, two-child limit will be charged separately.
In addition to the standard zoo admission, the South Lakes Safari Zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in unique experiences. One such experience is the “Meet the Sloth” activity, where guests can join the sloth keeper to meet Stanley, the zoo’s resident sloth, face-to-face. Participants will have the chance to prepare Stan’s favorite snacks and learn about his habits and behaviors.
This experience is limited to visitors aged seven years and older, and children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests are restricted to one “Meet the Sloth” experience per day, with a maximum group size of four.
Visitor Reviews and Ratings
The South Lakes Safari Zoo has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors, with many praising the zoo’s well-maintained facilities, diverse animal collection, and engaging educational programs.
One visitor commented, “The South Lakes Safari Zoo is a fantastic day out for the whole family. The animals are well-cared for, and the interactive feeding sessions are a real highlight. We loved getting up close with the lemurs and learning about their conservation efforts.”
Another reviewer noted, “The zoo is clean, well-organized, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. The ‘Meet the Sloth’ experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that our kids absolutely adored.”
Overall, the South Lakes Safari Zoo has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike, offering a unique and memorable experience that combines education, conservation, and pure enjoyment.
Conclusion
The South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, UK, is a true gem for families and children seeking a fun-filled and educational day out. With its diverse animal collection, interactive feeding sessions, and unique experiences, the zoo provides a captivating and immersive encounter with the natural world. Whether you’re looking to get up close with lemurs, learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts, or simply enjoy a day of family-friendly adventure, the South Lakes Safari Zoo is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.