Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a
listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970.
The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds,
reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals
to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of
wildlife; to understand what is special about each species, and how the various
species have evolved over very long periods of time, adjusting to survive in
habitats from many parts of the earth.
The Park offers a fascinating collection of animals. Many are endangered in
the I.U.C.N.’s (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red Data
Books; others are still relatively numerous in the wild, but offer and
educational encounter of value.
Animal Areas
The Park is divided into four sections each with its own team of keepers to
care for the animals in those areas.
The East Section is responsible for all the animals within the Walled Garden
area which comprises various small mammals and bird species, including Penguins
and Meerkats. The Scimitar-horned Oryx and Llamas along the entrance drive of
the Park are also included in this section.
The South Section covers a larger area of the Park and includes all the
larger animals; big cats, Rhino, camels etc. They also have a collection of owl
aviaries and a stunning group of Chilean Flamingos.
The West Section covers the Children’s Farm area and Walk-through with
Brazilian Tapir, White-lipped Peccary and Wolves.
Lastly the Herpetology Section includes the Reptile and Insect Houses where
you can see a variety of species including Morelet’s Crocodile, large
Reticulated Pythons, Leaf-cutter Ants and Tarantulas.
Gardens
From ancient Oaks to vibrant exotic planting, from traditional borders to
contemporary prairie style schemes, the gardens at the Park are quite special
and are rapidly becoming known by garden lovers.
Indeed, the Heyworth family together with Head Gardener Tim Miles and his
gardening team are constantly seeking to improve and develop the gardens.
The Park has become well known for its exotic planting, particularly in the
favourable microclimate of the Walled Garden where Bananas and Cannas are a
speciality.
Around and within animal exhibits a naturalistic style of planting, which
suggests the animal’s habitat, is increasingly being adopted. For example, you
will view the endangered Amur Leopards through and within a forest setting,
whilst at the other extreme the Meerkats inhabit an arid environment.
Opening Times
The Park is open everyday throughout the year (except 25th December) from
10am.
Last admissions between March and September are at 16.30; October and
February 15.30 pm.
During BST (British Summer Time) all visitors and cars etc
to leave Park by 6pm. (5pm from October - February)
Groups
Organisations like Brownies and Cubs, or large parties, may be interested in
our Group Rates. Groups must consist of 20 or more paying persons and should be
booked in advance whenever possible. To book please call 01993 823006.
Companies may be interested in our corporate events, and Groups of
Horticulturists in our Gardeners Group Visits.
Cotswold Wildlife Park was featured in a television six part documentary in 2008 called Parklife .