4 Top Zoos to Visit in Kent

Wildife parks and zoos are essential to the conservation and protection of wildlife from across the globe. By visiting one of Kent’s fantastic animal attractions, you will support and fund vital conservation work internationally. Here’s a list of some of the best wildlife parks to visit in Kent that aid conservation and will also give you a fabulous day out with your family this summer:

1) Howletts Wild Animal Park, Canterbury. Howletts Wild Animal Park is one of Aspinall's award winning parks committed to the conservation, breeding, and reintroduction of rare and endangered animals. The park is home to 390 animals, including the only giant anteaters in Kent and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK. 

Not only is Howletts packed full of beautiful creatures, you can also discover a forest full of Ice Age animals on your adventures around the park. A firm favourite with children, these prehistoric creatures make Howletts a roaring success!

2) Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, Lympne near Hythe. Port Lympne is home to over 700 species of rare animals and has the largest herd of endangered black rhino in the UK. Port Lympe is home to over 900 animals which includes Kent’s only spectacled bears. Included in the price of your ticket you will be able to enjoy a fantastic safari experience and get up close to some of nature's most beautiful creatures. You will also discover dinosaurs aplenty in the woods, perfect for little explorers!

If that wasn’t enough, the park has a variety of safari themed accommodation for the perfect summer staycation and a luxury hotel serving afternoon tea and a host of other dining experiences. Port Lympne truly is a wonderful place to visit in Kent with something for everyone.

3) Wingham Wildlife Park, Canterbury. The park is described as Kent’s fastest growing zoo and has an array of animal species to enjoy including tigers, wolves, and Kent’s only troop of chimpanzees!

Wingham Wildlife Park is home to an array of prehistoric creatures in the dinosaur zoo, a fantastic reptile house and a new bug garden! You can also find an indoor and outdoor play areas to help your children burn off some energy! You will also be able to view interesting animal artefacts in the Natural History Museum.

In fact, there is so much to do at Wingham Wildlife Park you will need to return again and again to experience everything it has to offer!

4) Wildwood Trust, Herne Bay. Wildwood is home to British species of wildlife, past and present and is situated in 40 acres of ancient woodland. Visitors can discover native species of bears, wolves, bison, deer, owls, foxes, red squirrels, wild boar, lynx, wild horses, badgers and beavers plus many more. 

Wildwood Trust advertise that they are “dedicated to protecting, conserving and rewilding Britain’s wildlife. Wildwood Trust has taken part in many ground-breaking conservation programmes to date, which include, saving the water vole, using wild horses to help restore Kent’s most precious nature reserves, bringing the extinct European beaver back to Britain and returning the hazel dormouse & red squirrel to areas where they have been made extinct.” So, this is definitely a place to visit to feel like you are giving something back to nature, whilst having a great day out with your family and friends in the stunning Garden of England.