Exmoor Zoo
A contact-oriented zoo in North Devon featuring rare animals like the Shoebill Stork, big cats, and red pandas, with engaging handling experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Exmoor Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A contact-oriented zoo in North Devon featuring rare animals like the Shoebill Stork, big cats, and red pandas, with engaging handling experiences.
"Exmoor Zoo stands out as the best, offering a wonderful day out full of memorable experiences."
💰 Use Tesco Vouchers
Save money on tickets by using Tesco Clubcard vouchers for great value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The zoo is compact but involves walking; wear comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Shoebill Stork
Aviary
Witness Abou, the UK's only Shoebill Stork, a prehistoric-looking bird with an impressive beak.
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Big Cat Encounters
Enclosures
Marvel at the powerful presence of leopards, pumas, cheetahs, and lynx.
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Maned Wolf Pups
Enclosures
See the rare and unique maned wolf, a fox-like canid with long legs.
Red Panda Twins
Enclosures
Adorable red panda cubs, Shifumi and Pan, are a delightful sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Value and Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Use Tesco Vouchers
Save money on tickets by using Tesco Clubcard vouchers for great value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The zoo is compact but involves walking; wear comfortable shoes.
📅 Check Talk Schedules
Plan your visit around daily animal talks for an enriched experience.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture unique shots of rare animals like the Shoebill and Cacomistle.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Use Tesco Vouchers
Save money on tickets by using Tesco Clubcard vouchers for great value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The zoo is compact but involves walking; wear comfortable shoes.
📅 Check Talk Schedules
Plan your visit around daily animal talks for an enriched experience.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture unique shots of rare animals like the Shoebill and Cacomistle.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Nature Walk
Don't miss the short, tranquil nature walk for a serene escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Exmoor Zoo for its friendly staff, well-cared-for animals, and engaging experiences. Many highlight the unique species like the Shoebill Stork and the zoo's commitment to conservation. While some enclosures are noted as varying in size, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and animal lovers.
"We had a brilliant day out at Exmoor Zoo and would highly recommend it to families and visitors of all ages. The range of animals is fantastic, and we were able to see them all during our visit. They all appeared well cared for and happy in their enclosures, which was lovely to see. The zoo is also very inclusive, with excellent accessibility features, including widgets with images to help those with SEND communicate and engage more easily with the experience. This thoughtful touch made the visit even more enjoyable and welcoming.
The staff were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always happy to help with any questions. Another highlight was the short nature walk, which takes only around 15 minutes but is very peaceful and definitely worth doing. It’s a great way to enjoy the surroundings beyond the animal enclosures. Overall, Exmoor Zoo offered us a wonderful day out full of memorable experiences, we would definitely return!"
Hannah Ryan
"Great place to see some pretty awesome and rare animals and birds. The only shoebill in the country and she didn't disappoint. The panther, the puma, the cheetahs, all amazing. The wolves and other dogs are just brilliant to see.
There was plenty of parking on arrival. The facilities within the park were fine. The wee cafe was OK, the not the greatest , and neither the worst. There was animal handling and informative shows at various points throughout the day. Which were well worth attending. All in all, it was a great day."
Stuart
"Used my tesco vouchers which made it super great value. So many great animals and although really hot weather I think we managed to see all of them. We were expecting to be there a couple of hours as we got there mid afternoon but 3 hrs went by so quickly and you could easily make a whole day of it. Definitely recommend, my 12 yr old love it and my 16 yr old surprisingly really enjoyed it too. Highly recommended for all ages"
Debs Thomo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Exmoor Zoo is located in North Devon. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available on-site. If using public transport, you may need to combine bus routes with a taxi for the final leg of your journey. Check local bus schedules for services to the nearby area.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Exmoor Zoo, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While possible, reaching Exmoor Zoo solely by public transport can be challenging. It's advisable to check local bus routes and consider a taxi for the last part of your journey.
The postcode for Exmoor Zoo is EX32 7NQ.
Exmoor Zoo is known for its excellent accessibility features, with smooth paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exmoor Zoo typically opens daily, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times, as these can vary seasonally.
Ticket prices can vary, but visitors often find great value by using Tesco Clubcard vouchers. Check the Exmoor Zoo website for current admission prices and any special offers.
It is recommended to check the Exmoor Zoo website for online ticket purchasing options. This can sometimes offer convenience and potential discounts.
Visitors have reported using Tesco Clubcard vouchers for significant savings. Keep an eye on the Exmoor Zoo website and local deal sites for potential discount vouchers.
Information on group discounts is usually available on the Exmoor Zoo website. It's advisable to contact the zoo directly for specific group rates and booking information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exmoor Zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including big cats like leopards and pumas, the unique Shoebill Stork, maned wolves, red pandas, marmosets, lemurs, and various other mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Yes, Exmoor Zoo offers animal handling experiences and daily informative talks, which are highly recommended by visitors.
Exmoor Zoo is very family-friendly, with a play park and inclusive features like communication widgets for SEND visitors. Children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, tend to enjoy their visit. +1
The 'Exmoor Beast' refers to the black leopard at Exmoor Zoo, which has thrilled visitors with its powerful presence.
Yes, a clear and easy-to-follow map is provided to help visitors navigate the zoo grounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Exmoor Zoo that offers a selection of lunch items. While not gourmet, it's considered reasonable and adequate by visitors. +1
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy within the zoo grounds, though specific policies should be confirmed.
For more extensive dining options, you would likely need to travel to nearby towns like Barnstaple or South Molton, which offer a wider range of restaurants and cafes.
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of a cafe and the general nature of zoos suggest that picnic areas may be available. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
The cafe is described as 'OK' and 'reasonable,' offering basic lunch items. It's not considered high cuisine but serves its purpose for a day out. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Shoebill Stork, big cats (leopards, pumas), maned wolves, and red pandas offer fantastic photographic opportunities due to their unique appearances and behaviors.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always wise to check for any specific rules regarding flash photography or professional shoots.
Mornings and late afternoons can be ideal as animals are often more active during these cooler parts of the day. Overcast days can also provide softer lighting for photography.
Exmoor Zoo is designed so visitors can get quite close to many animals without disturbing them, offering excellent opportunities for clear photographs.
A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm) is useful for capturing animals from a distance, while a wider lens can be good for enclosure shots. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using Tesco Clubcard vouchers to make your family day out even more affordable.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the cafe offers refreshments, bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money on food.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The zoo's design allows for relatively close viewing distances, providing excellent opportunities for capturing detailed shots. Consider bringing a versatile zoom lens to get the best of both close-ups and wider enclosure views.The maned wolf and red panda cubs are also highly photogenic subjects, offering chances to capture rare and endearing moments.
+1 Overcast days can be beneficial for softer lighting, and early mornings or late afternoons often see animals at their most active. Remember to check for any specific rules regarding flash photography to ensure the well-being of the animals while you capture stunning images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Shoebill Stork
+2 This magnificent bird, scientifically known as Balaeniceps rex, is characterized by its enormous, shoe-shaped bill, which it uses to hunt fish and amphibians. Its prehistoric appearance has captivated visitors, with many describing it as both majestic and imposing. The zoo's commitment to conservation is highlighted by its participation in breeding programs for this species, with only a limited number in captivity worldwide. Seeing Abou is often cited as a highlight of any visit to Exmoor Zoo.The Shoebill's unique hunting technique involves standing motionless for extended periods before striking with incredible speed. While they may appear stoic, their presence is undeniably captivating. Visitors often spend considerable time observing Abou, marveling at its size and distinctive features. The zoo provides information about the Shoebill's natural habitat in East African swamps and its conservation status, adding an educational layer to the viewing experience.
For photographers, the Shoebill offers a challenging yet rewarding subject. Its large size and distinctive profile make for striking images, especially when captured in natural light. The zoo's enclosure is designed to provide a good vantage point, allowing visitors to appreciate this rare and remarkable bird up close.
Conservation Efforts at Exmoor Zoo
These animals, often mistaken for wolves, are actually more akin to large foxes on stilts and have evolved to thrive in the Patagonian grasslands. Their presence at Exmoor Zoo highlights the zoo's role in preserving biodiversity.Another example of their commitment is the arrival of Bagheera, a female black leopard, who joined the zoo as part of an exchange program.
Leopards are classified as vulnerable, and melanistic leopards, like Bagheera, are rare, typically found in denser forest habitats. The zoo's efforts to house and potentially breed these animals contribute to the global conservation of the species. Similarly, the presence of the Shoebill Stork, one of only eight in captivity for breeding, underscores Exmoor Zoo's importance in safeguarding rare avian populations. Beyond breeding programs, Exmoor Zoo emphasizes education and awareness. Through daily talks and animal handling experiences, keepers share vital information about the animals' natural behaviors, habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild. This approach aims to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and inspire visitors to support conservation efforts. The zoo's thoughtful enclosure designs, which mimic natural environments, also contribute to the animals' well-being and provide visitors with a more authentic viewing experience.
Family-Friendly Features
The zoo also goes the extra mile to be inclusive, featuring widgets with images to help visitors with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) communicate and engage more effectively with the zoo experience.
Educational talks are scheduled throughout the day, offering opportunities for children to learn about the animals in an interactive way.
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