Peak Wildlife Park

In Brief.

Peak Wildlife Park is a compact Zoo in the countryside in Staffordshire. Featuring a variety of birds and mammals, most of which are small and unthreatening; a distinctive feature is that there are quite a few walkthroughs, for example allowing visitors to share a space with the penguins and the very tame wallabies (if not the Polar Bears!).

A wallaby with joey.

What's Here?

The Peak Wildlife Park is a green space, traversed by paths that pass enclosures that host a variety of species, from Polar Bears to Tortoises. As many of the species are quite small, they often seem to be close by, whereas in some zoos with larger animals that need bigger enclosures, the animals can seem quite far away ... though I never saw the red squirrels even though you can walk through their enclosure.

The animals and enclosures seem to be in good condition, and there is more information provided about the individual species than is sometimes the case. For me, the highlight of the day was the wallabies. You can purchase food for the wallabies on entry, and their walkthrough space allows close contact with the visitors. As reflected by the photograph, there were also plenty joeys peeking out from their mothers' pouches. There are also talks throughout the day from keepers.

Meerkats on the lookout.

Though there are formidable polar bears, this is not a zoo to match the scale and variety of Chester Zoo or the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. However, the more compact size perhaps encourages a more leisurely visit, spending a bit more time with each species rather than dashing on to see what else there is around the corner.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 39 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 15 minutes

Price: $$$

Parking: There is a visitor carpark.

Food and Drink: There are several eateries; one was open in my March weekday visit, providing a decent carrot cake and tea with a view of the Polar Bears.

Retail therapy: Many cuddly animals are available for adoption.

Child Friendly: Yes - many small and quite accessible animals plus play areas.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2-3 hours.

Inside-Outside: 10:90

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