If you’re looking for a day that combines animal rescue, education, and fun for all ages, the Ark Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Sanctuary might just hit the spot. This review pulls together insights from visitors who have enjoyed the park’s unique approach to wildlife recovery and the variety of animals on display.
While it’s clear that many appreciate the park’s commitment to rescuing exotic animals and the chance to see species you might not find elsewhere in the UK, some reviews highlight areas for improvement — like the facilities and visitor experience.
This experience is perfect for families wanting to introduce their kids to wildlife conservation, animal lovers eager for a relaxed encounter with exotic species, or anyone interested in supporting rescue projects while enjoying a day out.
Key Points
- Family Focus: The ticket includes entry for 2 adults and 2 children, making it a convenient and cost-effective option.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation: The park’s core mission is to care for animals rescued from the exotic pet trade, offering an ethical angle to your visit.
- Engaging Shows: Daily encounter shows at 11:30 and 2:30 allow visitors to see animals up close and learn from knowledgeable staff.
- Diverse Animal Collection: Home to over 250 animals, including lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, and wild cats, many of which are rarely seen in UK zoos.
- Flexible & Self-Paced: The open schedule from 10AM to 5PM gives you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
- Value for Money: At around $54.90 for a family of four, this entry offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy a day focused on rescue animals.
Introduction: What to Expect from Your Visit
We haven’t personally wandered through Ark Wildlife Park, but our research and visitor feedback paint a picture of a welcoming and educational wildlife sanctuary. What immediately stands out is the focus on rescue and rehabilitation — a cause that resonates with many animal lovers.
Visitors love the opportunity to see unusual animals up close, especially during the daily shows, and the park’s laid-back atmosphere is a big plus, especially for families. The inclusion of indoor and outdoor play areas, plus a café, makes it suitable for a range of ages and weather conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that some visitors have found the facilities, like the café and play areas, to be in need of renovation, and this could affect the overall comfort. Still, many say the chance to encounter animals such as lemurs, meerkats, and wildcats outweighs these minor drawbacks.
If your family loves animals and supports wildlife rescue efforts, this park is likely to leave a lasting impression. It’s especially aligned with those wanting a relaxed, educational day without the crowds of a large zoo.
Looking for more options in East Midlands? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What’s Included and How It Works
The ticket grants entry for a family of four — two adults and two children aged 4-16 — at a set price of $54.90, making it an accessible way to spend quality time together. The ticket is mobile, simplifying entry and reducing wait times, especially during busy weekends or holidays.
Open every day from 10AM to 5PM, the park’s schedule allows you to arrive early or late, depending on your plans. The park’s efforts to run daily shows at specific times (11:30 and 2:30) mean you can plan your visit around these highlights — a chance to see animals in closer proximity and learn from knowledgeable staff.
Since the experience is self-guided, you get the flexibility to explore the grounds at your own pace, taking in the varied habitats and animal exhibits, from Lemur Island to the Reptile House. The park also features seasonal events, which might add extra activities or demonstrations depending on when you visit.
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
Ark Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Sanctuary
The main draw here is the variety of over 250 animals, many of which have been rescued from the exotic pet trade. The sanctuary is home to a broad collection, including macaques, lemurs, wildcats, reptiles, and farm animals. It’s not a typical zoo — the focus on rescue means many animals live in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments as closely as possible.
The daily encounter shows are a key feature, scheduled at 11:30 and 14:30. Visitors have praised the guides, with reviews highlighting how staff like the keeper (often named or noted for their knowledge) make the experience engaging. For example, one reviewer mentioned that their family particularly enjoyed cuddling and observing the social behaviors of the meerkats during a private encounter.
The park’s animal enclosures include distinct areas like Macaque Manor, Lemur Island, and the Reptile House, giving visitors a diverse view of wildlife. Some reviews mention that many animals are rarely seen in UK zoos, like the unique wildcats, which adds to the park’s value for animal enthusiasts.
Facilities and Additional Activities
The park boasts indoor and outdoor play areas, which are perfect for kids to burn off some energy and enjoy the day. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment in the condition of the play zones, noting that the deterioration of facilities like soft play areas can affect the overall experience.
The on-site café offers refreshments, but reviews suggest it has room for improvement in terms of quality and offerings. Visitors who prefer a more relaxed day often bring a picnic, especially given the mention of limited or inconsistent catering.
Seasonal Events and Special Encounters
While not specified in detail, some reviews point out seasonal events and animal encounters that enhance the visit, such as feeding sessions or keeper talks. These add an extra layer of engagement, especially for children who enjoy interactive experiences with the animals.
Visitor Feedback: What People Love & What Could Be Better
The majority of visitors appreciate the ethical focus on rescue animals, with some describing it as a place where animals are genuinely cared for. Many mention the friendly staff and knowledgeable guides, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
One review highlighted the quality of the meerkat encounters, noting that the staff like the keeper made the session very informative and fun. Another visitor loved the relaxed atmosphere and the ability to see animals up close without the hustle and bustle of larger zoos.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some express concerns about the condition of facilities, such as the deteriorating play areas and the café, which are seen as needing attention. A few visitors have been disappointed by opening hours or last-minute closures, emphasizing the importance of checking current details before visiting.
Despite these mixed comments, most agree that supporting rescue animals and seeing a variety of species makes the trip worthwhile.
Is It Good Value for Money?
At about $54.90 for a family of four, the ticket price is quite reasonable given the variety of animals and the opportunity to witness rescue stories firsthand. When compared to large zoos or theme parks, this experience offers a more intimate and meaningful encounter with wildlife.
The inclusion of daily shows and the chance to see animals up close adds value, especially for kids who may not get such access elsewhere. For families interested in conservation, the effort to rescue and care for exotic animals adds an ethical dimension to the visit, making the cost feel justified.
Considerations
While many visitors find the price fair, some mention that facilities, particularly the café and play areas, could be better maintained. This might impact overall satisfaction but doesn’t detract significantly from the core experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Check opening hours and seasonal events before your trip to maximize your experience.
- Arrive early for the 11:30 encounter show or plan to stay for the 2:30 session.
- Bring a picnic or snacks, as the café has mixed reviews and you might prefer a relaxed lunch outdoors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as some of the habitats are outdoors.
- If your children love animals, consider booking a meerkat encounter or other special sessions if available.
This park is ideal for families with young children who enjoy animals and are interested in conservation stories. It’s a budget-friendly option that combines education with fun, especially with the daily shows and animal encounters.
Animal lovers who appreciate seeing a variety of species, especially rescue animals not commonly found elsewhere, will find this park engaging. It’s also a great choice for those wanting a more relaxed, less crowded environment compared to larger zoos.
However, if you’re after top-notch facilities or a highly polished visitor experience, you might find the amenities somewhat lacking. Still, for a day focused on compassion, wildlife, and family fun, it offers a lot of value.
What animals can I expect to see at Ark Wildlife Park?
You’ll encounter over 250 animals, including lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, wildcats, farm animals, and macaques, many of which have been rescued.
Are there daily shows or demonstrations?
Yes, there are daily encounter shows at 11:30 and 2:30 that give close-up views of animals and insights from staff.
Is the ticket valid for multiple visits?
No, this ticket is non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased, so plan your day accordingly.
What facilities are available on-site?
The park has indoor and outdoor play areas, a café, and covered shelters. However, some visitors mention the play area’s condition could be better.
Can I bring my service animal?
Service animals are allowed, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
What are the opening hours?
The park is open daily from 10AM to 5PM, with specific seasonal variations checked via Google recommended.
Is this experience suitable for all ages?
Yes, the park is family-friendly and offers activities and exhibits suitable for children and adults alike.
How long should I plan for my visit?
The duration can vary from 1 to 7 hours depending on your pace, interest in shows, and whether you partake in special encounters.
Is food available on-site?
Yes, there is a café, but reviews note it’s hit-or-miss. Bringing a picnic could be a good idea, especially if you prefer a relaxed lunch.
The Ark Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Sanctuary is a worthwhile choice for families and animal enthusiasts seeking an affordable, meaningful day with rescue animals in the East Midlands. Its focus on conservation and diverse animal collection make it stand out from larger, more commercialized zoos. While the facilities could benefit from updates, the opportunity to see and learn about rescued species up close provides genuine value.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for an engaging, ethical wildlife experience that combines education, fun, and support for rescue efforts, this park fits the bill. It offers a relaxed environment where your family can discover new animals, enjoy live demonstrations, and perhaps even leave inspired to care for our planet’s creatures.