Which Zoo/Safari Park?

Which Zoo/Safari Park?
09-06-2009

Hi there, i'm looking for a bit advice for going to a zoo/safari park down in the south east, which of these would people recommend?

I've been to all of them as a child, but can't really remember which was which or which I enjoyed more. This is for a group of about 8-10 of us all late teens or early 20's for a full day out, not a romantic couply thing.

Paradise Wildlife Park
Woburn Safari Park
Whipsnade Animal Park
London Zoo

It's very difficult to figure out what the difference is between them just from the websites and brochures (other than London Zoo obviously which isn't a park in the same way as the others).

Whipsnade and Woburn look like they're probably better. Obviously I want to avoid one which is very child orientated, more suitable for big children

We don't mind alot of walking or big grounds, as we're hoping it will be a nice day.

Any suggestions or recommendations?

Also, Colchester Zoo has been recommended, but that's twice the distance (a little over an hour away compared to half an hour away), is it so good that it's worth it?

09-06-2009

I'd suggest Whipsnade.

It's not particularly child-orientated so it would be ok for your age groups and it has most of the "popular animals" (elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, chimps etc). It is massive though so be prepared for some walking (or you could take your car in for an extra fee).

09-06-2009

Thanks for the advice, am I right in thinking Whipsnade doesn't let you drive around and have the animals climb all over your car (monkey's etc), but Woburn does?

09-06-2009

Whipsnade has a drive through Asian deer enclosure, apart from that you have to get out of the car to se the exhibits properly. There is no car access to the penguins or hippos at Whipsnade.

09-06-2009

Yes, that's right. Woburn is a drive-through safari park (with other walk around areas as well), whereas at Whipsnade you can park your car and walk around the park (apart from the drive-in part already mentioned).

I have been to both this year and would say that Whipsnade is probably most suitable for you

09-06-2009

Thanks alot for the help. Has anyone ever been to the "Zoo Nights" at Whipsnade? I was planning on going on Friday 3rd July and it's a lucky coincidence that the Zoo Nights is on the same day, however you have to pay a second entrance fee for it, would anyone recommend it as being worth the extra fee?

10-06-2009

if i were you, stuff them and go to port lympne, but other than that go whipsnade

10-06-2009

However Rob wants to visit a place that is reasonably close to his location. PL would be about an hour and a half away (according to Google maps) whereas Whipsnade is only half an hour away

10-06-2009

Ay, location is quite important. But if you can offer an exceptional reason as to why Port Lympne would be better, i'd be all ears.

10-06-2009

Biggest collection of black rhino in captivity, anywhere.

Malay Tapirs

Biggest Gorillaarium (palace of the apes)

Sifaka

African Expericane

Barbary Lions

2 tiger subspecies

Clouded leopards

snow leopards

cheetah

bison

pure water buffalo

massive deer park

elephant breeding santuary

loads of small cats

african and asian wild dogs

wolves

10-06-2009

Just my opinion but Paradise would be bottom of my list compared to the others. A good collection but the smallest of your list and would be hard to spend a full day unless everyone in the group is a zoo freak. Probably the most kid orientated with playground and paddling pool from memory.

10-06-2009

Whipsnade would certainly be my choice, Its breathtaking place in the evening when seeing the lions on their hill looking over to the Oryx and the white rhinos etc.Its a very peaceful place and houses loads of animals including most big species.
Definately worth a visit and i agree with Cat-Man Port Lympne is also worth a visit and so is Howletts its sister park which i found quite a bit better
All include the big animals Ele's,Tigers,Rhinos etc but if you like primates and cats Howletts and Port Lympne are good for you!

10-06-2009

The biggest black rhino collection outside of Africa shared between Howletts and Port Lympne, its not just Port Lympne.

The African experience is a good trip, but it is an extra charge. It basically takes you around a large field home to various African hoofstock, it is worth a visit.

There is no Elephant breeding sanctuary yet, they are planning to set one up.

11-06-2009

no, they have already set one up, just no breeding as of now

11-06-2009

Whipsnade I think (we are going Saturday again lol)

Woburn is very good to but not good if you are all in separate cars etc

I also enjoyed London but was a bit to crowded after the vast expanse of Whipsnade

Paradise have some (dare I say it) white lion cubs at the moment and the snow leopard is due to give birth any day as well as the jaguar (? I have been told) although Paradise is not such a 'full' day out as Whipsnade or the others.