African Village . 7th October 2010 .

Almost complete with Cameroon Sheep and Pygmy Goat in residence . Shredded bark was being laid for the paths .

That looks okay, possibly one of more ambitious things they've built?

1. How do you rate this place compared to Folly Farm?

2. How far apart are they?

3. Which in your opinion has the more potential longterm as an animal collection?

4. Do you think FF having amusements means they draw more visitors than MH?

There are 2 major players in the tourism market in South Pembrokeshire - Oakwood a Leisure Park with major roller-coasters and other rides , this mostly caters for older children/ teenagers ; Folly Farm caters more for younger children , with its many attractions , it is much cheaper than Oakwood and certainly excellent value for families . Both establishments offer burgers , fizzy drinks etc. , the usual mass-market provision . These and Manor House are all within 10 miles of each other . Opposite Manor House is Heatherton a multi-sports centre with a vast number of different options - fast go-carts , paint-ball , pitch and putt and 'Pirates' golf , maize maze etc. There is also a Dinosaur Park just down the road so there is plenty of competition .

Manor House WP seems to be trying to position itself as being slightly more up-market with decent food and drink on offer in the Manor House , interesting educational panels with linked children's activities . But it is also more expensive to enter and for refreshments . It does seem to be forced to do new attractions 'on the cheap' and very rustic , as opposed to the solid new animal exhibits at Folly Farm . Manor House will never get anything like the number of visitors that Oakwood and Folly Farm achieve as it is a much smaller establishment . It could be a very good small Zoo as its has a very attractive setting but to achieve this would be very expensive and probably not sensible if a return on your investment was expected .

I like the way that Folly Farm's zoo is developing , common species are being replaced by some interesting new ones , with decent new enclosures every year . The Zoo has to compete with other areas of the attraction for new investment but the owners do seem to be showing a commitment to it . Nothing about the collection at Manor House excites me , there are very few species on show , the most spectacular the American Bison have gone - I personally think they are a better exhibit for 'Joe Public' than White Rhinos .

Thanks Bele- very interesting appraisal. It sounds as if Folly Farm may have the edge in the longterm as they have more cash to put into their projects.

I thought Manor House getting rid of their Bison was a bad move- there is so much that can be made of these impressive animals regarding their history and near extinction in the USA, yet they seem to be treated as 'semi-domestics' nowadays.