South Lakes Safari Zoo

Located in the Barrow peninsula, the South Lakes Safari Zoo has been hitting the headlines in recent years for all the wrong reasons. Thankfully, that dark period of the zoo’s history is now behind them.

Under a new management team staffed by a dedicated group of former zoo employees, the zoo underwent a complete transformation in late 2017 and throughout 2018. New enclosures were created that were better suited for the needs of the animals that live here and animal numbers were reduced slightly to facilitate this.

The public have been given greater access to the inner workings of the zoo, ensuing better transparency. The zoo is once more able to provide a magical day out for the family whilst maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

Things To See

Once you have entered into the zoo, you can walk through a large open space that is filled with animals roaming freely. These include lemurs, kangaroos, and monkeys. For an additional fee, you can purchase a bag of animal food that you can give to some of the animals as you encounter them.

The zoo is home to a collection of big cats that are kept in large enclosures, including a Sumatran Tiger, an extremely rare breed that is critically endangered. Other big cats include lions, leopards, and jaguars.

Other mammals on display include giraffes that can be fed by visitors, wolves, rhinoceros, bears, zebra, and tapirs, as well as smaller species, such as otters and foxes. You can walk through large aviaries that are home to exotic birds, such as parrots and flamingos, and the traditional zoo favourite – the penguin – can be found in abundance. There are also plenty of marsupials and primates to see.

Useful Information

There is a large restaurant serving classic British cuisine and snacks, and during peak months, there is an additional kiosk serving hot and cold snacks, drinks, and ice creams. Picnics are not permitted inside the zoo, but visitors can exit the attraction at any time to eat a picnic in the their car before returning back to the zoo.

There is a gift shop selling a range of souvenirs including clothing and toys – the proceeds of which go towards the zoo’s conservation efforts. The zoo is wheelchair accessible throughout – although there are a number of steep inclines.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day. Special group rates are available and during the winter months the zoo offers discounted rates and daily specials, including free entry for local residents.

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