Wild Zoological Park gets set to spread its wings plus get 10% off your visit

A much-loved South Staffordshire zoo is looking to spread its wings and expand to a new site.

Family-run Wild Zoological Park says it has “outgrown” its current home at Halfpenny Green Vineyards and needs to find bigger premises in order to survive and thrive.

The zoo says it cannot sustain its overheads on the current site and has ambitious plans to grow and develop an education hub which will bring in more people, all year round.

A spokesperson for the zoo said: “With a fantastic journey and 10 cherished years based at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate under our belt, the time has come for us to look ahead.

“Wild has grown in so many ways — from the number of species we care for to the immersive education experiences we offer — and now we’re ready to take the next big step.

“Simply put we have outgrown our original home, we’re at the point where we need more space and all-weather, year-round facilities to deliver our rapidly developing educational programmes, increased capacity for our ever-growing visitor numbers and of course more space for our family of residents.

“We have already received some wonderful potential sites, offers and interest to collaborate elsewhere however our team have decided it’s right for us to go public with our search and explore all possibilities that come forward before we make a decision on WILD 2.0.

“Our new home will allow us to expand our already dedicated efforts in education and wildlife conservation, helping us to reach more students, engage more communities, and support even more species in the wild.

“We aim to build a specialist education facility where learning and conservation are embedded in every experience — a true centre of excellence for wildlife and people alike.

“One of the biggest drivers of this move is our commitment to education as well as substantially upscaling all of our animal habitats — creating larger, more enriched environments that allow for even more natural behaviours and improved animal welfare. We believe in giving our animals the very best, and this next phase will take that to the next level.

“We’re forever grateful to the Vickers family and everyone at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate for supporting us from the very beginning. It has been a privilege to grow and evolve on such a unique, family-run farm filled with natural beauty.”

The zoo, which was founded by Zac Hollinshead when he was just 23 years old, is incredibly proud of what has been achieved including world-class displays, such as the flagship Free Flight Bird Show, which is the biggest free flying bird show in the UK.

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said: “Wild Zoological Park is a valued member of the community. We have been continuously impressed with the efforts of this small, family run zoo, which keeps getting better. There is clearly a bright and exciting future ahead for the zoo”.

The zoo will continue to operate as normal until they are ready to officially begin the big move.

The zoo spokesman said: “We’re not in a rush — we’re looking for the right site, not just any site. If you know of an opportunity, have land to propose, or want to explore working with us, we’d love to hear from you.”

Summer at WILD Zoological Park

There’s lots going on at Wild Zoological Park at Halfpenny Green Vineyards all year round but the summer is the perfect time to visit as the park, which is open seven days a week, has later opening hours and lots of special events.

What makes a visit to this family run zoo extra special are the shows and animal encounters that are included in your ticket price and are NOT to be missed.

A standard ticket includes:

• Wild Wings Free Flight Bird Show. This is the UK’s biggest free-flying bird show. Old and young cannot fail to be captivated by this spectacular display where more than 100 birds from around the globe swoop and soar above your head. Look out for eagles, hawks, macaws, cockatoos, owls, vultures, kestrels, pelicans and storks.
• Wild World of Dinosaurs Show. Step back in time and discover the giants of the past in this prehistoric-themed spectacular – a dino-tastic experience for kids and adults alike! This theatrical experience features special effects, puppetry and animatronics. Come face-to-face with brachiosaurus, raptors, pterosaurs and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.
• Wild Wonders Animal Show. Meet some of the zoo’s most fascinating creatures up close as the zoo’s expert keepers showcase their amazing adaptations, personalities and behaviours.
• Bug and Reptile Show. Get closer (if you dare!) with some of the world’s most misunderstood mini-beasts and cold-blooded critters in this thrilling and educational encounter.
• There’s also lorikeet feeding, animal feeding talks, walkthrough lemur and macaw enclosures, wallaby and emu feeding and animal handling sessions.

Summer Events:

‘Ms Rachel’ at WILD –  Fri 5 September, 10.30am-2.30pm. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as one of the best Ms Rachel impersonators brings her fun-filled singing and dancing sessions to WILD Zoological Park! Includes 1-hour session with Ms Rachel and full-day admission to the zoo..

Zoo Tots at WILD! – Wednesdays at 10.30am. A brand-new interactive club for little ones (aged 2-4 years) and their parents. Your child will embark on exciting adventures, discovering animals from around the world through singing, storytelling, fun games, and hands-on encounters with their WILD animal friends! Book a 6-week block of hour-long sessions – one per week, each with a new theme.  Stay after for free zoo entry on one session day.

Special Offer: Save 10% off admission and events at Wild Zoological Park this summer by using code RARING2GO

To book visit www.wildzoo.co.uk