Opening Times

Hours of Opening:
April to October: Gates open at 9.30am, last admission at 5.00pm, Zoo closes at 6.00pm
November to March: Gates open at 9.30am, last admission at 4.00pm, Zoo closes at 5.00pm
Closed Christmas Day

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a marvellous living resource. Nothing can replace the excitement and wonder of looking closely at a live animal. Look at its size, its colour, its movement......... Listen to it, smell it ....... .......... a living lesson! The excitement and wonder of learning about animals through close contact cannot be replaced by video or television and is hard to reproduce in the classroom. We hope we can inspire future generations to act in a positive way to help preserve wild animals in their natural habitat. All of our resources have been designed to cover aspects of the National Curriculum, so a visit is really invaluable. There are lots to learn out in the Zoo too. Chimp Encounter: Our live presenter will introduce members of the chimpanzee family to zoo visitors. This zoonique presentation enables visitors to encounter chimpanzees and learn about their life in the wild through an audio visual presentation (at the chimpanzee enclosure). Our Bird Show is designed to show the differences between bird species and the Sea Lion Feeding & Training sessions offer a chance to find out more about our fascinating Sea Lions. There is an opportunity to talk to the keepers involved and ask them questions. These sessions are well worth watching and can enhance follow-up work back at school / college.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

The services of the Education Department come at no extra charge to your visit. The schoolroom can seat a maximum of 30 and is full of interesting and educational displays, including crocodile skins, turtles, lion’s foot....... The department has its own collection of animals which are used in the teaching sessions to bring the subjects alive!

What are the activities?

Vast walk around the exhibits, Children’s Farm, Sea Lion Feeding and Training Shows, Chimp Encounters, Bird Shows & Penguin Parade and optional Learning Sessions linked to the National Curriculum with the chance to meet some live animals. These must be booked prior to visiting the zoo.

What is the age range of the activities?

All ages and abilities from nursery to KS4 and College and University.

Sample programme of the activities:

Learning Sessions:
1. Classification
Covers vertebrates and invertebrates with a chance to meet some of the animals in the Education Centre and find out to which animal group they belong.
2. Habitats and Adaptations
Find out about different types of habitats in the world and where the animals in the zoo come from and a chance to meet some live animals.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

Education resource packs and self guided trails available at all levels in English and Welsh to purchase. Clip boards and pencils for doing any worksheets.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

No maximum or minimum sizes for group visits to zoo but maximum of 30 for each Learning Session (more than one session can be booked to cater for larger numbers). To qualify for group rates there should be 15 or more in the group and there is one free place for a teacher for every ten paying children.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Risk assessments are available on request and are sent out with the education resource and booking pack, or teachers are welcome to come on a pre visit in order to conduct their own risk assessment.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes. Group leaders are most welcome to visit the Zoo free of charge and discuss their visit with the Education Officer. Just telephone the Education Department on 01492 532938 to arrange your pre-visit.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Catering facilities are available all year round either at Café Safari or the Flagstaff Café. The Sweet Shop is open during the main summer season. There are a number of picnic areas situated around the Zoo grounds. Also, the Zoo’s gift shop, The Trading Post, is situated by the car park and sells numerous gifts and souvenirs.

Is specific clothing required?

As a vast amount of the site is primarily outdoors, it is suggested that clothing apt to weather conditions should be worn.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes, first aid is available on site at both the Zoo office and at the Trading Post Shop.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

All visitors are extremely welcome to take their own photographs during their visit to the Zoo. However, with regards to images and information that are both on the website and in the guidebook, permission should be sought before using these materials.