Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens With over 260 different animal species in 160 acres of parkland and gardens, with train (Apr-Oct), adventure playground, cafe and gift shop.
(26999)

Please see our website for opening times: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk.

A run from the heart: Cotswold Wildlife Park backs Diabetes UK This week, keepers and staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park an...
31/07/2026

A run from the heart: Cotswold Wildlife Park backs Diabetes UK

This week, keepers and staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens took part in the Park's first-ever 'Run for Diabetes UK', completing a seven-mile loop of the Park in support of the UK's leading diabetes charity.

The charity is one that is particularly close to the Park's heart. Several members of staff, as well as their families, have been affected by diabetes and have experienced first-hand the invaluable support Diabetes UK provides following diagnosis.

The Park's Managing Director and Curator, Jamie Craig, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years, came up with the idea for the fundraiser. He said: “The staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park were extremely proud to be able to support the work of Diabetes UK by holding our first “Run for Diabetes”. The excellent work carried out by the team at Diabetes UK is vital to the research and improvement in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes – something that affects some of the team here directly – myself included. It is extremely rewarding to be able to show that our own community at the Park can, in some small way, contribute to the excellent work carried out by this charity, and hopefully get a little fitter in the process!”.

Volunteer Animal Keeper Annabelle Hart also took part in the fundraiser. Annabelle, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of six, is a passionate supporter of Diabetes UK and serves as one of the charity's Together Type 1 Young Leaders, helping to raise awareness and support others living with the condition.

The Park's Head Groundsman, Paul Edwards, took part in honour of his father, Roy Anthony Edwards, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. Now aged 74, Roy is believed to be one of the longest-living people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK. His remarkable journey has been recognised by Diabetes UK, which has awarded him two Lawrence Medals, the most recent marking 60 years of living with Type 1 diabetes.

Cotswold Wildlife Park has pledged to match every pound raised by staff and keepers through the 'Run for Diabetes' fundraiser, doubling the amount donated to Diabetes UK and helping to support the charity’s life-changing work.


Additional information:

• Over 5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes – the highest number ever recorded.

• Around 440,000 people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes, but it is the most common type that affects children.

• Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and there is currently no cure, but Diabetes UK funds pioneering research to develop new treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.

• Diabetes UK was founded in 1934 as The Diabetic Association by novelist H.G. Wells and Dr R.D. Lawrence, both of whom lived with diabetes.

• Diabetes UK is backed by high-profile supporters including Melanie C, Alexandra Burke, Sir Steve Redgrave and Steps' Lee Latchford-Evans, who help raise awareness of diabetes.

• High-profile advocates living with Type 1 diabetes include model Lila Moss, actor James Norton, comedian Ed Gamble, former Prime Minister Theresa May and this year's Wimbledon runner-up, Alexander Zverev.

• To find out more about Diabetes UK's work or to support the charity, visit www.diabetes.org.uk.

SUMMER COOLING SPECIALSIf you're visiting the Park during the summer holidays, be sure to try our brand-new range of ref...
29/07/2026

SUMMER COOLING SPECIALS

If you're visiting the Park during the summer holidays, be sure to try our brand-new range of refreshing seasonal treats.

COOLERS

Mango & Dragonfruit Cooler
Pink Lemonade Cooler
Tropical Cooler
All coolers are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. Available from the Oaktree Restaurant, Oaktree Kiosk, Playground Kiosk, Little Africa Kiosk, and Ice Cream Wagon.

SUNDAES

Strawberry & Mango Eton Mess Sundae
Mango & Coconut Sundae
These delicious sundaes are gluten-free and vegetarian and are available from the Little Africa Kiosk.

MATCHA

Strawberry Coconut Matcha
Mango Coconut Matcha
Both matcha drinks are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan and are available from the Oaktree Restaurant.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Little Africa Kiosk – next to the Camels.
Oaktree Restaurant – near the Red Panda exhibit.
Playground Kiosk – next to the Insect and Amphibian House.
Ice Cream Wagon – opposite the Train Station entrance.

Treat yourself to one of our summer specials and enjoy a refreshing break during your visit.

LATEST VISITOR INFORMATION: With high temperatures forecast this week, visitors are advised to take the necessary precau...
27/07/2026

LATEST VISITOR INFORMATION: With high temperatures forecast this week, visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions if visiting the Park. With the hot weather continuing, we kindly ask dog owners to reconsider bringing their dogs to the Park during periods of high temperatures.

During hot spells, keepers create enrichments to help the animals stay cool and hydrated. Here's Red-Bellied Lemur Maren with a frozen treat made by Primate Keeper Sophie from blended cucumber and pear. We think it's safe to say it was a big hit! Philip Joyce also took some wonderful photos of the Red-bellied Lemurs enjoying their ice enrichments.

Thanks to all our keepers for their continued care in helping the animals stay comfortable during the hot weather. As always, all animals have access to fresh drinking water, shade and cool indoor areas.

• For more information about the Park, there's a helpful 'PLAN YOUR VISIT' section on our website (link in bio).
• In common with other outdoor visitor attractions, the Park expects to be busy over the holidays so we appreciate your patience.
• We are open every day from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with last admissions at 4:00pm. To reduce queuing, we suggest arriving AFTER our peak times (which are tending to be between 10.30am - 12.30pm).
• Listen to BBC Radio Oxfordshire on 95.2FM for local travel news and check your route before visiting the Park.
• Please check our social media for any updates ahead of your visit.

Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you.

LATEST VISITOR INFORMATION FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS: In common with other outdoor visitor attractions, the Park expects t...
17/07/2026

LATEST VISITOR INFORMATION FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS: In common with other outdoor visitor attractions, the Park expects to be busy over the holidays so we appreciate your patience. We are open every day from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with last admissions at 4:00pm. To reduce queuing, we suggest arriving AFTER our peak times (which are tending to be between 10.30am - 12.30pm).

Birds of Prey Demonstrations: Every weekend throughout the summer holidays (including the August Bank Holiday weekend), the Cotswold Falconry Centre will be at the Park with spectacular flying demonstrations* at 1:00pm and 3:30pm.

You can also get up close to these magnificent birds at their static display on the South Lawn, in front of the Manor House, from approximately 10:00am each weekend. *Flying demonstrations are weather dependent.

• With the hot weather continuing, we'd kindly ask dog owners to reconsider bringing their dogs to the Park during periods of high temperatures.
• For more information about the Park, there's a helpful 'PLAN YOUR VISIT' section on our website (link in bio).
•‘Skymaze’ — the Park’s hugely popular adventure playground — has recently been completely rebuilt. We hope you enjoy the fully modernise wooden-themed play area over the summer holidays.
• Listen to BBC Radio Oxfordshire on 95.2FM for local travel news and check your route before visiting the Park.

• Please note: The Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park, Charlbury (30 July–2 August) may result in additional traffic in the area. Please check your route before travelling.

Please check our social media for any updates ahead of your visit. Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you over the summer.

Thanks to Park photographer Rebecca Louise for these beautiful images taken recently at the Park. They include Rhino calves Markus and Mo in the Rhino paddock plus the summer bedding displays which are looking glorious. We hope you enjoy them on your next visit.

To celebrate World Snake Day, we're shining a spotlight on some of our own snake species here at the Park, both little a...
16/07/2026

To celebrate World Snake Day, we're shining a spotlight on some of our own snake species here at the Park, both little and large. These include our Green Anacondas, the biggest snake species in the world by weight, found by the exit of our Siamang House. Growing as long as 9 metres and weighing up to 200 kilograms, these are by far the largest snake species at the Park and we are one of only 7 collections where you can see them in the UK. On the other end of the scales are our Beautiful Pit Vipers, which only grow to around 80 centimetres in length and weigh less than 100 grams. Despite their size, this species of snake is highly venomous and has a striking colour that acts as camouflage in their native rainforests of Thailand and Malaysia, making them very dangerous to their prey. Cotswold Wildlife Park is the only zoological collection in the UK where you can see Beautiful Pit Vipers, so keep an eye out for them in the Reptile House when you are next visiting!

• Cotswold Wildlife Park is also the only UK collection to display the Eyelash Palm Pit Viper and the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. We are only one of two UK collections to show the Western Gaboon Viper.

• The Reptile House also is home to Green Tree Pythons and Rhino Ratsnakes. Native to northern Vietnam and southern China, they have a distinctive scaled protrusion on the front of their snout which has led to their common naming after a Rhinoceros.

• In his latest book, Deadly with Steve Backshall, there's a photo of Steve measuring Barney the Reticulated Python at Cotswold Wildlife Park back in 2011 when Live 'n' Deadly filmed at the Park. Steve attempted to measure Reticulated Python Barney to show off his great length.

If you've taken any photos of our snakes, we'd love to see them in the comments section - thank you.

World Snake Day is celebrated every year on 16th July to raise awareness about these amazing reptiles, challenge common misconceptions and highlight the importance of their conservation.

Written by Activities Assistant Harriet. Thanks also to Philip Joyce, Rebecca Louise, Bethy Milner and Head of Reptiles Meg for their images.

Keeping cool in the Cotswolds.As we experience the third heatwave of the summer, keepers have been busy creating ice enr...
10/07/2026

Keeping cool in the Cotswolds.

As we experience the third heatwave of the summer, keepers have been busy creating ice enrichments to help the animals stay cool. Made with all-natural ingredients, many taken from their usual diets, these frozen treats are a great way to keep our animals refreshed.

In the Walled Garden, Asian Short-Clawed Otters Kyoto and Rita enjoyed a frozen fish treat prepared by Senior Primate Keeper Hayley. Nearby in Madagascar, the Red-Bellied Lemurs tucked into ice lollies made from blended cucumber and pear by Primate Keeper Sophie.

The Bactrian Camels, including new calf Klaus, immediately investigated their cooling ice block made with carrot and cabbage, prepared by Mammal Keeper Charlotte. Meanwhile, our trio of Giant Tortoises, George, Sheldon and Darwin, enjoyed a leisurely bathe in their cooling pond, where they wallowed for most of the day.

Thanks to everyone who helped create, photograph and film the enrichments, including Deputy Head of Mammals Jenni, Hayley and Sophie from the Primates team and Conservation Officer Beth. Thanks also to all our keepers for their continued care in helping the animals stay comfortable during the hot weather. As always, all animals have access to fresh drinking water, shade and cool indoor areas.

**Please see our pinned message if visiting the Park over the hot weather - thank you**

Visitors to the Park may have noticed the summer displays are now complete and the gardens are awash with the most beaut...
01/07/2026

Visitors to the Park may have noticed the summer displays are now complete and the gardens are awash with the most beautiful colours. After two recent heatwaves, it certainly has been a very challenging start to the summer! We took a few photos of the team undertaking the huge (and rather prickly) task of transporting our largest cacti to their summer home in the Walled Garden. Over to Caroline, Deputy Section Head of Gardens, for more information about our exotic planting.

"Every year in mid-May, our gardens team start the mammoth task of planting out the tender summer display. We start with our extensive collection of cacti and succulents, which spend their summers overlooking the Penguin and Meerkat enclosures in the Walled Garden. The process takes our whole gardens team (with extra strength from our grounds colleagues) about 3 days and involves removing our winter conifer display and bulbs, before moving, placing, and bedding in the cacti... some of which are very large and prickly! Though they're famed for living in very dry conditions, our cacti love a British summer and usually put on a good deal of growth during their outdoor months. In the very dry summer of 2025, we noticed much poorer growth and even had to water them several times!"

We hope you enjoy the summer bedding displays on your next visit. A huge thank you to our Gardens and Grounds team for all their hard work in keeping the Park looking so wonderful.

Cactus fact: In the wild, the tall Cereus cacti can grow up to 15 metres in height. Several of the Cereus species now also produce beautiful white inflorescences that in the wild would be pollinated by moths and bats.

Thanks to Philip Joyce and gardener Hilary for their additional photos.

As Oxfordshire experiences another heatwave, keepers are working extra hard to ensure the animals in their care stay coo...
23/06/2026

As Oxfordshire experiences another heatwave, keepers are working extra hard to ensure the animals in their care stay cool. The Primate team have been busy creating more unique flavoured ice lollies for the animals using all natural ingredients – many taken from their normal diet. The Lemurs were treated to lollies made from blended cucumber and pear and the Bamboo Lemurs had a healthy blend of cucumber and celery. The Pygmy Marmosets, the Park's smallest monkey species, received an experimental lolly made from frozen Arabic Gum – a natural ‘tree sap’ that they would normally eat by gouging holes in trees. As you can see in the video, Mabel the Pygmy Marmoset was a big fan of the cooling treat. The Lemurs enjoyed their lollies too.

Thanks to everyone who helped create, photograph and film the enrichments; Primate Keepers Sophie, Amy and Ethan, Conservation Officer Beth and photographer Philip Joyce. Thanks also to the entire team of keepers doing a fantastic job ensuring the animals under their care stay cool in this hot weather. As always, we ensure all animals have access to plenty of fresh drinking water, shade and cool indoor areas.
*Please see our pinned message if visiting the Park over the hot weather - thank you*

Cotswold Wildlife Park celebrates its newest dads on Father’s Day. This Father’s Day, Cotswold Wildlife Park celebrates...
19/06/2026

Cotswold Wildlife Park celebrates its newest dads on Father’s Day.

This Father’s Day, Cotswold Wildlife Park celebrates its newest dads and their recent arrivals. From one of the Park's largest mammals – the Domestic Bactrian Camel - to Africa's smallest carnivore, the Dwarf Mongoose, the Park’s breeding males have recently fathered a number of adorable offspring. All are part of the European Breeding Programme (EEP) so every birth is important.

* Male Domestic Bactrian Camel, Louis, is one of the Park’s newest fathers. His latest calf, named Klaus, is making his debut in time for Father’s Day. The youngster also arrived ahead of World Camel Day on 22 June 2026. Births are rare in captivity with only three other zoological collections in the UK having bred this species in the last 12 months. The wild Bactrian Camel is classified as “Endangered" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Chris Kibbey, Assistant Animal Manager at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, said: “Since arriving at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Louis has sired eight calves, helping to grow the next generation and secure the future of these remarkable animals. While camel fathers leave most of the day-to-day parenting to the mums, Louis has made an undeniable contribution to our herd, and his legacy can be seen across the paddock”.

Elsewhere in the Park, Black-and-white Colobus male Tallus has recently fathered a new offspring. Natalie Horner, Section Head of Primates, Small Mammals and Birds, said: 'We are very happy to welcome a new baby Colobus to our troop here at the Park. Dubu, which means ‘bear’ in Swahili, was born to experienced mum Lexi. Lexi is wonderfully doting, ensuring her baby has everything he needs. Baby Colobus are born covered in completely white fur, this is to help contrast with the black fur of the adults. This makes it easier for the whole troop to keep an eye on them, often passing the baby around to help carry and care for them. It doesn't take long for their colouration to start to darken though, with Dubu’s colouration change already beginning. He's growing in confidence every day, becoming very playful with his older siblings. He's also had his first tastes of solid food.' Keeper Amy kept a photographic and video diary of Dubu's development from birth to the present day, providing a rare insight into the youngster's early life. The Park is delighted to share behind-the-scenes footage of the youngster in this post.

We have also recently welcomed new arrivals from our Yellow Mongoose, Dwarf Mongoose, Coppery T**i Monkeys and Prairie Dogs. Read more here: https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/whats-on/park-news/.

Thanks to Philip Joyce, Rebecca Louise, Brian Lilly, Primate Keepers Amy and Sophie for the images.

LATEST VISITOR INFORMATION: With high temperatures forecast, visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions if v...
19/06/2026

LATEST VISITOR INFORMATION: With high temperatures forecast, visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions if visiting the Park.

We also remind dog owners to please reconsider bringing your dog to the Park during the heatwave. The Dogs Trust provides useful guidance on keeping dogs safe in hot weather on its website: www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-care/warm-weather-advice – thank you.

• For more information about the Park, there's a helpful 'PLAN YOUR VISIT' section on our website (link in bio).
• Listen to BBC Radio Oxfordshire on 95.2FM for local travel news and check your route before visiting the Park. Please check our social media for any updates ahead of your visit. Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you.

Photo: Binturong Dobby enjoying some refreshing watermelon during the hot weather. Thanks to the entire team of keepers who are doing a fantastic job of making sure the animals under their care are kept cool in this hot weather. As always, we ensure all animals have access to shade and plenty of water.

Address

Bradwell Grove
Chipping Norton
OX184

Telephone

+441993823006

Website

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