Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Birmingham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
About Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, formerly known as Birmingham Nature Centre and before that Birmingham Zoo, is a small zoo located on the edge of Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham, England. The park is owned and managed by Birmingham City Council and is actively involved in scientific programs, including the EEP captive breeding initiatives for endangered species. The zoo primarily features small mammals, with notable residents such as red pandas, Komodo dragons, Eurasian lynxes, and a variety of lemurs, tamarins, and monkeys. Its history dates back to 1964 when it was first opened by the Dudley Zoological Society, and it has undergone several rebrandings and changes in management since then. Visitors can expect a diverse collection of animals, educational talks, and a focus on conservation efforts within a compact and accessible setting.
health and well-being.
It includes giving animals proper food, clean living spaces, medical care, and treating them with respect.
These standards help make sure animals live safe, healthy, and stress-free lives.
Visitors to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park can park in the car park located adjacent to Cannon Hill Park, which is within easy walking distance of the zoo entrance. Parking is paid, so visitors should be prepared to pay at the machines or via mobile payment options. It is advisable to arrive early during weekends and school holidays, as the car park can become busy. There are also accessible parking spaces available for visitors with disabilities.
Check the zoo's official website for the latest feeding times schedule.
- The park covers just 2.6 hectares (6.5 acres), making it one of the smaller zoos in the UK.
- It is home to rare and endangered species such as Komodo dragons, Eurasian lynxes, and several types of tamarins and lemurs.
- The zoo has a notable history of animal escapes, including a red panda named Babu who escaped twice in four days in 2005, making national headlines.
- The site was originally part of a 16th-century fulling mill known as Pebble Mill before becoming a zoo.
- The zoo participates in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP) for captive breeding of threatened animals.