Our Facilities

There is plenty to explore at Ponderosa Zoo with over 100 animals, a selection of outdoor play areas and some delicious dine-in options.

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Opening Hours

The Zoo is open 10am - 5pm in summer and 10am - 4pm in winter (including bank holidays). We are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The Zoo

10am - 4pm in winter, with last admission at 3pm

10am - 5pm in summer, with last admission at 4pm

Gift Shop

10am - 4pm

Coffee Shop

10am - 4pm, hot food served up to an hour before closing

Pizza Shed

Open in school holidays only

Lakeside Restaurant

12pm - 4pm (Sundays only)

*Please contact us in advance on 01924 235276 to ensure that the facilities are open as usual.

Accessibility

From our background as a Rural Therapeutic Centre, aimed at bridging the gap between disabled and able-bodied individuals, the need to remain accessible to everyone is one of our top priorities. Whether you have a wheelchair, pushchair or are visiting with someone who has additional needs, we have done all we can to make sure that everyone can experience an enjoyable day out. Please call us in advance if you would like to hire one of our wheelchairs (free of charge), but we do have limited availability.

We have two main car parks, a disabled car park and offer free parking all year round.

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Zoo, except in our Lemur Lookout. We ask that assistance dogs in training stay at home as some of our animals get startled easily. On arrival, please make a member of the admissions team aware that there will be an assistance dog on-site so they can explain any restrictions to you and inform our animal team.

Please note: Dogs are not permitted in the Zoo and we would ask that you do not leave your dog in your car during your visit.

Lemur Lookout

Visitors can get up close and personal with our group of five ring-tailed lemurs. The purpose-built enclosure was completed in April 2021 and has been very popular with our visitors.

The Lemur Lookout is open daily:

11am - 12pm and 1:30 pm until 2:30pm

Please Note

We may have to close the Lemur Lookout due to unforeseen circumstances i.e. staff sickness and extreme weather conditions so please call on the morning of your visit to ensure it is open.

Allergen Information

Please note if you happen to visit our lemurs, there is the possibility of peanuts being present in their enclosure as it is a part of their diet.

Outdoor Play

Let your little ones monkey around on our specially designed outdoor adventure playgrounds, zip wire, air bouncers and on our beach! All play areas are suitable for all age groups, so you can sit back and relax on one of our picnic benches whilst your children play.

Please Note

The air bouncers are open daily, but will be closed during bad weather including wind and rain as they become very slippery and unsafe to use.

Lake

We have a beautiful lake on-site in the centre of the Zoo which is home to our Koi Carp. Please ensure that you stay away from the edge and please do not feed the fish.

Please Note

The grassy areas around the lake can get slippery in bad weather, so please ensure that you are sticking to the designated paths.

Founded in 1991, Ponderosa Zoo, is home to over 100 animals and remains committed to accessibility, education, conservation, and inspiring visitors of all ages through engaging zoo-led experiences.

Get In Touch

Zoo

Phone: 01924 235276

Email: office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk

Lakeside Restaurant

Phone: 01924 404604

Email: lakeside@ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk

Day Care

Phone: 01924 404154

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Ponderosa Zoo, Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN

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