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.
Opening Hours
The Zoo is open 10am - 5pm (including bank holidays). We are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The Zoo
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Gift Shop
10:00 am - 04:00 pm (opening times may vary)
Coffee Shop
10:00 am - 05:00 pm (opening times may vary)
Pizza Shed
12:00 pm - 03:00 pm unless sold out (opening times may vary - closed during winter)
Lakeside Restaurant
10:00 am - 05:00 pm
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:
11:00 am - 12:00 pm and 01.30 pm until 03:00 pm
Please Note
We may have to close the Lemur Lookout due to unforeseen circumstances i.e. staff sickness 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
Quick Links
©Copyright Ponderosa Zoo
Website by Edmondson's IT Services