FAQs

What are the opening times?
The Zoo is open 10am - 4pm on weekdays and 10am - 5pm on weekends.

Can I get a refund for my tickets if I am unable to visit?
All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Will the air bouncers be open?
The air bouncers are open daily, however they are closed during bad weather as they become unsafe to use.

Will the lemur walkthrough be open?
The lemur walkthrough is open 11am - 12pm and 1.30pm - 3pm. Please call on the morning of your visit to ensure that the walkthrough is open. We may have to close it due to unforeseen circumstances such as staff sickness.

Will the Lakeside Restaurant, Pizza Shed and BBQ be open?
We recommend calling the catering team in advance on 01924 404604 to check if the catering outlets will be open. We may make the decision in bad weather to close, or staff absence.

What form of carers ID do you accept?
We accept any form of ID including carers allowance.

How do I book using a voucher?
You do not need to pre-book your tickets when redeeming a voucher. Just bring your voucher along with you to the ticket office.

Is there on-site parking, if so is there a charge?
Free on-site parking is available.

Can I rent a wheelchair?
Wheelchairs are available to rent for free, please call us in advance to reserve one on 01924 235276.

Where can I find first aid?
We have numerous staff members across the site that are first aid trained. Minor first aid will be administered in the main office and in the event of an emergency, we ask our customers to alert a member of staff or ring 01924 235276 and a first aider will come to you.

Do you have a lost property department?
Yes, please get in touch via email on office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk with details of the item you have lost and we will instruct you where to collect it from if it has been found or handed in.

Is there somewhere I can heat up baby food?
Yes, these facilities can be found in the coffee shop and restaurant. Just ask a member of staff for assistance.

Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not permitted in the zoo and we would ask that you do not leave your dog in the car during your visit. If you are wanting to bring an assistance dog, please call us prior to your visit on 01924 236276.

Can I go back to my car for my picnic after my arrival?
Yes, just show your ticket again to the staff member in the ticket office as you re-enter the zoo.

Is smoking permitted within the zoo?
We have a couple of designated smoking areas by the welly wash, pizza shed and restaurant. These are all areas away from animal enclosures.

Are bicycles permitted on the zoo?
To protect the health and safety of our customers, bicycles are not permitted around the zoo. Neither are children's scooters or skateboards. Any customers travelling to the zoo on a bicycle will be instructed where to leave it during their visit.

Are footballs permitted in the zoo?
To protect the health and safety of our customers, footballs and frisbees are not permitted in the zoo.

How long can I stay?
You can stay for as long as you like after arrival until we close at 4pm.

Do you take in any rescued wildlife or unwanted pets?
Unfortunately this is not something we are able to do due to the risk of disease to our animals and limited space availability.

How to Find Us

By car from Manchester:
- Come off the M62 at Junction 26 and turn right onto the A638.
- Follow this road through Cleckheaton and turn right at the clock tower in Heckmondwike centre.
- The zoo is signposted on the right. Turn down station lane, under the railway bridge, past Al Murad tiles and we are the next left.

By car from Leeds:
- Turn off the M62 at Junction 27 and pick up the A62 towards Huddersfield.
- Drive through 6 sets of lights and turn left into Heckmondwike, then turn right at the clock tower in Heckmondwike centre.
- The zoo is signposted on the right. Turn down station lane, under the railway bridge, past Al Murad tiles and we are the next left.

By train:
- The closest train station to Ponderosa is located in Dewsbury.

By bus:
- The closest bus station to Ponderosa is located in Heckmondwike.

Zoo – 01924 235276 / office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk

Lakeside Restaurant – 01924 404604 / lakeside@ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk

Day Care – 01924 404154

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

Opening Hours 10am – 4pm on weekdays and 10am – 5pm on weekends.

 

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