Marwell Zoo

Few great days out can rival a day at Marwell Zoo, not far from Winchester and on the fringe of the South Downs National Park.

Marwell’s 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings. Just by visiting Marwell Zoo (owned and operated by conservation charity, Marwell Wildlife) is a chance to make a big contribution to their projects to conserve species and habitats, both in Hampshire and around the world. For those wildlife lovers, Marwell’s star animals include – White rhino, Amur leopards, Amur tigers, cheetahs, Humboldt penguins, Rothschild giraffes and even snow leopards (just to name a few!)

Experience Marwell’s biggest exhibit to date, the new ‘Energy for Life’ Tropical House which is now open to the public. Hot on the heels of Wild Explorers, this innovative and sustainable exhibit marks the second phase of a £17million investment programme at Marwell over the next decade, creating improved habitats for animals and more immersive experiences for guests. Spanning two levels with fantastic vantage points, guests can experience face-to-face encounters with a diversity of wildlife and exotic plants in a tropical climate, while learning about the flow of energy through life.

Listen to the calls of the yellow-throated frogs below a cascading waterfall, admire Linné’s two-toed sloth, Rica, in the lush forest canopy and spot the group of pygmy marmosets exploring their own island above the exhibit’s impressive 70,000-litre aquarium, which is home to 2,500 fish!

If you’re loopy for lemurs, be sure to look out for Lemur Loop – A walk-through exhibit including several species of lemurs, a great way to immerse yourself in their exciting environment. Guests can see the lovable lemur troop through the indoor viewing area in the Evolution Hub and can walk alongside the adorable lemurs in their outdoor walk-through area.

Also coming to the zoo is the exciting exhibition of BRICKOSAURS! The interactive expedition created with more than two million bricks is sure to excite families, LEGO and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. A highlight includes the largest touring LEGO brick dinosaur model ever made – a whopping eight-metre T-Rex. The exhibition will run from 5th April 2019 to 1st September 2019.

 Keep an eye out for new arrivals around the zoo throughout the year!

The zoo’s admissions fees vary across the year, and include a voluntary donation of around 10%.

Opening times:

Marwell zoo is open from 10am on 363 days a year, closing times vary.

Please check the Marwell website for full ticket prices, opening times and other details.