What animals can I see at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park?

The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a unique collection of animals from around the world, including red pandas, lemurs (such as Ring-tailed and Black-and-white ruffed lemurs), meerkats, Asian short-clawed otters, wallabies, and a wide variety of monkeys and tamarins. You can also see reptiles like the Komodo dragon and various birds.

Is Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is wheelchair friendly and provides accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. The park's layout and trails are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.

Does Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park participate in conservation efforts?

Absolutely. The park is deeply committed to conservation, playing an important role in protecting endangered species. It is a full member of both the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs) to help breed and sustain healthy populations of animals at risk in the wild.

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Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Nestled within the picturesque Cannon Hill Park, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park offers an intimate and engaging encounter with a diverse array of animals from around the globe.

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About

Nestled within the picturesque Cannon Hill Park, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park offers an intimate and engaging encounter with a diverse array of animals from around the globe. This compact yet captivating zoo focuses intensely on conservation, providing a unique opportunity to connect with rare and endangered species in a welcoming, accessible environment. It's a delightful destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike, fostering an appreciation for biodiversity and the critical efforts to protect it.

The park is home to a fascinating collection of animals, including the famously curious red pandas, playful lemurs like the Ring-tailed and Black-and-white ruffed varieties, and a wide assortment of monkeys and tamarins such as the Golden-headed lion tamarins and Yellow-breasted capuchins. Visitors can also marvel at exotic reptiles like the Komodo dragon and Rhinoceros ratsnake, observe the antics of meerkats and Asian short-clawed otters, and spot elusive predators such as the Eurasian lynx. Each enclosure is designed to provide clear views, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to truly observe the animals' natural behaviours.

More than just an attraction, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park serves as a vital hub for education and conservation. As a member of both BIAZA and EAZA, it actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes, playing a crucial role in breeding and sustaining healthy populations of at-risk animals. It’s a memorable visit for those eager to learn about wildlife protection, offering daily keeper talks and feeding times that provide deeper insights into the animals' lives and the park's dedicated conservation efforts. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The site now occupied by the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park has a rich and varied history. It first opened as Birmingham Zoo on May 1, 1964, established by the Dudley Zoological Society within Cannon Hill Park. This early iteration was primarily intended to showcase young animals and also housed Dudley Zoo's monkey collection, along with dromedaries for rides. The area itself was historically significant, once being part of a 16th-century fulling mill known as Pebble Mill. After closing briefly in 1973, Birmingham City Council reopened the venue in 1974, rebranding it as the Birmingham Nature Centre. The entrance at that time was connected to the Birmingham Natural History Museum. In 2014, the centre underwent another transformation and was officially relaunched as the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, emphasizing its modern focus on species protection and educational outreach.

What to do here

Enjoy observing the wide array of animals, including many endangered species. Participate in daily keeper talks and feeding times to learn more about the animals and conservation efforts. There's also a good on-site play area for younger visitors.

Seasonal info

Summer (April-October): The park is open from 10 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4 pm. Animals are often more active in warmer weather, and outdoor exhibits can be enjoyed fully.

Winter (October-March): The park operates from 10 am to 4 pm, with last admission at 3 pm. While hours are shorter, it can be a quieter time to visit, and some animals, like the Red Pandas, might be particularly visible.

Accessibility

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is wheelchair-friendly and offers accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. Paved trails make navigation easy for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Don't miss

Don't miss the fascinating **Red Pandas**, the playful **Lemur** enclosures, and the impressive **Komodo Dragon**. The **Eurasian Lynx** and the lively **Meerkat** mob are also popular attractions. Keep an eye out for the diverse collection of **monkeys and tamarins**, and the aquatic **Asian short-clawed otters**.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Red Panda

European Lynx

Meerkat

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check feeding times

Plan your visit around scheduled feeding times for a chance to see the animals up close and hear informative talks from keepers.

Pre-book tickets online

While you can pay at reception, pre-booking online is often recommended and can sometimes offer better value.

Combine with Cannon Hill Park

The conservation park is located within Cannon Hill Park, so consider extending your day out to explore the wider park's amenities, such as playgrounds or boating.

Bring a picnic

You are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic within the park grounds, though there is also an on-site cafe.

Wear comfortable shoes

The park involves walking, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

Visit in the morning

Animals are often most active earlier in the day.

Frequently asked questions

: The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a unique collection of animals from around the world, including red pandas, lemurs (such as Ring-tailed and Black-and-white ruffed lemurs), meerkats, Asian short-clawed otters, wallabies, and a wide variety of monkeys and tamarins. You can also see reptiles like the Komodo dragon and various birds.
: Yes, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is wheelchair friendly and provides accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. The park's layout and trails are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
: Absolutely. The park is deeply committed to conservation, playing an important role in protecting endangered species. It is a full member of both the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs) to help breed and sustain healthy populations of animals at risk in the wild.