Penguin Cove is undergoing a major upgrade including a second pool, enhanced breeding programme facilities, and new glass-fronted viewing areas. African black-footed penguins are temporarily relocated during the improvements to support the zoo's important breeding programme.
A brand-new mixed-species South American habitat is opening at Banham Zoo this summer, transforming an underused area into a vibrant wildlife environment. The habitat has been designed with animal welfare at its heart and will provide visitors with an engaging opportunity to discover South America's unique wildlife and conservation importance.
Aurora, a three-year-old snow leopard at Banham Zoo, has successfully undergone cataract surgery to remove a mature cataract in her right eye that she had likely lived with since birth. The procedure, performed by a specialist ophthalmic surgeon in late November 2025, will improve her quality of life and support her role in global snow leopard conservation breeding programmes.
Timur, a two-year-old male Amur tiger, will arrive at Banham Zoo from Cologne Zoo in Germany this summer to become a companion to resident tiger Mishka. The arrival supports European conservation breeding programmes for this critically endangered species, of which fewer than 500 remain in the wild.
Banham Zoo is welcoming exciting new animal arrivals just in time for the summer holidays as part of its biggest summer programme. The zoo is home to over 100 species and is enhancing visitor experiences with daily keeper presentations.
Banham Zoo has opened a brand-new 120ft Sky Safari Ferris Wheel as a summer-exclusive attraction, offering visitors aerial views of animals including flamingos, giraffes, and cheetahs. The experience is part of the zoo's biggest summer programme yet, featuring new shows, activities, and keeper presentations.
Banham Zoo has launched Treetop Safari Shenanigans, a brand-new indoor live stage show featuring characters Ranger Bruce, Ranger Ruby, Toby the Tiger, and Tiko the Toucan in a family adventure. The show is part of the zoo's expanded summer entertainment programme.
Banham Zoo is offering children admission for just £1 this summer through its Kids for £1 promotion, available when booked by Friday 17th July with Flexi Tickets. The offer allows families to visit any day during the summer holidays.
Banham Zoo is launching The Great Expedition, an interactive summer activity where visitors collect stamps from six Safari Base Camps while completing hands-on challenges including Safari Vet and Dung Detective roles. Participants who complete all challenges earn an Explorer Badge.
Banham Zoo has launched a brand-new 120ft Sky Safari Ferris Wheel offering panoramic views of the zoo and Norfolk countryside. The attraction is available for a limited time this summer, with tickets priced at £5 per person or £15 for a group of four.
Banham Zoo is hosting its popular Run for Wildlife 5K event on Saturday 9 May 2026, sponsored by Everywhen Insurance. The mostly flat course winds through the zoo past giraffes, penguins, lemurs, meerkats and gelada baboons, with entry at £17.50 including full-day zoo access and a finisher's medal, with all proceeds supporting the zoo's conservation work.
Banham Zoo's 43 Chilean flamingos have returned to their outdoor home after spending time indoors during Norfolk's bird flu restrictions. The flock is showing signs of bonding and the zoo is optimistic about a successful breeding season ahead.
Banham Zoo is hosting Easter Gone Wild, a family event featuring a zoo-wide Giant Egg Safari with 15ft eggs, Easter-themed keeper talks, games, a new stage show, and free Safari Road Train rides. The event runs throughout the Easter period with activities designed for families and children of all ages.
Two Cotton-top tamarin twins were born at Banham Zoo on 21 February 2026, with their sex still to be determined. The birth is a significant conservation milestone for this critically endangered species, with fewer than 6,000 remaining in the wild, and the family is already demonstrating excellent cooperative care.
Banham Zoo is offering free admission for children this Easter when visitors book online before 22 March using code KIDSGOFREE. The promotion coincides with the opportunity to see the newly born Cotton-top tamarin twins.
Banham Zoo has officially opened its new indoor Minibeasts Room, featuring species including Antilles pink toe tarantulas, giant African land snails, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, stick insects, African cave crickets, assassin bugs and Tanzanian red-legged millipedes. The exhibit is designed to educate visitors about the ecological importance of insects and invertebrates, with hands-on activities and discovery experiences throughout the space.
Antilles Pink Toe TarantulaGiant African Land SnailMadagascar Hissing Cockroach
Banham Zoo's Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) is supporting IUCN Reverse the Red Day, a global initiative focused on turning species decline into recovery. The zoo contributes funding, expertise and awareness to conservation projects protecting threatened species both in the UK and internationally.
Pool FrogWhite-Clawed CrayfishRüppell's Griffon Vulture
Banham Zoo has welcomed two Black Hornbills, Sirius and Biru, marking the first time this species has been housed at the zoo. The pair, native to Southeast Asian tropical forests, are settling in well and will help visitors learn about their vital role as seed dispersers in forest ecosystems.
Two Black-footed penguin chicks named Twix and Twirl hatched at Banham Zoo on 28th and 29th March 2026. The chicks, currently in their burrow and reliant on parents Kanene and Smithson, represent an important contribution to conservation efforts for this critically endangered species with fewer than 20,000 remaining in the wild.