Midlands
A unique zoo set within the grounds of a medieval castle in the West Midlands.
The zoo is launching a new visitor experience allowing guests to meet reindeer up close. The attraction offers an interactive opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to learn about and interact with these Arctic animals.
A zoo has initiated a hedgehog conservation project to support the species. The project aims to address declining hedgehog populations through dedicated care and research initiatives.
Dudley Zoo is offering discounted £10 admission throughout September to residents with DY, WS, WV, and B postcodes as a thank you for community support. Visitors must pre-book online or purchase at the gate and present ID with proof of address to receive the discounted rate.
Dudley Zoo and Aquarium is partnering with NBB Waldrons Solicitors to offer free will writing services from 28 September to 2 October, with donations supporting the zoo's endangered species conservation programmes. Previous will writing campaigns have raised over £6,000 for the zoo's global conservation efforts.
Due to extreme temperatures predicted for 14 August, the zoo is implementing enhanced safety protocols including closure of Lorikeet Lookout, the chairlift, and the Birds of Prey display. Additional temporary shade will be provided around the site, and visitors are advised to take precautions including sunscreen, hydration, and seeking shade regularly.
The zoo has installed new signage highlighting how irresponsible social media engagement with wild animal content can harm endangered species and contribute to poor care and extinction risk. The campaign, spearheaded by Battersea Park Children's Zoo, educates visitors to avoid sharing posts showing animals in clothes, eating human food, being cuddled, or living in human homes.
Dunfermline Zoo is offering £10 afternoon admission from 4pm on selected Wednesdays throughout August, with the zoo staying open until 7pm. Visitors can explore the 40-acre site, see animals, follow the Wild Bricks sculpture trail, enjoy animal talks, and bring picnics to the castle courtyard.
A new summer attraction called Wild Bricks has opened, featuring a trail of life-sized animal sculptures made from thousands of colourful toy bricks across the zoo's 40-acre site. The trail runs until August 31 and is included in general admission, with sculptures of African elephants, giant pandas, and gorillas designed to raise awareness of endangered species.
Dudley Zoo has released a brand-new official app designed to enhance visitor experiences before, during, and after zoo visits. The app includes an interactive map, information on 140 animal species, details about Dudley Castle and Tecton architecture, presenter-led talks, trails, quizzes, custom photo frames, and exclusive discounts.
Jack Williams, Conservation and Development Coordinator at Dudley Zoo, has been recognised as BIAZA's Rising Star runner-up for his contributions to animal care and conservation. Williams has led community projects, supported the arrival of critically endangered species including the glutinous snail, and holds key roles in regional and international conservation networks.
Dudley Zoo's transformed Reindeer Ravine habitat has won the prestigious BIAZA Habitats category award for 2024. The purpose-built enclosure replaced the former Bear Ravine and has delivered improved animal welfare, natural behaviours, and visitor engagement for the reindeer herd.
A UK zoo has cancelled under-fives events and closed several attractions including Lorikeet Lookout and the chairlift due to extreme temperatures on June 24–25, 2026. The zoo is providing free water, additional shaded areas, and temporary no-smoking restrictions to protect visitors and animals during the heatwave.
Dudley Zoo and Castle held its first 'Festival of Change', a two-day community event bringing together twenty local organisations to inspire visitors to make positive changes for wildlife. The festival featured talks, demonstrations, and hands-on activities such as bird box building and seed ball making, with over 400 free tickets distributed to local people including nominated 'Wildlife Champions'.
Dudley Zoo & Castle is partnering with Hartpury University to monitor how European hedgehogs use urban green spaces in the Black Country through a camera trap project. The zoo is participating in a match-funding campaign from 22–29 April where all donations will be doubled to support the research.
Dudley Zoo and Castle welcomed more than 27,500 visitors over the two-week Easter holiday period, with over 11,000 visiting during the sunny second week (April 6–9). The strong attendance was driven by warm weather and popular attractions including young orangutans Jim and Joe, the restored chairlift, daily bird of prey shows, and a new castle-themed playground.
A zoo in the West Midlands is hosting a summer 'Festival of Change' to celebrate community members making a difference to local wildlife. The public can nominate wildlife champions until 30th April, with the top 50 receiving free tickets and the top 10 featured in an exhibition across the zoo site.
Flamingos have returned to their outdoor Flamingo Falls habitat following emergency repairs funded by visitor donations after Storm Goretti caused significant damage in January. The zoo is continuing restoration work to weatherproof the enclosure while birds now have daytime outdoor access.
Dudley Zoo and Castle will host a two-day Festival of Change on 5–6 June 2026, funded by the Richardson Brothers Foundation to inspire visitors to support local wildlife. The event will feature workshops and hands-on activities including bird box building, bat box making, bee hotels, and seed ball crafting, with reduced admission available for community groups.