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Formerly Paradise Wildlife Park — home to tigers, lions and red pandas in Hertfordshire.
Wildlife conservationist and broadcaster Cam Whitnall will host an evening of storytelling at Hertfordshire Zoo on Friday 25 September, sharing stories from his memoir Lion Heart and his experiences in wildlife conservation. The event will feature behind-the-scenes accounts of his 2024 rescue mission that evacuated five lions from war-torn Ukraine to safety at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
Hertfordshire Zoo is hosting a special evening on 19 October 2026 dedicated to vulture conservation, featuring expert speakers including VulPro CEO Kerri Wolter from South Africa. The event will include presentations on vulture rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation efforts, followed by a live Q&A panel and raffle.
Hertfordshire Zoo's popular Dinos After Dark event returns for 2026, running on select dates from October 23rd through November 1st. The nighttime attraction features over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, UV entertainment, a silent disco, face painting, and meet-and-greet experiences, open from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
FeaturedHertfordshire Zoo has long supported the Snow Leopard Trust in vital conservation work to understand and protect wild snow leopards across Central and South Asia. The zoo's resident snow leopard Jessie serves as an ambassador while researchers use camera traps, genetic sampling, and coat pattern identification to build accurate population estimates and guide conservation priorities.
Sahee, a male Asiatic lion, has passed away at Hertfordshire Zoo at the age of 10 following kidney function deterioration. He had been a resident since 2025 and was the zoo's first male lion, arriving with his companion Sonika to inhabit the new Lions of India habitat.
Hertfordshire Zoo is running a naming competition for its baby lowland tapir, with entries closing 30 September 2026. One winner will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience for two people, including a private tour of the tapir and capybara habitat and the chance to meet the calf up close.
Hertfordshire Zoo is working with the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative to support research and protection of wild tapir populations and their habitats. The zoo's baby lowland tapir is contributing to this conservation work through monitoring and data-sharing that will help inform wild tapir protection efforts.
FeaturedA male lowland tapir has been born at Hertfordshire Zoo, and visitors can vote on his name from three Costa Rican-inspired options: Bosco, Valentin, or Tico. For £5 per entry, supporters can vote and enter a competition to win an exclusive meet-and-greet experience with the calf, with all funds supporting tapir conservation in the wild.
Hertfordshire Zoo launches Pumpkin Valley, an autumn-themed seasonal attraction running from 23 October to 1 November 2026, included with all day tickets. The experience features pumpkin displays, photo opportunities, a pumpkin tower, and a new Pumpkin Shack where visitors can purchase pumpkins to take home.
Hertfordshire Zoo is launching Christmas Wonderland, a new seasonal attraction running on selected dates from November 21 through December 24, 2026, featuring illuminated displays, Santa's Grotto, marshmallow roasting, and a digital Polar Express journey. The event operates from 9:30am to 7:30pm with extended evening hours available at reduced prices on select dates.
Hertfordshire Zoo is retiring its iconic Paradise Express train and Fireman Sam Fire Engine attractions after more than 30 years of operation to make way for a new Seasonal Village entrance. Both attractions, originally purchased and restored by zoo founder Peter Sampson, have brought joy to generations of families and hold significant historical importance for the zoo.
Social media personalities GymSkin and Tommy Tokka spent a day at Hertfordshire Zoo on 11 August 2026, participating in animal care activities and experiences that were live-streamed to over 11,000 viewers. The visit showcased the zoo's animals, staff, and conservation work to a large online audience.
FeaturedHertfordshire Zoo has welcomed five baby capybara pups, born at the zoo in July. The newborns were featured during a behind-the-scenes visit by social media personalities GymSkin and Tommy Tokka in August.
FeaturedA healthy African penguin chick has hatched at Penguin Falls, laid by breeding pair Albert and Akiki but being raised by foster parents Temba and Amanzi. The foster placement was carefully managed to protect the chick from Albert's age-related arthritis medication during its critical early rearing stage.
FeaturedHertfordshire Zoo is partnering with SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) to fund rescue, rehabilitation and release of African penguins in South Africa. The partnership supports the species following its 2025 listing as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with wild populations declining due to overfishing, habitat loss, oil pollution and climate change.
Two lifelike baby dinosaurs, Penny the Parasaurolophus and Terry the Triceratops, appeared at London Liverpool Street Station on 24 July 2026 to promote Hertfordshire Zoo's World of Dinosaurs attraction. The surprise visit delighted commuters and families during the start of the summer holidays.
FeaturedA rare lowland tapir calf has been born at Hertfordshire Zoo and is now exploring its habitat alongside its mother, Fifi. The young animal is one of the zoo's newest arrivals on display this summer.
Peppa Pig and family will be visiting Hertfordshire Zoo on 24 July 2026 as a special summer event. This family-friendly experience offers visitors the chance to meet the beloved characters during their zoo visit.
FeaturedHertfordshire Zoo has welcomed five playful capybara pups as part of its newest arrivals this summer. The young animals are now on display for visitors to meet and observe.
FeaturedTwin red pandas at Hertfordshire Zoo are now venturing outside for visitors to see as they grow and explore their habitat. The adorable pair are among the zoo's newest arrivals attracting summer visitors.