West Midlands
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World has opened 'Lemur Play', a new interactive playground designed to inspire children to climb, explore and connect with nature. The play area is located adjacent to the zoo's free-roaming ring-tailed lemur habitat and reflects the agility and curiosity of these Madagascan mammals.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford will debut four advanced animatronic dinosaurs—Tyrannosaurus Rex, Carnotaurus, Dakotaraptor, and Allosaurus—from 25 March 2026, marking the first UK display of these models. The new additions will join the park's existing 'Hoorassic World' offering, which already features over 40 animatronic dinosaurs and Ice Age creatures, alongside live shows and interactive experiences.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World is marking its 35th birthday this year with a major celebration. The Shropshire attraction has grown from a small farm into an award-winning zoo and dinosaur destination rated #2 on TripAdvisor.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World has unveiled a new website and updated brand identity to mark its 35th anniversary, designed in partnership with Shropshire-based firm isev. The refresh improves mobile browsing, online bookings, and visitor experience while maintaining the zoo's family-friendly character.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford has received a donation of retired fire hose from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service's Redwatch Wellington and Technical Services team. Zookeepers have introduced the material to the zoo's ring-tailed lemurs, who are using it for climbing, tugging, and exploration as part of their daily enrichment activities.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford operates normally on Christmas Day with dedicated keepers arriving early to feed, check, and provide enrichment to all animals. The team maintains regular routines while adding festive treats for meerkats, parrots, binturongs, sheep, and llamas, with Father Christmas making a special appearance for photo opportunities.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford has unveiled a brand-new habitat for its parrots, including African Grey Monica. Monica, a one-eyed parrot who lost her right eye following a brief illness earlier this year, has made a strong recovery and is now enjoying the new enclosure.
FeaturedHoo Zoo in Telford has welcomed a troop of eight Squirrel Monkeys from Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent following a four-hour journey. The zoo has built a new habitat with plants, trees, and climbing structures to encourage natural behaviors, with the monkeys expected to serve as ambassadors for rainforest conservation.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World received a generous donation of pumpkins from Little Wytheford Farm, which have been placed in animal habitats as part of the zoo's enrichment programme. European Wolves, cockatoos, lemurs, meerkats, and capybaras have been exploring and interacting with the pumpkins, with some eating them and others using them as play objects.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World has introduced wrapped gift boxes containing food and scents as part of its Christmas enrichment activities for resident animals. The initiative encourages natural behaviours and curiosity across species including Bobcats, Binturongs, Lemurs, Eurasian Lynx, and Reptiles.
Zoo owner Will Dorrell and author Tracey J Morgan will read from the children's book 'Cinnamon's Big Adventure' at Shrewsbury Library on Saturday 1st February at 11am. The book tells the true story of Cinnamon the Capybara's seven-day escape from Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World last September, with all book sale proceeds supporting zoo enrichment and new enclosures.
A team of zookeepers and staff from Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World will attempt the Three Peaks Challenge in April, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon within 24 hours to raise funds for Pepper's Pet Rescue. The challenge aims to raise £1,500 for the rescue centre, which provides care for abandoned and neglected animals across the West Midlands.